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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Office of Scholarships & Student Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Students

Where do I begin the process of applying for and acquiring financial assistance?

The process of financial aid for full-time, undergraduate students who will work on their first bachelor's degree begins with completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form and a CSS/PROFILE form. This office uses the FAFSA to evaluate your eligibility for federal financial aid and uses the CSS/PROFILE to evaluate your eligibility for UNC-Chapel Hill need based aid.

The processors should receive the forms by the priority deadline of March 1. This will mean completing and sending your forms at least by February 15 to insure a timely arrival.

Scholarships, grants, lower-interest loans and funds for campus, work-study jobs are limited and can usually be offered only to students who meet the March 1 priority deadline. Applications received after the priority deadline will be considered as time and resources permit.

How do I obtain copies of FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE forms? Can they be mailed to me?

Unfortunately, due to the large number of requests and costs, this office is unable to mail out individual copies of the financial aid forms. It is fairly easy to acquire them through other sources, though. The FAFSA can be obtained at a local library, high school guidance office, or any college or university financial aid office. You can also complete a FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or obtain a FAFSA by phoning 1-800-433-3243 (1-800-4FEDAID). The CSS/PROFILE is available online at http://www.collegeboard.com or by phoning 1-800-778-6888.

What is independent status and how can I apply for this status?

Under the law, a student who is under 24 years old, not an orphan, not a veteran, not married, not a graduate student, and without dependents may not be treated as independent, unless there are unusual and extenuating circumstances, as determined by a financial aid officer. Students wishing to be considered for independent status who do not meet the *qualifications in the FAFSA application should write a letter of appeal to the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid stating reasons supporting the appeal. Two letters from third-person, objective care professionals (such as a high school guidance counselor) are required as well. Generally, decisions are reached by the office within two to three weeks. Students are then notified.

*To see the dependency qualifications at the FAFSA site, click the "Help" button, then click "Help Table of Contents". Scoll to locate and click the topic "How We Determine Your Dependency Status".

What is the Frances L. Phillips Travel Scholarship and who can apply for it?

The Phillips Travel Scholarship is a financial award available to juniors and seniors in the college of the arts and science who wish to travel abroad. To be eligible, applicants must have attended a high school in North Carolina before coming to UNC-Chapel Hill. There is an application that is available online and also, in the fall, from the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. Award decisions are made in December.

What else is important for me to know about applying for aid?

• All students should also check the General FAQs.

• Incoming first-year undergraduate students should also check the FAQs for Incoming First-Year Undergrads.

• Transfer undergraduate students should also check the FAQs for Transfer Undergraduate Students.

• International undergraduate students should also check the FAQs for International Students as well as the FAQs for your appropriate year in school.

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