We are glad that you have considered UNC Asheville. Below is information on financial aid here at UNC Asheville. We hope that this information will demistify and better acquaint you with the financial aid process. Please let us know if you have any questions.

How Is Financial Aid Determined?

In the present economic climate, students and parents are increasingly concerned about how they will pay for college. At UNC Asheville, the only application we require for receiving financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application takes into consideration income and asset information from the family’s previous year's taxes.

After providing the required information, the FAFSA calculates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While the term is a little frightening, it does not necessarily mean that the number calculated is the amount you owe to university. Rather, this number is used as a budgeting number to calculate the student/family’s eligible need.

To determine a student/family’s eligible need, the university calculates an Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). These costs have been developed as guides/budgets to help students anticipate their direct and indirect costs at UNC Asheville. Note that not all these fees will be paid directly to UNC Asheville. Some students will spend more than the typical amounts, others less, depending on individual lifestyles and circumstances.

Once we have determined a student’s COA, we subtract the EFC and any other aid reported by the student from the COA and the result is the students eligible need.

Cost of Attendance
-Expected Family Contribution¹
-Other Aid²
Eligible Need

¹As calculated by the FAFSA
²Private scholarships and other aid reported by the student

How Do I Apply?

If you are going to be enrolled as a degree-seeking student, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, have a valid Social Security Number, and registered for Selective Service (if applicable) then you will definitely want to file a FAFSA. The on-line application is a fast and secure way to qualify for financial assistance.

Never pay to have someone help you file a FAFSA. There are numerous ways you can find FREE help in filing a FAFSA. You may call the FAFSA help line at 1-800-4-FED-AID, contact your high school guidance counselor, or contact a financial aid counselor here at UNC Asheville.

UNC Asheville recommends that you file your FAFSA as early as possible. It is best if you file prior to March 1 to ensure that you can receive as much aid as possible, as many funds may be limited.

If you are a junior and would like to get ahead of the curve you can use the FAFSA4caster. The FAFSA4caster is wonderful way to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid, reduce the time it takes to complete a FAFSA and plan for your future financial needs.

What kind of aid is available?

The University of North Carolina at Asheville has a broad program of financial aid including scholarships, federal, state and institutional grants, low-percentage student loans, and federal work study jobs. For a complete listing of all aid at UNC Asheville and their eligibility requirements, visit our Programs-At-A-Glance page.

What Other Resources Are Available?

We suggest contacting your state education agency to see if you qualify for any assistance. In NC, the College Foundation of North Carolina provides a wealth of resources including scholarship searches and advice on how to pay for college. In conjunction with the NC State Education Assistance Authority, NC residents may receive state grants based on the information provided on the FAFSA.

The U.S. Department of Education also provides many resources including a Scholarship Search and valuable information on 32 Ways to Reduce College Costs.

Are you a parent and still concerned on how to deal with the costs? College.gov, a new site provided by the U.S. Department of Education addresses this issue.

Still Have Questions?

Feel free to Contact Us. We are here for you!