Office of Student Financial Aid FAQ @ UNC Charlotte

How do I apply for financial aid (such as grants, federal work-study and loans)?

For most types of aid offered at UNC Charlotte, students only need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to file a FAFSA online. Students may also submit a paper FAFSA. A paper FAFSA can be picked up at financial aid offices, at most high school guidance offices and public library branches.

The UNC Charlotte priority filing deadline is April 1. This means that students who have filed a FAFSA by this date will be among the first considered to receive certain types of financial aid, which are limited. If you miss the priority deadline, you may still be eligible to receive other forms of financial aid.

What types of UNC Charlotte scholarships are available?

There are three categories of scholarships available at UNC Charlotte. They are the following:

The UNC Charlotte Scholarships for Merit are available to entering freshmen, and are based on academic achievement and evidence of leadership and service. Candidates must rank in the upper 10 percent of the high school class. These scholarships are administered by the University's Undergraduate Admissions Office, via the admissions application, and have an application deadline of January 15.
Scholarships based on both academic merit and financial need are available. All students who complete the financial aid application process by April 1 are considered for these awards. No additional application is needed. All applications are ranked using a combination of grades and financial need. About 100 scholarships are awarded in this process.
Scholarships are also available through a number of colleges and departments at UNC Charlotte. Although new students may certainly inquire, most of these awards are directed toward continuing UNC Charlotte students. Contact your department of study for information on scholarships available.

What is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study is a financial aid program in which students work in on-campus departments or approved off-campus community service organizations and are paid in the form of monthly paychecks. Federal Work-study is awarded to students with financial need. Program funds are limited, so be sure to file a FAFSA by April 1 if you wish to be considered for Federal Work-Study.

Federal Work-Study will not be applied to your student account bill balance.

Will my immunization status affect my financial aid?

If you are awarded financial aid and your immunization record is determined to be incomplete then your financial aid will be cancelled. Your financial aid can be reinstated after you have resolved the issue with your immunization. However, certain types of aid (some grants or federal work-study) may not be reinstated.

I'm transferring to UNC Charlotte from another school; what do I need to do to receive financial aid?

If you have not filed a FAFSA, you will need to do so and list UNC Charlotte in the school section (out federal school code is 002975). If you have already completed the FAFSA but did not list UNC Charlotte in the school section, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1 (800) 433-3243 for instructions on how to have your information sent to UNC Charlotte. If you are hearing impaired, please contact the TTY line at 1 (800) 730-8913. Once the Office of Student Financial Aid receives your information, you will be notified of your financial aid status and of any required paperwork.

I am classified as an out-of-state resident for tuition purposes. How do I change the classification to in-state resident?

If you have questions regarding your residency status, please visit the residency webpage of the Registrar’s Office. You may also contact the Registrar’s Office at (704) 687-3487.

How do I get a FAFSA to complete?

Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to file a FAFSA online. This is the best method to use in that it is the fastest way to have FAFSA processed. Students may also submit a paper FAFSA. A paper FAFSA can be picked up at financial aid offices, at most high school guidance offices and public library branches.

What is UNC Charlotte’s federal school code?

Our federal school code is 002975. Enter this code in your FAFSA in order to have your information sent to UNC Charlotte.

I am an independent student. Do I still need to report my parents' information on the FAFSA?

To be considered independent for financial aid purposes, you must be able to validly answer "yes" to at least one of the seven questions in Step Three of the FAFSA. If you can validly answer "yes" to one or more of the questions, you do not need to report your parents' information.

Do I need to provide copies of my tax returns and my W2s?

While you will need your previous year's tax information in order to complete a FAFSA, you do not need to submit copies of your tax returns to the Office of Student Financial Aid unless asked to do so. If the Office of Student Financial Aid needs copies of your tax returns, W2s or other income documentation in order to process your financial aid, we will notify you by e-mail.

My family's financial situation has drastically changed since I filed the FAFSA. Am I eligible for more financial aid?

In some instances, the Student Financial Aid Office can make adjustments to your financial aid eligibility based on special circumstances (such as divorce, loss of employment or change in household size) not reflected by the original information provided on the FAFSA. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for instructions on the process of reporting your special circumstances and providing documentation of these circumstances.

How do I find out about the status of my financial aid?

The Student Financial Aid Office will notify you by email of your status. You may also check your student financial aid information via Banner Self Service.

I just received my Student Aid Report (SAR). What do I do with it?

Check your SAR for accuracy. If you have no corrections to make, keep it for your records. If you have corrections, you can submit them online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you prefer to submit corrections by postal mail, please contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1 (800) 433-3243 for instructions and the mailing address. If you are hearing impaired, please contact the TTY line at 1 (800) 730-8913.

Why haven't I heard yet from UNC Charlotte about my financial aid?
Please note that it may take 7 to 10 business days for the financial aid office to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).

