North Carolina A&T State University Financial Aid Information

Financial aid is a combination of scholarships, grants, low-interest loans and work-study. If you are eligible, your financial aid package will consist of aid provided by the federal government, the state of North Carolina, outside organizations and NCA&T. With contributions from students and parents, we all work together to make a secondary education possible for all students who desire one!

Am I eligible for financial aid?

You may be eligible if you meet the following minimum qualifications:
- You are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Are admitted to a degree seeking program at NCA&T State University;
- Are admitted to a qualified post-baccalaureate or graduate program leading to a degree/certificate;
- Have turned in documents requested by the Student Financial Aid Office;
- Are not in default on any prior student loan or do not owe a repayment on any Title IV financial aid; and
- Are enrolled in the required number of hours for whatever aid program is available.

Are non-citizens eligible for financial aid?

A non-citizen, who is a permanent resident, is eligible for financial aid. You should make sure that you have proper documentation, such as, a resident alien card, since the FAFSA application requires that the number be listed. If you are on a temporary or student visa, you will not be eligible for federal student aid. Non citizens who are not permanent residents may qualify for state aid under House Bill 1403. Contact the Admissions office for the HB1403 Admission qualification. The Student Financial Aid Office will contact students under HB1403 eligibility to start the FAFSA process.

What is included in a financial aid award "package"?

A typical package includes gift aid (grant or scholarship), a student loan with low interest rates and no payments while in college, and campus employment, usually requiring no more than 15 hours per week.

I was told that I have to be full-time to receive financial aid. Is that right?

No, you do not have to be enrolled full-time to receive financial aid. For most programs you can receive funding for half-time (6-8 credits), three-quarter time (9-11 credits) or full-time (12 + credits). You may be enrolled less than half-time and be eligible for some federal financial aid programs. Based on the enrollment status information that you provided when you applied, the Student Financial Aid Office will process your award. If you change your enrollment plans, you should contact the Financial Aid Office immediately. You may receive a Federal Pell Grant at any enrollment status if you are otherwise eligible. You won't receive as much as you would if you were enrolled full-time, but the school must disburse your Pell Grant funds in accordance with your enrollment status. However, in order to receive a loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time (a minimum of six credit hours.) Graduate students must be enrolled at least a minimum of 5 hours.

How is my Financial Aid and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined from year to year?

Eligibility for financial aid is based on Federal estimates of your family's ability to contribute to your cost of education. As this contribution calculation varies from year to year so does your eligibility for financial aid.
Keep in mind that your award is likely to change each year for one or more of the following reasons:

o The cost of education may increase.

o Your family's income may change.

o Your student loan eligibility may increase as you continue through school.

o The number of children in college may change.

o If you forget to reapply for financial aid and miss the priority filing date.

o The amount of available funding changes.

Does the size of a family or the number of students in college at the same time affect the amount of financial aid eligibility?

When there is more than one child in college (undergraduate) at the same time, your family contribution is generally prorated among the college students. So, if there were two children in college one year and only one the following year, the expected family contribution for the one child in college would be expected to be different that second year.

If I am denied grant aid as a freshman student, can I get aid in the following year?

Yes, although an analysis of your family's financial situation may not show a demonstrated need when you first enter college, circumstances such as a decrease in family income or a brother/sister starting college could cause the analysis to show need in later years.

Can I receive financial aid if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, if you hold a bachelor's degree, you are not eligible to receive grant funds, but are potentially eligible for loans and work study. Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a foreign or unaccredited institution are ineligible for grants as well.

Am I allowed to receive financial aid funds from more than one institution at the same time?

No. If you are enrolled at more than one college or university at the same time, you may receive financial aid from one of the institutions, not both.

Is there an income level cutoff to qualify for financial aid?

Income levels can affect grant eligibility. However, student and parent loans are offered to help finance a student’s education regardless of income level.

What is the minimum enrollment to be eligible for financial aid?

A student must be enrolled in at least six (6) hours to receive financial aid. This includes certain grants, student employment, and student loans. If enrolled for less than half time, you may still be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

What is need-based aid?

Need-based aid requires that you have some amount of “financial need”. Examples of need-based aid are Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Subsidized Direct Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and North Carolina Tuition Grants. U.S. Department of Education determines if the student has a financial need.

How is my aid determined?

Financial aid is based on need. Need is calculated by taking your annual cost of attendance and subtracting the amount you and/or your family are expected to pay to contribute to that cost . This Expected Family Contribution is listed on your Student Aid Report as your EFC. It is determined by the information you send in on your application. The higher the need, the more eligible you are for grant and other need based aid. If you are ineligible for need based aid, you will generally still be eligible for an unsubsidized student loan.

