Aid Basics

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form makes it easier to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

If applying for financial aid for the 2025-2026 aid year, follow these 4 steps to financial aid:

Step 1: Apply for aid

Step 2: Review and accept your OFFer

Step 3: Receive your aid

  • Some refunds will go out the first week of class. Grants and scholarships may not disburse until after the drop/add period ends

Step 4: Maintain eligibility

Types of Financial Aid

  • Federal grants
  • State grants
  • Student and parent loans
  • Work-study employment
  • Scholarships

When to Apply

It’s important to get started applying for financial aid as soon as possible. Begin the process of gathering your information early. The information below is applicable for the 2025-2026 aid year.

Submit Your FAFSA
Dec. 1, 2024 – FAFSA opens
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at studentaid.gov.
  • You will need to have your completed prior year’s federal income tax returns (and those of your parents or spouse, if applicable) with you when you fill out the FAFSA.
  • Enter the UNC Charlotte school code in the school section so we receive your application. Our school code is 002975.
March 1, 2025 – Priority Deadline
  • If you submit your FAFSA by March 1, then we expect to receive your student aid data by mid-March.
    • New students: If you submit by the priority deadline, you’re guaranteed an offer by April 1
    • Continuing students: If you submit by the priority deadline, you’re guaranteed an offer by mid-May
  • To view your award, log into my.charlotte.edu using your NinerNET username and password and click on the Banner Self-Service icon.
After March 1 – Awarding continues as funds available
  • If you are unable to file by March 1, but you submit your FAFSA by the second priority deadline of March 15, we anticipate receiving your FAFSA data sometime in late March or early April.
July – Billing period begins for enrolled students
  • Students enrolled for Fall (those registered for classes) will receive an eBill via their campus email in July. Paper bills will NOT be mailed.
  • The eBill reflects all charges and credits on your account. The payment due date will be posted on the eBill.
  • You may enroll in a Payment Plan to spread out payments into installments.
  • A non-refundable enrollment fee of $55 will be charged when you sign up for the payment plan each semester or $99 for the academic year.