We have not received your FAFSA information. Call the Federal Student Aid Center at 1 (800) 433-3243 to have your information sent to UNC Charlotte (school code number is 002975). If you are hearing impaired, please contact the TTY line at 1 (800) 730-8913.
You have outstanding document requirements. Check Banner Self Service for a list of documents you need to submit to the Student Financial Aid Office.

How can I access my financial aid information online?

You can view your financial aid information online via Banner Self Service. This feature is accessible from the UNC Charlotte Website – just click on 49er Express in the middle of the left side of the page. Banner Self Service enables you to check your application status, loan and award amounts, outstanding requirements for financial aid and student account charges. To log in to Banner Self Service, you will need to know your Student ID Number and your University Charlotte PIN.

I just received my award letter from UNC Charlotte; what do I do now?

The Student Financial Aid Office no longer prints award letters. For both new awards and revised awards, an e-mail message is sent to the student. Read the award letter carefully.

By logging into 49er Express with student ID and University PIN, the award can be reviewed, accepted or declined by individual award type (Stafford Loan, Pell Grant, Federal Work Study, etc.). If the student wishes to accept a partial award, such as only part of a Stafford loan award, that cannot be done on-line, but must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid in writing or by e-mail.

What does "Cost of Attendance" (COA) mean?

Cost of Attendance is a budget used in calculating your eligibility for financial aid. It is based on totals of both UNC Charlotte costs billed directly to your student account (such as tuition and fees) and estimates of other expenses that you will incur during your attendance at UNC Charlotte (such as books, transportation, and miscellaneous needs such as personal items).

My financial aid award does not cover my cost of attendance; what can I do?

In most cases a student’s financial aid award will not cover their cost of attendance. This is due to many factors including limited funds for grants, scholarships, and student employment. Another factor is that a student’s SAR does not demonstrate the need to be eligible for some types of funds. However, the typical reason for a financial aid award not covering the cost of attendance is due the ever increasing cost of education.

If you need additional ways to pay for college, make sure you check out payment plans with Academic Management Services (AMS). Details can be obtained by calling 1(800) 635-0120. Also, check out the Federal PLUS Loan program.

What is an "Expected Family Contribution" (EFC)?

Your Expected Family Contribution is an amount calculated from information that was provided in your FAFSA. Your EFC is an estimate of the maximum amount that your family should be able to afford to pay towards your education for the academic year. Your EFC is subtracted from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need.

How do I get my Federal Stafford Loan?

If you are a first-time Stafford Loan borrower at UNC Charlotte, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN will be mailed to you from your lender after you have accepted your Stafford Loan(s). If you received a Federal Stafford Loan at UNC Charlotte in the previous academic year and you are still eligible for the loan, your loan will be granted automatically and you will not need to submit another MPN.

How do my parents apply for the Federal PLUS Loan?

If you are eligible for a Federal PLUS Loan and your parents are first-time PLUS Loan borrowers, your parents must submit a PLUS Loan Request Application to the Office of Student Financial Aid in order to apply for the loan. Your parents' lender will send your parents a PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note to complete. Your parents will need to return the PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note to the lender. The lender will notify your parents of approval or denial of the application. You must complete a new PLUS Loan Application each year.

Please click here to visit the Frequently Requested Form page to download the Federal PLUS Loan Application.

I have been offered Federal Work-Study. What do I do now?

You must accept your Federal Work-Study offer be the end of the drop/add period or it may be canceled. To accept it, log into Banner Self Service, go to the Financial Aid section, and follow the directions for accepting your work-study award. Next you will need to find a work-study job.

How do I find a work-study job?

Visit the Student Employment Office on the Second Floor of the King Building to look at job listings or view listings online at Student Employment Office.

I wasn't awarded Federal Work-Study. Are there other on-campus employment options?

Yes. On-campus part-time jobs are available in many offices and departments. Students may contact the University Student Employment Office for additional information. That office also has extensive listings of off-campus jobs.

How do I pay for my tuition and fees with my financial aid?

Financial aid is credited toward your student bill after you have completed and submitted all required paperwork and documents. If you have been offered a student loan, the amount that you accept will be credited to your account once your lender has received your MPN.

My financial aid is greater than my semester bill. How do I receive the additional funds?

Your financial aid funds will initially be applied to charges on your student account. Any amount in excess of your student account balance will be sent to you in the form of a check by the Student Accounts Office.

When will I receive my financial aid (refund)?

Most financial aid is electronically applied to UNC Charlotte student accounts at the beginning of the semester. Throughout the semester, if you are awarded financial aid, it will be applied accordingly. In both cases, financial aid refunds are mailed or direct deposits* are applied within several days after the funds are applied to the student's account.

*If you have direct deposit the funds are applied to the appropriate banking account.

Where will my financial aid check be sent?

Any financial aid owed to you that exceeds your student account balance will be sent to the permanent address that you have on file with the University.