What is “financial need?”

Most sources of financial aid, particularly federal aid, are awarded based on your financial need. The Department of Education takes the information that you provide on your FAFSA and puts that information into a formula. This formula calculates an Expected Family Contribution (FC) represents what your family can comfortably contribute to your education based on the income, asset and household information provided. From there, it’s simple. What your education will cost minus what your family can contribute will yield what you “need” to finish paying for your education.

Are most colleges able to aid all students who are accepted who demonstrate need?

The colleges may not necessarily be able to meet the full amount of demonstrated need in every case, but that should not deter your from applying to the colleges of your choice.

Why do I have a hold on my account?

Holds are placed on a student's account for many and various reasons. Use Aggie Access to view why a hold is set and which department set it. In order to clear a hold, contact the office that set the hold.

How do I apply for North Carolina residency?

Questions about residency should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Why is it when I try calling your office I can never get through?

Our office handles thousands of phone calls per week during peak times. We have 6 incoming phone lines that stay constantly busy. A good strategy if you are in the area is to stop by in person. You may also try other means, such as via facsimile at 336 334-7954 or try accessing the information you are looking for from our website at www.ncat.edu.

How do I find out who my financial aid counselor is?

You may visit our website at www.ncat.edu, click on Financial Aid and this information is located at the bottom portion of the Financial Aid Office’s home page. Financial Aid Counselors are assigned by alphabet.

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply and qualify for financial aid and who is eligible for Financial Aid?

In order to qualify for financial aid at NCA&T, all students must first apply for admission and be accepted to the University. All financial aid applicants must:

Be admitted to the University.

Then, if you want to determine your federal eligibility for aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You must be pursuing an approved college degree or certificate that is 6 months (24 credits) or more in length.

You must be in a degree granting program. This includes special students, continuing education and online students. Consortium students not eligible for State aid.

You must maintain satisfactory academic progress policy standards. (The policy is available on the University’s website – www.ncat.edu).

Please be sure to indicate your major on your admissions form. Financial aid is determined from the information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your FAFSA has been processed. The SAR is used to determine your Federal Pell Grant eligibility. When your file is complete, it will be evaluated and you will be notified of your eligibility.

Please keep a copy of your FAFSA, tax forms, and the documents you use to complete the form.

When is the FAFSA due?

You can file your FAFSA anytime between January 1, preceding the academic year you will attend, and June 30, the close of your academic year, however, there is a priority date set by the University.

March 15^th, before the academic year you wish to attend, is the priority date for completing the FAFSA. Apply early!!! If you apply for federal student aid after the priority dates, you will be considered a late applicant and are less likely to receive grants and scholarships due to funding limitations.
MARCH 1^st, before the academic year you wish to attend, is the priority date for submitting requested file documentation to the University. JUNE 1^st is the recommended date for filing the FAFSA if you plan to use financial aid to pay for Fall tuition and fees.
NOVEMBER 1^st is the recommended data for filing the FAFSA if you plan to use financial aid to pay for Spring tuition and fees. (This is for Spring entrants only).

What is your school code?

The Federal School Code for North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is 002905.

When should I apply and mail in the forms required of applicants?

The priority processing deadline for the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE forms is March 1. This means that the application processors should have your application by that date.
The application can be filled out anytime after January 1. You will need to have your tax return information, but you can estimate amounts if you are having problems getting this information in time to meet the priority deadline, and then send corrections if needed at a later date.
March 1^st is the priority processing deadline. Students may still submit an application for financial aid after March 1^st, but there is no guarantee the financial aid processing will be complete before the beginning of fall semester. Scholarships, grants, lower-interest loans and funds for campus jobs are limited and can usually be offered only to students who meet the March 1 preference deadline.
Please remember funding is limited and that students who meet the March 1^st deadline are first in line for this funding.

Can I get help completing the application?

The Financial Aid staff is available during regular office hours (Monday, Thursday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. – Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.) to assist you if you have questions or need help completing the application. Please bring with you any financial documents (tax returns, 1099's, documentation of child support paid, etc.) that will help us assist you to complete the form accurately.

Why should I fill out the FAFSA if I know I do not qualify for Financial Aid?

