How much does the UNC-CH Online Master of Applied Data Science program cost?

Tuition and fees are charged on a per-credit basis. The Online Master of Applied Data Science program tuition rates for North Carolina residents and non-North Carolina residents for the current academic year can be found on the tuition and financial aid page.

Please note that current rates are only considered official when the North Carolina state budget is finalized. Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year.

Are there fees assessed in addition to tuition? 

Yes, there is an additional student fee per credit. You are responsible for your student fees each semester. For more details on costs and fees for the current academic year, consult the Office of the University Cashier.

How much is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

There is a $250 non-refundable enrollment deposit due once admitted. Federal Student Aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

Will I know the amount of my financial aid offer before I have to submit an enrollment deposit?

If you complete the FAFSA and provide any required supporting documentation at least 10 business days prior to the enrollment deposit deadline, we should be able to provide you with your full financial aid information as soon as possible. However, the process may not be complete prior to the enrollment deposit deadline. Learn more about how to apply and types of aid on the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid website.

When will I receive a tuition bill and when is payment due?

Assuming course registration for each term matches the standard UNC calendar: Fall semester bills are generated in mid-July, with payment due in early August. Spring semester bills are generated in mid-November, with payment due in early December. Enrolled students and authorized users will receive email notification to their UNC email address. Additional information can be found on the UNC University Cashier page.

What are the consequences if my tuition bill is not paid when classes begin?

In accordance with state law, payment for tuition and fees is due prior to the start of the term. If you are registering in the billing period, you must pay tuition and fees or defer your bill in the Student Center by the due date noted on the bill. 

Accounts not paid or deferred by the due date may result in cancellation of registration. Past due prior term balances cannot be deferred or paid with financial aid for future terms.

If you are expecting financial aid, departmental funding or other third-party support, you may request deferment of your term bill (due prior to the start of each term). Deferment requests must be submitted by the due date of the first bill for each semester.

What payment plan options does UNC offer?

UNC offers several options for you to make a payment towards tuition. See all available payment methods.

How does my employer remit payment to UNC?

A third-party sponsor is a government agency, embassy, or private company that pays all or a portion of your invoice directly to the university. Upon receipt of a billing authorization from the payer and a FERPA form from you, the student, we will bill the third party approximately two weeks after classes start for each term. Because UNC generates hundreds of bills, it can take several weeks to send all of them. 

Upon receipt of the authorization, the specific charges to be paid by the sponsor will be deferred, and a sponsored service indicator will be placed on your Student Account. Once the drop/add period has ended, the Cashier’s Office will bill your sponsor for the items they have agreed to pay.

Sponsors are expected to remit payment within 30 days of the billing date on the invoice. Payments can be made either by a check made payable to UNC-CH or online as an electronic funds transfer.

You remain responsible for ensuring that your account is paid in full. You will continue to receive bills until the third party pays, and the account is paid in full. View the UNC University Cashier page for full instructions. 

What is the process if I’m eligible to receive a refund?

You must enroll in direct deposit to receive refunds. Details on the refund process are listed on the UNC University Cashier Student Accounts page. 

Who can I contact at UNC for billing and payment questions?

The Cashier’s Office receives a very high number of calls, so please consider emailing your inquiry (including your PID) to cashier@unc.edu for faster service. Responses to email inquiries are generally made by email within one business day.

Visit the UNC University Cashier Contact page for an email address dedicated to particular issues.

What is the UNC student portal?

The UNC student portal is ConnectCarolina. Your ConnectCarolina account includes access to academic records, billing, financial aid, direct deposit set up and more. You will need your UNC ID and password to log into ConnectCarolina.

How do I set up my UNC ID and Password? 

To access CarolinaConnect, you will need an ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need). You will receive access upon submitting your enrollment deposit. For instructions on setting up your ONYEN and password, please visit our Onyen services page.

When will I get access to my UNC user account?

You will receive ONYEN access upon submitting your enrollment deposit.

How do I set up my UNC email address? 

Your UNC email account is where you’ll receive information about financial aid, orientation and other key updates. If you use a smartphone to check your email, we recommend you connect your UNC email to your phone’s inbox. For instructions, click here.

STEP 1: Log into selfservice.unc.edu using your ONYEN and Password. Don’t have your ONYEN yet? Click here for setup instructions.

STEP 2: Click on “Email Sign-Up” on the left hand menu to set up your UNC email account, create an easy-to-remember alias, and change your password.

STEP 3: Check your email by visiting heelmail.unc.edu.

I am a UNC System employee, can I use my employee tuition waiver for the Online Master of Applied Data Science program?

