Financial Aid Checklist

Follow these steps to apply for Federal Student Aid:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.  
    • Select the appropriate academic year
    • Include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school code: 002974

Note: The FAFSA must be submitted each academic year in order to remain eligible for Federal Student Aid.

  • If you wish to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Studentaid.gov.
    • Both the Entrance Counseling and MPN must be completed in order for funds to be disbursed to your student account at UNC-Chapel Hill.
    • If you have previously borrowed Federal student loans, be sure to update your lender(s) with contact information and enrollment status (for loan deferment purposes).
    • Log in on the Studentaid.gov homepage to review loan history and loan servicer details.
  • Evaluate your need for additional funding, such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan through the Department of Education (DOE), or private education loans through various lenders of your choice. 

    Note: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. Please visit Studentaid.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS Loan credit requirements.
    • Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, you may need to review your credit reports for potential issues. Contact any of the following credit bureaus for information: Equifax,  Experian, or TransUnion.
    • The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan credit decision expires within 180 days from applying. 
    • The maximum amount that you can borrow is up to the cost of attendance at UNC-Chapel Hill.
  • Once you have made the decision to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, complete the PLUS Loan Application for graduate/professional students. 
    • If approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must complete a separate Direct PLUS Loan MPN for graduate/professional students.
    • If denied the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you may re-apply with a co-signer (endorser) or appeal the decision through the Department of Education.
  • Visit Studentaid.gov for more information on Federal Student Aid programs.