UNCW Financial Aid Office: Your Trusted Guide to Student Funding

Navigating the world of financial aid can be a daunting task, especially for college students. The UNCW Financial Aid Office stands as your reliable partner, providing comprehensive support and guidance to ensure you have access to the financial resources you need to succeed in your academic journey.

Financial Aid at a Glance

UNCW offers a wide range of financial aid options tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. These include:

• Federal Grants: Need-based awards that do not need to be repaid.
• Scholarships: Merit-based awards based on academic achievement, leadership skills, or other special talents.
• Loans: Low-interest loans that must be repaid after graduation.
• Work-Study Programs: On-campus or off-campus employment opportunities that allow students to earn money while pursuing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is a two-step process:

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to determine your eligibility for federal aid.
2. UNCW Financial Aid Application: Once you have submitted your FAFSA, complete the UNCW Financial Aid Application at uncw.edu/finaid to apply for any university-based scholarships or grants.

Award Notification

After submitting your applications, you will receive an award notification from the UNCW Financial Aid Office outlining the types and amounts of financial aid you have been awarded. You will have the option to accept or decline any offered awards.

Accepting Your Award

To accept your financial aid awards, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete Entrance Counseling: Review and acknowledge your rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient.
• Sign a Promissory Note (if applicable): For loans, you will need to sign a document promising to repay the borrowed funds.
• Enroll in the required number of courses: You must be enrolled in the number of courses specified in your award notification to receive funding.

Managing Your Financial Aid

Once you have accepted your financial aid, it is important to manage it wisely. Here are some tips:

• Understand Your Budget: Create a realistic budget that includes all of your expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, housing, and transportation.
• Track Your Spending: Keep track of your income and expenses to ensure you are staying within your budget.
• Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Only borrow what you need and be mindful of the costs associated with loans.
• Seek Support: The UNCW Financial Aid Office is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may encounter throughout the process.

Contact Information

For further assistance or inquiries, please contact the UNCW Financial Aid Office:

• Phone: (910) 962-3163
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: uncw.edu/finaid
• Address: 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403

Benefits of Financial Aid

Financial aid plays a crucial role in making higher education accessible and affordable for students and families. By providing financial assistance, UNCW:

• Expands Educational Opportunities: Financial aid allows students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations.
• Reduces Financial Stress: Financial aid helps students focus on their studies without being burdened by financial concerns.
• Cultivates a Diverse Student Body: Financial aid promotes diversity by attracting students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Strengthens the Local Economy: Students who receive financial aid are more likely to remain in the community after graduation, contributing to the local workforce and economy.

FAQs

1. When is the financial aid application deadline?
   – The FAFSA deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is June 30, 2024.

2. Can I apply for financial aid even if I am not sure I qualify?
   – Yes, it is recommended to apply for financial aid regardless of your perceived eligibility, as you may still be eligible for some types of assistance.

3. What is the expected family contribution (EFC)?
   – The EFC is an estimate of how much your family is expected to contribute to your college expenses based on your income and assets.

4. How do I know if I have received an award?
   – You will receive an award notification letter from the UNCW Financial Aid Office outlining the types and amounts of financial aid you have been awarded.

5. What happens if I am awarded more financial aid than I need?
   – You can decline any portion of your financial aid that you do not need.

6. What is the difference between a grant and a loan?
   – Grants are financial gifts that do not need to be repaid, while loans must be repaid after graduation.

7. How can I learn more about financial aid?
   – You can visit the UNCW Financial Aid Office website, attend financial aid workshops, or schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

8. Can I work while receiving financial aid?
   – Yes, you can work while receiving financial aid, but your earnings may affect your eligibility for some types of assistance.