Aid Process Cycle
The Aid Cycle
Understanding where you are in the aid cycle and when things happen or are going to happen as a new student to Carolina can be tricky! We want to help you understand and find everything you need at a glance.
Step 1 : Apply For Aid
- Learn more about and complete the FAFSA
- Learn more about and complete the CSS Profile
- Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate aid before admissions
Step 2 : Get Admitted & Check Aid Offers
- Congratulations!
- Create your UNC username, or as we call it, your ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need) to be ready for when aid offers or requests for additional information are made
- Set up your UNC email. We’ll communicate any updates through your UNC email account
- For 24-25 (Estimated) Early Action Admits Mid-February: Check your ConnectCarolina Student Center To-Do list for missing items
- You will get an email if you have missing items we need
- Meet the deadline for submitting missing items
- For 24-25 (Estimated) All Admits Around April: Log into your ConnectCarolina Student Center to view your financial aid offer
Step 3 : Understand Types of Aid
- Learn about:
Step 4 : Understand Costs & Billed Expenses
- Use our budgeting calculator to see how aid is applied to billed expenses
- Check out our cost of attendance for average expenses
- Check out our understanding aid offers & billing section for answers to frequently asked questions
- Review the Cashier’s website for important information on billing, creating proxy access to your account for parents or family members, and setting up payment plans. Please note that your bill for the fall semester will be available in ConnectCarolina on July 15 with a due date of August 15.
Step 5 : Receive Offered Aid
- Be sure you report outside scholarships you may receive
- Learn when you can apply to work-study positions
- Learn about loan requirements and taking action on loans from our loan guide
- There is no deadline to accept offered loans. You have time to decide if you want to borrow.
- Find out when aid is applied to bills
- Don’t see the semester you need listed? Check back closer to the start date for updates.