Financial Aid - Financial Aid Process
Introduction
Financial aid applications at UNCW are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis contingent upon receipt of FAFSA information and acceptance to the university. You must be admitted to a degree or certificate program at UNCW before your financial aid application can be considered.
If you will be applying to for aid at UNCW, please include your Social Security Number on your Application for Admission.
Though noted as optional on the application, this information is required by the federal government to process any financial aid awards. By providing this information in the application process, you will save yourself from having to submit an official copy of your Social Security card at a later date.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a FREE federal form that determines a student's eligibility to financial aid. It can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov (UNCW's Title IV Code is 002984).
WARNING: An entity known as "Student Financial Aid Services" facilitates a Web site (www.fafsa.com) which provides the FAFSA at a fee. The intent of the 1992 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act allows students to apply for federal financial aid for FREE using the Department of Education's FAFSA Web site (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
The Process
A student begins by submitting a FAFSA for the current aid year (the FAFSA opens on January 1st each year). That is a student applying for entry to the university in August 2013, should complete the FAFSA released on January 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 aid year.
Beginning each January thereafter, you will need to submit a "Renewal FAFSA" to be considered for the next aid year. If a student applied previously with an online FAFSA, certain demographic information is stored from year-to-year. For this reason, we strongly encourage students to submit the FAFSA online to simplify the aid process and make use of tutorials provided online that are not available with a paper FAFSA.
Early submission of your FAFSA ensures consideration for the following limited financial aid programs: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study and some state grants. Students may also apply for Federal Pell Grants and student loans at any point during their educational career at UNCW.
Special FAFSA Requirements for
US Department of Health and Human Services Aid
Students who wish to be considered for financial aid provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services must complete the parental sections of the FAFSA, even if they are considered independent for financial aid purposes. As a result, we strongly encourage all UNCW students with interest in a major from the School of Nursing to complete all sections of the FAFSA.
Awards
You will be notified of your eligibility for any of the programs listed above in your award letter, which is typically generated sometime in mid-March. If you have questions about your award letter, contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid.
HELPFUL HINTS
- Apply Early
File the FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible.
- Be Accurate
Read all instructions carefully before you begin. Make sure to use the correct Social Security Number and date of birth on all application materials.
- Keep Copies
It is your responsibility to photocopy any forms, correspondence, and other information you submit to the financial aid office. It is recommended that you record the dates you submit information and the name of any person with whom you speak.
- Reapply Every Year
Your financial aid is not renewed automatically. You must submit all required forms every year. Note: If you have recently married and will be using your married name on the FAFSA, you must also change your name with the Social Security Administration. Failure to do so will significantly delay the financial aid process.
