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Graduate & Non-Degree Students

Specific Student Populations

To be eligible for federal student aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program, Teacher Certification Program, or enrolled as a Graduate Certification Student, taking classes required for admissions to a graduate program at UNCW.

A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to receive federal loan offers. Entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note completion is done online at https://studentaid.gov.

Additionally, all accepted students may submit a University Scholarship Application. The application opens December 1 and closes June 1. 

Beginning Fall 2026, new loan rules and restrictions go into effect. For more information, please visit the following page. 

Graduate and professional degree students may be eligible to receive aid from the following federal student aid programs:

  • Unsubsidized Loans – Eligible students may borrow up to $20,500 per school year. Graduate and professional students enrolled in certain health profession programs may receive additional unsubsidized loan amounts each academic year.
  • Graduate PLUS Loans – Eligible graduate and professional degree students who need to borrow more than the maximum unsubsidized loan amounts to meet their education costs may apply for a PLUS loan. A credit check will be performed during the application process at https://studentaid.gov.

 

Teacher and Residency Certification students are eligible for federal unsubsidized and/or subsidized student loans. Students enrolled in teacher certification programs must submit the Teacher Certification Form in addition to the FAFSA.

Graduate Certification Students who are taking prerequisite courses in order to apply to or be admitted into a graduate program can receive federal unsubsidized and/or subsidized student loans with completion of the FAFSA and Graduate Certification Form. If courses are not required for admission, apply for a private/non-federal loan online.

Other non-degree students are not eligible for federal or institutional grant aid at UNCW. Apply for a private/non-federal loan online.

Learn more about Graduate ADMISSIONS

Learn more about Non-Degree Admissions