Financial aid applications at UNCW are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis contingent upon receipt of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information from the processor and acceptance to the university. No institutional application is required for the regular school year (fall and spring semesters)--the FAFSA is the only application required. To obtain summer aid, however, an additional institutional application is required. The application for summer financial aid is available on our web site, approximately March 15 through July 10 of each year. You must be admitted to a degree or certificate program at UNCW before your financial aid application can be considered.
It is extremely important that you submit the current year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st of each year. Early submission will ensure consideration for the following limited financial aid programs: Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study and some state grants. You may apply for Federal Pell Grants and student loans throughout the year and up to one month prior to the end of your enrollment. Note: If you submitted a FAFSA in the previous year and have not received your renewal FAFSA notification by February 1st, you may complete a renewal FAFSA on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students may download and print a PDF version of the FAFSA at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov to complete and submit a signed paper version of the FAFSA.
You will be notified of your eligibility for any of the programs listed above on your award letter. If you have questions about your award letter, contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid .
It is your responsibility to ensure you have submitted all forms necessary to complete your financial aid application. Be sure to record when and where you sent the required forms. If you are unsure whether all required forms are on file, check SEANET or contact the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid. Once you complete and submit the FAFSA, the financial aid office may ask you to submit additional documentation. Be sure to submit all requested information as soon as possible but do not submit any tax forms, W-2's, etc., unless we request them. We are not permitted to keep on file any forms except those which we have requested. Unsolicited tax forms, etc., will be returned.
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)If you have not previously applied for financial aid, you will need to obtain a paper FAFSA to complete and mail or use FAFSA On the Web (www.fafsa.ed.gov) to complete the FAFSA electronically. You may also make an appointment with your financial aid counselor, bring a completed FAFSA and our office will file the form for you. You may download and print a PDF version of the FAFSA from www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. If you have previously applied for financial aid, you should receive a FAFSA Renewal Notification via email. If you have access to a computer, you should consider using FAFSA On the Web. This electronic method of submission is recommended and is faster than mailing.
When completing the FAFSA, list the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), and our Title IV code 002984, in the section that asks for school information. When you are accepted by the university, your information will be downloaded by the federal processor to our office. We do not require that you provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR). Note: The SAR is provided to you by the federal processor and reflects the information provided on the FAFSA. Upon receipt, you should check it closely for errors. If errors are found, contact us--we may be able to correct them for you.
Although it is preferable to use a completed federal income tax return to complete the FAFSA, you may use reasonable estimates of your income. In many cases, however, we will not be able to complete the award process until you submit your federal taxes.
Mail, or submit via the web, the completed FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible. If you use FAFSA On the Web, you will need to secure a PIN number ahead of time for the student and the parent (www.pin.ed.gov) or you may mail your signature page to the processor (the FAFSA On the Web instructions will explain how to print a signature page). For dependent students, the parent and student must sign the FAFSA before it will be processed.
Helpful Hints
- Apply early - File the FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible.
- Be Accurate! - Read all instructions carefully before you begin. Make sure to use the correct Social Security number and date of birth on all application materials.
- Keep Copies - It is your responsibility to photocopy the forms, correspondence, and other information you submit to the financial aid office. We recommend that you record the dates you submit information and the name of any person with whom you speak.
- Reapply every year - Your financial aid is not renewed automatically. You must submit all required forms every year. Note: If you have recently married and will be using your married name on the FAFSA, you must also change your name with the Social Security Administration. Failure to do so will significantly delay the financial aid process.
- Special FAFSA requirements for US Department of Health and Human Services aid - Students who wish to be considered for financial aid provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services must complete the parental sections of the FAFSA even if they are considered independent for financial aid purposes. As a result, we strongly encourage all UNCW students with interest in a major from the School of Nursing to complete all sections of the FAFSA. Questions may be directed to your financial aid counselor.
