How to Apply for Aid

To qualify for “need-based” programs, the student must demonstrate “financial need” or a difference between the cost of education and what the family (both student and parents) can reasonably afford to pay toward that cost. The family's income and assets are reviewed to calculate the family contribution in a process called “Need Analysis.” UNC uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to initiate this process. Completion of the FAFSA means the student is applying for all state and federal aid programs offered at UNC with the exception of scholarship programs.

The FAFSA form is available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To receive the maximum amount of funding, the application must be received by the need analysis service by March 1 preceding the award year. An application processed after March 1 will be considered late and the applicant will have limited funding opportunities.

To apply for a Federal Stafford or Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, students must accept the loan on the Award Notification form. Students will receive notification from their lender or guarantor that an online promissory note is available for electronic signature.