Because it doesn't cost anything to apply, and an application is required to determine your eligibility for loans should you choose to apply for them. If you feel that you need some assistance meeting college costs, you should apply for financial aid.
No student is required to fill out a FAFSA for any other reason than to be considered for need based and federal aid, like grants, or for federal loans. We recommend that students fill out a FAFSA so that we may determine any possible aid eligibility. The FAFSA only gives a student more options and does not prevent a student from receiving any other type of aid. Some outside scholarships may require that a student have a FAFSA on file.
Therefore, all students receiving financial assistance from NCA&T must complete the federal aid application. The only way to be sure that you do not qualify for federal aid is to not apply for it! Also, you must also complete the FAFSA to receive state aid and student loans.

Do I have to apply for financial aid every year

YES! You must reapply for financial aid each year by completing the renewal Application for Federal Student Aid on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by completing and mailing a hard copy.

What is a PIN and do parents need a PIN?

The PIN is a Personal Identification Number given to students and parents by the Department of Education. The PIN is a four-digit number used to sign the FAFSA electronically. This will expedite the process of receiving the Student Aid Report from the Department of Education. All students and parents are asked to apply for a PIN. Once should apply for a PIN before completing the FAFSA form.

Do income tax returns need to be completed before completed the FAFSA?

It is a good idea to have completed the federal tax return before completing the FAFSA since exact tax information can make processing faster and simpler. If this cannot be done in time for you to meet the priority filing date at the school(s) in which you are interested, use estimated figures when completing the application. If at a later date the estimated figures differ from the actual figures, make corrections on your Student Aid Report (SAR) or contact your school's financial aid office to find out how you should correct the information.

What do I do if I don't have my (or my parent's) tax returns?

For a copy of federal tax returns, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for an "RTFTP". This is a summary of the tax information filed. For copies of W-2s, employers need to be contacted and copies requested.

I did not keep a copy of my tax return. How do I request a copy?

You can obtain a copy by contacting the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040. We accept copies of your 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040, 1040PC or IRS-produced tax summaries. Be sure to sign the document before you submit it to the Financial Aid Office.

My parents are separated or divorced. Whose information should be given on my FAFSA?

Information should be given for the parent you lived with the most in the last 12 months. If you don't live with either parent or lived with both parents for an equal number of days, information should be given for the parent who provided the greater amount of support to you during the last calendar year. The FAFSA instructions have information that will be helpful if you have questions about providing information from separated or divorced parents.
If you are divorced or separated at the time you complete your federal application, you should only report your income, not your spouse's income, even if you filed a joint tax return. If you become divorced or separated after you applied for financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office.

What determines my dependency status?

If you are considered a dependent student, you must include your parents’ income and asset information on your FAFSA.
If you are an independent student, you are only required to report your income and asset information (and also your spouse’s if you are married). You are an independent student only if one or several of the following criteria apply to you:
- You were born before 1982
- You are married
- You are enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral Degree Program
- You have children AND you provide over half of their support
- You are an orphan or ward of the court
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

I am moving out of my parent’ house and will support myself from now on – do my parents still have to fill out the FAFSA?

Yes. Students under 24 years of age are considered dependent on their parents by federal law no matter where they live (there are limited exceptions). If your parents do not provide their information on your application, you probably cannot be considered for aid. If you have special circumstances which make it impossible for your parents to complete the FAFSA, contact the Student Financial Aid Office.

My parents did not claim me on their tax returns this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an Independent student?

Probably not. To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the 6 automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If you do not meet any of those, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, you should discuss the dependency appeal guidelines with your financial aid counselor.

How can I get my parental financial information for the FAFSA if I am under 24, not married or a veteran, have no children and have had NO contact with my parents?

You may come into the Student Financial Aid Office and request an interview to determine whether or not you are a candidate with "unusual circumstances."

My parents did not claim me on their tax returns this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an Independent student?

Probably not. To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the 6 automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If you do not meet any of those, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, you should discuss the dependency appeal guidelines with your financial aid counselor.

What if my family has unusual circumstances or my situation changes after we apply for aid?

Contact the financial aid office of the school you will attend. They can determine if the change will affect your eligibility for assistance. Letters of explanation should not be sent with your FAFSA, as it will only delay processing and will be destroyed.

What if the FAFSA does not truly reflect my present situation?

There is a Special Consideration form that can be completed to request a reconsideration of your financial aid eligibility determination based on changes in certain circumstances.

Should I send a letter of explanation with my FAFSA if my circumstances are unusual?

NO, correspondence should not be sent with your FAFSA, as it will only delay processing and will be destroyed. Correspondence that explains your family's special circumstances should accompany the Special Consideration form and be submitted to the Student Financial Aid Office.