Yes. If admitted into the Online Master of Applied Data Science program, you can use UNC employee tuition waivers. You’ll follow the process outlined by your university to apply your waivers to these courses. 

What scholarship opportunities does UNC offer?
Many private organizations and government programs offer fellowships, grants, and scholarships that can help you fund your degree. UNC’s Funding Information Portal organizes these resources and offers a convenient way for you to research these opportunities. 

What is the Title IV Authorization? 

Title IV Authorization grants the UNC Cashier’s Office permission to apply for Federal Student Aid – also known as Title IV funds – to cover charges like library fines, campus health, and other university-related charges. Without Title IV Authorization from you, the Cashier can only apply your Federal Student Aid to tuition and other tuition-related “Cost of Attendance” charges. Learn more about Title IV Federal Financial Aid restrictions and permissions from the UNC Cashier.

How do I complete Title IV Authorization?

Give the UNC Cashier Title IV Authorization through ConnectCarolina’s Student Center. After logging into ConnectCarolina with your UNC Onyen and password, go to the Student Center. From the drop-down menu in the Student Financials section, select “View Permissions”  then click on “Grant Permission.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete authorization.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)? 

According to Federal guidelines, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP, to be eligible for financial aid at Carolina. SAP standards will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester. Learn more about SAP standards on the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid website.

What Federal Student Aid is available to graduate students?

Graduate/professional Federal Student Aid includes the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. To be eligible, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria.

How do I apply and what is the minimum number of credits required to receive Federal Student Aid?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submit your Loan Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN). You must be registered at 4.5 credit hours per term to receive Federal Student Aid.

What is the aggregate loan limit?

The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in Federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, you are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for most Federal student loans is $138,500 and does not include PLUS loans or private loans. 

What are private loans?

Private loans, also known as alternative loans, credit-based, non-Federal student loans offered by private financial institutions/lenders. Private/alternative loans can help students bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the amount of other aid received. It can be used in addition to or instead of Federal Student Aid. Lenders offer loans with various rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements.

Factors to consider when choosing a private loan:

Are private loans offered at UNC?

UNC does not offer nor recommend specific private loans. You can research private education loan lenders to determine if a private loan is best for you by using our database (ELMSelect) of lenders UNC Chapel Hill students have used in the past.

When and how will I receive my financial aid offer letter?

Financial aid offer notifications typically begin in April. We will send notification of your financial aid offer to your UNC email. The email will include instructions on how to view your offer in your ConnectCarolina Student Center. You will need to create an ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need) in order to view your aid. If you wish to accept your offered loans, you will need to log in to your ConnectCarolina Student Center to do so. Learn more about taking action on loans on the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid website.

Am I required to accept the full amount on my financial aid offer?

No, you do not have to accept the full amount offered. You are encouraged to borrow only what is needed. You can choose to accept all, part or none of your financial aid offer. 

You can use the “Take Action on Loan Offers” self-service feature in ConnectCarolina to indicate how much aid you want to accept. When a loan is reduced, the system will automatically split that reduction equally between both the fall and spring semesters.

For example, if a $10,000 loan is reduced to $5,000, the reduction will be updated to $2,500 per fall/spring semester (for a total of $5,000).

If your first term of enrollment is spring semester, loan reductions will only be made for that semester. During the summer term, loan reductions are updated just for that term.

Does my Federal Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program?

Possibly; however, you should anticipate being eligible to borrow the maximum Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements below:

You also have the option to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to help cover your remaining tuition and fees (if needed) or living expenses after your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility is exhausted. 

When will loans be disbursed to my student account?

Accepted student loans generally are sent to the University Cashier by the first day of classes each semester or term. Financial aid, including student loans, is automatically applied to billed tuition/fee charges. If your financial aid exceeds the amount of your billed tuition/fee charges, the University Cashier will issue a refund for the overage. 

The University Cashier issues financial aid refunds within 14 days of aid being applied to your student account. Please note that you are required to sign up for electronic refunds for the Cashier’s Office to most quickly deliver any credit balances directly to your bank account. This can be a U.S. checking account of your choice.

Who can I contact at UNC for financial aid questions?

For more detailed information or for further questions, please visit the Office of Scholarship and Student Aid website. You may also email aidinfo@unc.edu or call (919) 962-8396.

What is the FAFSA and how do I apply?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application the Department of Education (ED) uses to determine if you are eligible to receive Federal Student Aid. Complete the FAFSA and add the UNC Federal school code: 002974.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is available every October 1 for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use Federal Student Aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. You will need to complete the FAFSA for each year you are or plan to be a student. To learn more about how and when to apply, visit the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid website.

