Frequently Asked Questions
The application is available every January 1. We have a priority filing date of March 1. We recommend this date for North Carolina residents. The earlier you apply the greater your chances are for receiving grant dollars, if you are eligible.
If you miss the Priority filing date, still complete the FAFSA. This is only a priority date and not a final date to apply. When you complete the FAFSA, you are applying for Federal, State and some University assistance.
In order to be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
- Degree seeking students.
- Students admitted to a qualified post-baccalaureate or graduate program leading to a degree/certificate.
- Students who are not in default on any prior student loans; do not owe a repayment on any Title IV financial aid.
- Students enrolled in the required number of hours for whatever aid program is available.
- Students who have completed the verification process by submitting all of the requested documents to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- A non-citizen, who is a permanent resident, is eligible for financial aid. The student must have the proper documentation, such as, a resident alien card (FAFSA requires this number be listed).
Male students between the ages of 18-25 must register with Selective Service at www.sss.gov to receive financial aid.
- Students who are on a temporary or student visa are not eligible for federal student aid.
You will need a copy of your tax return for the prior year. For example, for 2019-2020 academic year, you would use your 2018 tax information.
- A copy of your W-2’s
- Documentation of any untaxed income such as child support, cash withdrawals from retirement plans and unemployment benefits.
Yes, you may be eligible for aid for summer school. Summer school aid is based upon any remaining eligibility after the fall and spring semesters. Year-round Pell is available for summer school. Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150% of a regular grant award over the academic year to assist students taking classes in the summer which could help with finishing their degree and graduating earlier. Students are encouraged to repeat failed courses during the summer to assist in increasing their cumulative grade point average.
Students must:
- Meet all the Basic Student Eligibility criteria
- Have a processed FAFSA on file
- Complete a Summer School Application 2020
- Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Have remaining Pell eligibility, and
- Be enrolled at least half time (Undergraduates at least 6 hours and Graduates at least 5 hours).
Please complete and submit the Summer School Application 2020 by May 1, 2020 in order to be awarded before Summer Session I 2020 begins.
Note: Visiting students are not eligible for aid for summer.
Outside scholarships must be included in your financial aid package as a resource to help pay for your educational costs. It is our policy to ensure that students are awarded for achievements and efforts by first applying these funds to any unmet need the student may have occurred. If need has been met 100%, we will reduce the student’s loan and/or grant amounts. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the financial aid office of all outside scholarship awards.
If Financial Aid is notified of outside scholarships after your aid has been disbursed, you may owe a balance to the University.
Yes, loans are considered part of the Federal Student Aid Programs and are considered part of your financial aid award package.