What are your deadlines?

The application deadlines for applying for financial aid are established annually. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office for current information.

If I miss the deadline, can I still get financial aid?

The Student Financial Aid Office has established application deadlines for each semester. If you miss the application deadline, you are still encouraged to apply for financial aid. If you are eligible and have paid your tuition, you will be reimbursed after the semester begins.

What happens after I file the FAFSA?

After you complete your FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). This document may give you some guidance about expected contribution toward college cost, but it is not the final word. Wait to hear from the financial aid office of the school or college where you've applied; they make the final determination of your eligibility for assistance.

How long after I apply for financial aid can I expect to receive a response from the processor?

It generally takes three to four weeks or more to receive a response from the processor. If you haven't received a response in eight weeks, contact the Student Aid Hotline at 1-800-433-3243.

How do I know my application was processed by the federal processor? How can I verify that the University will receive the results?

Approximately two weeks after completing the FAFSA online, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR); this is verification that you filed the FAFSA and that it has been processed. Check to make sure North Carolina A&T State University is one of the schools listed in Step Six (002905). Questions about FAFSA processing can be directed to the Federal Student Aid Information Center (1-800-4-FED-AID). You can also determine the status of your FAFSA application through the Department of Education's FAFSA on the Web website.

What is a SAR?

SAR is an acronym for Student Aid Report. Once you have completed the FAFSA and the U.S. Department of Education has processed it, they will send you an e-mail to confirm all of the information on your FAFSA. You can make corrections on your SAR and return it to the federal processor if you find mistakes, or you can make your corrections online. If the Student Aid Report is accurate, file it — you may need it later. Usually, the report is printed in a color that coordinates with the color of the actual FAFSA form — to identify the academic year it was filed.

I received my Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. What is this report and do I turn it into your office?

The information contained on this document indicates your eligibility to receive financial aid. It may also indicate additional information that you need to provide to the federal processor or the school. Since schools receive an electronic version of the SAR, you do not need to turn it in.

My SAR isn't accurate. Do I need to correct it?

Since corrections to your financial aid application data may affect your eligibility, you should contact the Student Financial Aid Office to find out whether or not the corrections are necessary and whether or not the Student Financial Aid Office can make those corrections electronically. You may also be able to correct your information through the Department of Education's FAFSA on the Web website.

What is the DRN?

The DRN is your Data Release Number. It is used as a personal identification number for individual student applications. Please note: It is not the same number as the PIN you may have used to sign your FAFSA electronically.

NCA&T isn't listed on my SAR, but I called the processors and they said you could request my record if I gave you the Data Release Number (DRN)?

NCA&T State University can do this if you provide the Student Financial Aid Office with certain information from your Student Aid Report including the DRN. You can also call the federal processor at 1-319-337-5665 and have NCA&T added by phone. You will need to provide the federal processor with some information from your Student Aid Report and the Title IV School Code Number for NCA&T which is: 002905.

Financial Aid Status Frequently Asked Questions:

When will I find out if I get financial aid?

When your file is complete, we have professionally reviewed it, and you have applied for admission, we will send you notification called an Award Letter if you are eligible for financial aid. You do not have to wait to receive your Financial Aid Award Letter to register for classes. You can register on the appointment date that is assigned to you.

When will I receive an award letter?

Once you have filed your FAFSA and the U.S. Department of Education has processed it, they will send us your FAFSA information electronically. If you fill out the paper FAFSA, this could take up to six weeks. However, if you complete the FAFSA on the Web, it could be processed in two weeks or less. Once we have received your information from the Department of Education, we then create a financial aid package for you, and within a few days, an award letter will be sent to you. When you get this letter, unless you choose to decline any aid awarded, please file it in a safe place. If there are any changes made to your financial aid package at any time — i.e., a new scholarship is added, or a loan is cancelled — a new award letter will be sent to you.

When can I expect to get a response from your office?

An entering undergraduate student who has been admitted to the University and submits the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE applications by March 1^st should expect to receive a financial award decision in April. Returning undergraduates who meet the March 1^st deadline should expect to receive a financial aid award decision in July. Both entering and returning graduate and professional students are notified in July if they meet the March 1^st filing date.

What is the status of my financial aid?

If you turned in all of your paperwork by the application deadline, your application will be processed before the quarter begins. After your file is processed and your eligibility determined, you will be sent an award letter. If you missed the application deadline, your file is processed in order of date received, so you may or may not receive an award letter by the beginning of the quarter.