Refer to the table below to determine which academic year FAFSA to complete based on your desired start/continue/return:

What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and how do I apply?

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. At the graduate level, the loan amount is not based on need or income. To apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How much am I eligible for with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

There are limits on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

If you receive a Federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after 7/1 of the current year, and before 7/1 of the following year.Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Student Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Most Federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with Federal student loans.

When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your Federal student loan will convert to either “in-grace” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). 

If you have a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period.

What is the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan and how do I apply?

Graduate/professional students can apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. It is recommended that you apply for the PLUS Loan once you have been admitted to a program and within 60 days of the session beginning.

To apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, submit the Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students. A soft credit check will be performed when applying.

How much can I borrow from the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance (minus other financial aid) as determined by UNC-CH.

What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students. If you are denied, you may reapply with an endorser, or begin the credit appeal process and complete PLUS Credit Counseling. 

What is the interest rate for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you receive a Federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Federal Direct Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after 7/1 of the current year, and before 7/1 of the following year. Learn more about interest rates for Federal Student Loans. 

What are the loan fees for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Most Federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with Federal Student Loans.

When do I begin repayment on my Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your Federal student loan will convert to either “in-deferment” (loans borrowed for your current degree program) or “repayment” status (loans that were in repayment status before you began the current degree program). Federal student loans have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period. Learn more about repayment timelines. 

How do I begin the process to apply for the GI Bill^® and other VA education benefits?

Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, VA.gov to find out if you’re eligible. Complete your VA Education benefits Form which generates a request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is mailed to you within six to eight weeks from submitting the application. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA at 1-(888)-442-4551.

Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, you should submit a copy to the UNC Veterans Services Office along with copies of any high school and previous college transcripts and the UNC-CH Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Data Form. 

What is the deadline to apply for VA education benefits? 

New applicants should expect to receive their first check 8–12 weeks from the time the enrollment certification is sent. You should plan accordingly. VA processing times may vary so it is best to reach out to the VA Certifying Official as early as possible.

You will be paid retroactively from the first day of class. It is imperative that you notify the VA Certifying Official of any changes to your enrollment information (i.e. changes to schedule, including adding, dropping or withdrawals). 

How often do I need to request recertification of military benefits at UNC? 

If you have been receiving VA benefit payments at UNC, you will only need to submit the UNC-CH Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Data Form each semester from your UNC email address.

Military-affiliated students interested in using the GI Bill^® benefit can submit the Certificate of Eligibility to gibill@unc.edu. Next steps will be communicated to certify enrollment.

What is the current payment rate of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

The tuition and fee payment and MHA rates are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1, and are valid through July 31. View the current payment and MHA rate. Please note that the Online Master of Applied Data Science program is considered distance learning.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual national maximum cap per military academic year. 

Participating institutions choose their contribution amount, the VA matches that amount, and issues payment directly to the school. Veterans who are utilizing Post-9/11 GI Bill^® benefits and who are entitled to 100% of their benefit may be eligible. 

Does the UNC Online Master of Applied Data Science program participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

UNC Chapel Hill currently participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to assist veteran students using their Post 9-11/Chapter 33 veterans benefits who pay out-of-state tuition. Post 9-11/Chapter 33 veterans benefits cover the in-state tuition and fees entirely for students who are 100% eligible for these benefits. 

For out-of-state students, Yellow Ribbon funding is available to cover the difference between the in-state and out-of-state tuition up to a maximum of $5,000, which is matched by the VA.

Aside from the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®, what other military benefits does UNC accept or participate in?

UNC accepts the following funding options for members of the military and veterans:

Who can I contact at UNC for questions about using Military Education Benefits?

For questions regarding the use of your military education benefits, contact the Carolina Veterans Resource Center by phone: 919-962-9640 or by email: cvrv@unc.edu. For GI Bill specific inquiries email gibill@unc.edu. 

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see the Internal Revenue Service IRS Publication 970, which provides detailed information. UNC-CH is unable to provide tax advice. 

We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 800-829-1040. You may also visit the IRS website if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?

Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants to students enrolled in courses at UNC for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether he or she is eligible for an educational tax credit.

How do I obtain my 1098-T Form?

1098-T forms will be available online through the ConnectCarolina Student Center before the January 31 mailing deadline. Please allow 10 days for arrival/delivery of 1098-Ts mailed to students who did not choose electronic delivery.

All students who have provided a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number to UNC can access their 1098-T forms by logging in to ConnectCarolina, clicking the Student Center tile, and using the drop-down menu under the Student Financials section. Select “View 1098T” and click the arrow button. For additional information on obtaining your 1098-T Form, please visit the UNC University Cashier page. 

Revised Oct 2023