What is half-time enrollment?

What is half-time enrollment?

Half-time enrollment for the academic year is defined as 6 hours for undergraduate, and 4.5 hours for graduate/professional school enrollment. If you are enrolled in less than half-time you are not eligible for federal loan programs. Additionally, if you drop below half-time enrollment borrowed loans can begin to go into repayment.

Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Grad PLUS) and UNC Loans have a grace period 6 months from:

  • the date of your graduation, OR
  • the date you drop below half-time enrollment, OR
  • the date you withdraw from school.

Before it is time to start repayment, you  will receive a repayment schedule from your federal loan servicer for federal loans that tells you the total amount borrowed, current interest rates, due dates for payments, and total you will pay over the life of the loan if you follow the schedule. You can estimate your monthly repayment amounts using online loan repayment calculators. CFNC, FinAid.org, and the Federal Student Aid website are among some of the sites offering calculators. Be sure to check with your loan servicer for the various types of payment options,  deferments, or loan cancellation available for your particular type of loan. UNC Loans are repaid to ECSI, the loan servicer. You can learn more about repayment on their website.

Funding in the form of tuition or fee awards and non-service awards are considered a form of financial aid and will be included as part of your total financial aid offer.  In no case will the total amount of financial aid exceed the financial aid cost of attendance. Thus, student loans may be reduced to prevent an over award of aid.

Graduate and professional students typically do not qualify for most scholarships offered to undergraduate students. In some cases, graduate and professional students might qualify for awards through their department or school.

Only Permanent Residents or citizens of the United States are eligible for federal and institutional funds. Follow the guidance on the FAFSA website to determine your eligibility status. International students are expected to be self-funded and able to cover their educational costs for the entirety of their studies.

Yes, you must complete the FAFSA for each year of enrollment to be reviewed for student aid.

Graduate and professional students do not qualify for the Federal and State grants that are available to undergraduate students. In some cases, graduate and professional students might qualify for awards through their department or school.

The primary type of financial aid available is the Unsubsidized Direct Loan. Also, students might borrow through the Grad PLUS program, if necessary, to fund the cost of education.

Graduate/professional students apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation. Requested information will be posted on your Connect Carolina Student Center page.