FAFSA

It is important to get started early with this process. Please complete the steps below by these deadlines to ensure maximum financial aid consideration.


What is the FAFSA?

  • FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid and can be completed online
  • At Charlotte, the FAFSA is the only application required for Federal, State, or Institutional grants, work-study or loans for fall and spring term financial aid

4 Steps to Complete Your FAFSA

  1. Create an FSA ID, view instructions on how to create your FSA ID
  2. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Our school code is 002975. Learn more about the 2024-25 FAFSA process and timelines here.
  3. For dependent students, you will need your parent/guardian’s income tax information to complete the FAFSA

Looking for additional assistance? Check out this article to avoid these 11 Common FAFSA Mistakes.


Eligibility for Financial Aid

In order to be eligible for any form of federal, state, or institutional financial aid, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (see the Government’s Student Aid website for information on who qualifies as an eligible non-citizen)
  2. You must have a valid social security number
  3. You must be admitted into a degree-seeking program
  4. You may apply for aid before you are admitted but you must be admitted before aid can be awarded or disbursed to you
  5. To retain eligibility you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  6. At Charlotte, most aid requires half time enrollment; 6 credit hours for undergraduate students and 5 hours for graduate students

Keep Up with your FAFSA Information
  • Once your FAFSA is processed by the government, you will have access to a Student Aid Report (SAR), either through an online summary of the online application process, or through a printed document mailed to you if you apply using paper FAFSA
  • The federal processor sometimes needs additional data before the application can be considered complete – comments on the Student Aid Report will guide you through the process
  • UNC Charlotte will notify you if any additional documents are required for completion of your financial aid application by posting requirements to your MyCharlotte
    • Make sure that the student’s name and Student ID are on all documents submitted
  • Once UNC Charlotte has received your FAFSA and you have been officially admitted to the university, we will notify you by email that your Financial Aid offer has been posted in your MyCharlotte
  • Follow these instructions for reviewing and accepting your aid