Tuition, Fees, Cost of Attendance Frequently Asked Questions:

Are tuition, fees, room and board the only costs of education considered in need analysis formula?

No. Allowances are provided for books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Will I have enough to pay my tuition and fees?

The best way to determine if your financial aid will pay for your tuition and fees is to look at your award letter. The amount that you receive is identified quarter by quarter and by financial aid program. Compare the amount of aid awarded for the quarter with the tuition and fees to determine if you be responsible for part of the costs. If you qualify for Work Study, you will have to earn the award through a job, which means that the money isn't available to pay tuition and fees. Loans are also available to help meet college costs.

What other financing options are available besides federal, state, and NCA&T financial aid programs?

Families who do not qualify for a full financial aid package or who seek alternate ways to meet expenses may wish to consider the following options:

o NCA&T's installment payment plan can spread costs over nine payments per year. Contact the Treasurer's Office for additional information.

o Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loans are available for parents of undergraduate dependent students.

o Alternative/Private Loans can help bridge the gap between college costs and traditional funding sources. Private loans are made in the student's name, usually with a cosigner. Two alternative loan options are the Key Alternative Loan® and the CitiAssist® Alternative Loan.

o There are many part-time employment opportunities on campus for students who do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program. Contact the Office of Student Employment for additional information.

Transfer of Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I transfer my financial aid to another school?

Yes, but financial aid is not automatically transferable from one college to the next. Contact the school you are transferring to and find out about their application process. Request that the FAFSA processor release your information to the school. You will need your DRN number or a PIN number to do so. You may obtain these by contacting the Central Processor at 1-800-433-3243. If you are receiving a State Need Grant, ask our office to send that information to your new college. You must notify our office, in writing, if you will not be returning before we can cancel your aid. You may not receive aid at both. You must complete the application process at the college or university you plan to attend. Remember, each school has different requirements, deadlines, budgets and spending levels. Funding that was available at one school may not be available at another.

Verification Frequently Asked Questions:

I have been chosen for verification. Why was I chosen, and what does that mean?

Each year the U.S. Department of Education selects a group of applications for verification. The applicants selected must submit certain documents to the financial aid office at NCA&T. These documents may include, but are not limited to, a copy of your (and your parents’) federal tax returns, the verification worksheet, which will be provided to you by our financial aid office. These documents are used to ensure that the information on your FAFSA is accurate and that you are getting the aid for which you are eligible. If there are discrepancies between your verification documents and your FAFSA, the Student Financial Aid Office will make the corrections. THIS CAN CHANGE YOUR FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE. Important points to remember about verification:
Provide honest and accurate information to prevent becoming ineligible for any financial aid.
Submit your verification documents immediately—UNTIL YOU COMPLETE THIS PROCESS, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY FINANCIAL AID!

What is verification?

The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students for verification of information submitted on the FAFSA. The Student Financial Aid Office also may select a student for verification. The Student Financial Aid Office will notify you regarding documentation to submit (tax returns, verification forms, etc.) to verify information on your Student Aid Report.

What kinds of documents may the school request to verify the information on my application?

You may be asked to provide documents to verify any item on the application. Make sure you and you parents keep a photocopy of your completed federal tax returns and W-2s used to complete the application.

Dependency Status Frequently Asked Questions:

What determines my dependency status?

If you are considered a dependent student, you must include your parents’ income and asset information on your FAFSA.
If you are an independent student, you are only required to report your income and asset information (and also your spouse’s if you are married). You are an independent student only if one or several of the following criteria apply to you:
- You were born before 1982
- You are married
- You are enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral Degree Program
- You have children AND you provide over half of their support
- You are an orphan or ward of the court
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

I am moving out of my parent’ house and will support myself from now on – do my parents still have to fill out the FAFSA?

Yes. Students under 24 years of age are considered dependent on their parents by federal law no matter where they live (there are limited exceptions). If your parents do not provide their information on your application, you probably cannot be considered for aid. If you have special circumstances which make it impossible for your parents to complete the FAFSA, contact the Student Financial Aid Office.

My parents did not claim me on their tax returns this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an Independent student?

Probably not. To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the 6 automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If you do not meet any of those, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, you should discuss the dependency appeal guidelines with your financial aid counselor.

What if I have circumstances that do not fit the independent criteria, but I cannot report my parents’ information?

The Student Financial Aid Office may be able to use professional judgment in deciding to override the dependency status on your FAFSA. You will be required to document your specific extenuating circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:
- You and your parents are in separate countries and you have been granted refugee status by the Immigration Service.
- A legal restraining order has been issued to your parent(s) due to abusive behavior or other family disturbances.
- You have been abandoned are dependent upon yourself or foster parents for support.