What is an outside scholarship?

A scholarship from any organization or agency other than UNC Charlotte, such as a community or civic group, or religious organization is considered an outside scholarship.

I'm getting an outside scholarship; will this affect my other financial aid?

In some cases, an outside scholarship can affect your other financial aid, generally by reducing the loan amount that you are eligible to receive. As soon as you learn that you will receive an outside scholarship, please notify the Office of Student Financial Aid with a copy of the scholarship letter. You will be sent a revised award letter indicating any adjustments to your other financial aid. If for some reason you do not notify us of the outside scholarship, and we still find out about it, your financial aid award may still be adjusted and you will be notified of the adjustment via a revised award letter.
How will I receive my outside scholarship funds?

Your outside scholarship check will be processed and applied to your account by the Student Accounts Office. A check for any remaining funds will be sent to you. Donors generally send scholarship checks to the Student Accounts Office.

I receive veteran educational benefits; will this affect my financial aid?

Possibly. Veteran educational benefits are like any other outside educational resource (scholarship, etc.) and must be counted as part of your financial aid award package. Like outside scholarships, your student loans will be adjusted first, followed by other sources of aid awarded by the university. You will be sent a revised award letter indicating any adjustments to your other financial aid. If for some reason you do not notify us of the veteran educational benefits, and we still find out about it, your financial aid award may still be adjusted and you will be notified of the adjustment via a revised award letter.

What is a Short-Term/Emergency Loan?

A short-term/emergency loan is a loan granted by the Office of Student Financial Aid to students who need assistance in covering expenses that result from unforeseen situations. Emergency loans can be used for tuition, fees, rent or other standard living expenses. Loans are not available to students who have received refunds 30 days or less prior to the request.

How do I get a Short Term/Emergency Loan?

To apply for a short-term/emergency loan, fill out an application in the Office of Student Financial Aid. Funds usually go very quickly and therefore may not be available throughout the semester. Loan funds are disbursed via the Student Accounts Office.

When must I repay my Short-Term Emergency Loan and how do I repay it?

Short-term/Emergency loans must be repaid within 60 days or by the end of the semester, whichever comes first. When you receive a short-term/emergency loan, the borrowed amount is charged to your student account. If you are due to receive financial aid within this period, your financial aid funds will be applied to your short-term/emergency loan balance along with the other charges on your student account. If you will not be receiving financial aid, then you will be responsible for repaying your loan directly to the Student Accounts Office.

How does my academic performance affect my financial aid?

According to federal regulations, students must maintain "satisfactory academic progress" in order to continue receiving financial aid. Failure to earn certain minimum credit hours and/or grade point averages can cause a student to lose financial aid eligibility. For more information, please read the Satisfactory Progress Policy.

I'm considering dropping/withdrawing from a class; will this affect my aid?

It is possible. Federal regulations state that failure to earn certain minimum credit hours can cause a student to lose financial aid eligibility. The Office of Student Financial Aid compares hours earned with hours attempted to determine if a student is still eligible to receive financial aid. Therefore, it is crucial that you understand the Satisfactory Progress Policy when considering dropping/withdrawing form a class. Remember, dropping a class is allowed during the drop/add period at the beginning of the semester. Withdrawing from a class takes place thereafter and may have more severe consequences that dropping from a class.

How can I tell if my financial aid will be reduced because of dropping/withdrawing from a class?

The Student Financial Aid Office cannot compute a valid adjustment of your adjusted award immediately after you drop/withdraw form a class. Nor can the Office of Student Financial Aid provide you with scenarios that employ “what ifs”. You will be notified via email if your financial aid has to be adjusted due to your dropping/withdrawing from a class.

Can I use my financial aid to purchase a computer?

Computer expenses are not calculated into a student's cost of attendance for an academic year. Therefore, financial aid will not directly cover the cost of a computer. If a student is receiving financial aid that exceeds the direct billing amount, they will be entitled to a refund. The student refund can be used for educational expenses (i.e. purchasing a computer).

Can I be reimbursed for purchasing a computer?

If a student has purchased a computer out of pocket for the current academic year they may be eligible for reimbursement. The student must complete the Cost of Attendance Form and provide a copy of receipt(s) identifying the student as the purchaser of the computer. Please note that these expenses may or may not increase your award, depending on your financial aid eligibility. You can request a Cost of Attendance Form via email at finaid@uncc.edu.

What are the Office of Student Financial Aid's hours?

The Student Financial Aid Office is open the following times, except during school holidays and office closures due to inclement weather:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday

What is the Office of Student Financial Aid's mailing address?

9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223

Where is the Office of Student Financial Aid located?

The Student Financial Aid Office is located in the first floor of the Reese Building.

What is the contact information for the Student Financial Aid Office?

Telephone: (704) 687-2461
General Fax: (704) 687-3132
Fax for Verification: (704) 687-6521

Email: finaid@uncc.edu

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