Applying For & Receiving Aid

Extended FAFSA Support Available

With the FAFSA for the 2026–2027 academic year opening on October 1, 2025, our office will offer extended support from Monday, October 13 to Thursday, October 16, with in-person assistance from 5:00–6:00 p.m. If you're unable to visit in person, our Zoom Room will be open from 4:00–6:00 p.m. each day.

For priority consideration of limited need-based federal, state, and institutional funding, the FAFSA application should be filed by the established priority deadlines of March 1 (fall), October 1 (spring) and April 1 (summer). You will be notified of your financial aid award once we receive the results of your FAFSA and other required forms.

Students classified as non-degree auditors, special students, or visitors are not eligible for most financial aid. Instead, they can consider private/non-federal loans. Audited courses are not eligible for Title IV aid, nor are courses that are repeated for the second time.

Our FA 101 Guide will give a comprehensive roadmap to the financial aid process. However, below is a condensed 8-steps to get on the right path:

1. Pre-October - Create your student and parent FSA ID. 
2. October 1 - 2026-2027 FAFSA Opens
3. December 1 - Complete the University Scholarship Application
4. January 1 - Monitor UNCW email address regularly and respond in a timely fashion.
5. March 1 – Complete Summer Aid Application.
6. March/April – After receiving your financial aid notification (June 1 for returning students), visit our Affording Your Education page to make a plan for your financing options. 
7. April - Accept/Decline your Federal Student Loan(s) and/or Federal Work Study on mySeaport.  Then check your Student Requirements to complete any associated requirements.
8. April/May - Sign-up for E-Bill notifications and set-up your E-refund profile.

Students classified as non-degree auditors, special students, or visitors are not eligible for most financial aid. Instead, they can consider private/non-federal loans. Audited courses are not eligible for Title IV aid, nor are courses that are repeated for the second time.