Any of these circumstances can be considered, but do not automatically allow you to be independent. All circumstances must be documented. In cases where you do not qualify as an independent student, but you do not have parental support, you should contact the Student Financial Aid Office to discuss your alternatives.

Special Circumstances Frequently Asked Questions:

What if my family has unusual circumstances or my situation changes after we apply for aid?

Contact the financial aid office of the school you will attend. They can determine if the change will affect your eligibility for assistance. Letters of explanation should not be sent with your FAFSA, as it will only delay processing and will be destroyed

What if I have circumstances that do not fit the independent criteria, but I cannot report my parents’ information?

The Student Financial Aid Office may be able to use professional judgment in deciding to override the dependency status on your FAFSA. You will be required to document your specific extenuating circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:
- You and your parents are in separate countries and you have been granted refugee status by the Immigration Service.
- A legal restraining order has been issued to your parent(s) due to abusive behavior or other family disturbances.
- You have been abandoned are dependent upon yourself or foster parents for support.

Any of these circumstances can be considered, but do not automatically allow you to be independent. All circumstances must be documented. In cases where you do not qualify as an independent student, but you do not have parental support; you should contact the Student Financial Aid Office to discuss your alternatives.

What if the FAFSA does not truly reflect my present situation?

There is a Special Consideration form that can be completed to request a reconsideration of your financial aid eligibility determination based on changes in certain circumstances.

Should I send a letter of explanation with my FAFSA if my circumstances are unusual?

NO, correspondence should not be sent with your FAFSA, as it will only delay processing and will be destroyed. Correspondence that explains your family's special circumstances should accompany the Special Consideration form and be submitted to the Student Financial Aid Office.

I have lost my job; can I get more financial aid?

If your income for the current year is at least 25% less than it was the previous year, you will need to make an appointment to meet with your Financial Aid Counselor to determine if you might be eligible to have your need for financial aid re-evaluated.

What do I do if my parent(s) are unwillingly to pay their contribution?

North Carolina A&T State University believes that the primary responsibility for meeting educational expenses lies with the student and the family. Financial Aid at North Carolina A&T State University is awarded solely based on a student and family’s financial need. Should parents discontinue their financial support for reasons other than ability to pay, North Carolina A&T State University will not assume the parental responsibility for financial support of the student.
Students are advised to first make reasonable effort to gain support from their parents. If this obstacle persists, students should visit with a Financial Aid Counselor. First, a Financial Aid Counselor can determine if your circumstances warrant an exception, which is granted in very rare circumstances such as situations of abuse and neglect. Second, a Financial Aid Counselor can advise you on your student loan borrowing options to help manage this difficult situation.

Loans - Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I get a student loan?

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before we can assess your eligibility for a student loan. If you are a first-time borrower, you will be subjected to a 30 day waiting period after the quarter starts before your receive your first loan check. For further information regarding a student loan please see www.dlssonline.com.

How do I get my PIN number to use for applying online and signing my Master Promissory Note if I take out a loan?

You may request a PIN number at http://www.pin.ed.gov.

When do I complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)?

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be completed online at http://dlenote.ed.gov for all Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan borrowers. Once the Federal Loan Origination Center (LOC) confirms to the Student Financial Aid Office that a valid MPN is on file, additional Master Promissory Notes need not be signed for new loan periods, a period of up to 10 years or until you contact the LOC to cancel the MPN.

What should I do to accept a student loan?

A student that has been award a Direct Loan for the first time, needs to complete the Entrance Counseling for Borrowers and a Master Promissory Note on the web. In addition, the student must sign and return the Direct Loan Certification Form to the Student Financial Aid Office via mail or fax at (336) 334-7954.

What if I don't want to take a student loan?

A student that wishes to decline a student loan indicate that they are declining the student loan on the bottom portion of their financial aid award letter and return it to the Student Financial Aid Office via mail or fax at (336) 334-7954. A parent cannot cancel a student loan on behalf of a student.

Can I increase the amount of my student loan?

Probably not. Loans are automatically awarded to the annual and/or aggregate federal loan limits. If you were awarded less than both limits, you may submit a written request to our office to increase the loan amount. Federal loan limits do not apply to alternative loans.

Can I decrease the amount of my student loan?

Yes, students are not required to take the maximum loan amount. To decrease a student loan, a student should specify which loan they would like to decrease in the appropriate semest