Steps to applying for aid

Important dates and information

Steps for applying for & receiving need-based aid

1. Create Your FSA ID:

Create your own StudentAid.gov account username and password (FSA ID) for the U.S. Department of Education. Your FSA ID will provide access to complete the online FAFSA and serve as your StudentAid.gov legal online signature.

Other “contributors” to the FAFSA, such as your parent(s), step-parent, or spouse, will also need to create their own StudentAid.gov account username and password (FSA ID).

You will be able to use the same FSA ID for many years, so keep it documented in a safe place.

2. Complete Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

March 1 is the priority date for completing your FAFSA, so aim for completing before that date. Applications submitted after the priority date will be considered as funds are available, since most financial aid at UNCSA is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn about changes to the FAFSA for 2025 -26 to help you prepare to complete the FAFSA.

• Students and other contributors to the FAFSA will need to log in separately to complete their FAFSA sections.
• Each contributor will need to have their own StudentAid.gov account username and password (FSA ID) to access and complete the online FAFSA.
• For divorced or separated parents, the parent who provided the most financial support over the previous 12 months is required to contribute to the FAFSA. (If that parent is married now, your step-parent will also be a contributor.)
• All FAFSA contributors will be required to provide consent and approval for federal income tax return data to be automatically transferred into the FAFSA.
• Be sure to list UNCSA (Federal School Code 003981) as one of the schools you want to receive your FAFSA information.

Remember, you must apply for aid before each academic year by submitting a FAFSA. A FAFSA is required for all federal aid, including student loans, and all need-based aid. Your arts school may also use need in addition to talent in making scholarship decisions. Therefore, it’s a good idea to submit the FAFSA for each academic year you attend UNCSA.

3. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary

You will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary from the U.S. Department of Education.

Review your Summary to make sure all of the information listed is complete and accurate and to read and respond to any comments. Your FAFSA Submission Summary will provide your Student Aid Index (SAI). Your SAI is calculated according to a formula established by federal law using your responses on the FAFSA. This SAI is an index number calculated from your FAFSA that will be used for your eligibility for need-based aid. It can be a factor in determining possible eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant.

4. Respond to any Verification and Unsatisfied Requirements

Verification is the process used to check the accuracy of information provided on the FAFSA. You could be selected for verification when your FAFSA is processed or when your file is reviewed at UNCSA. To complete verification, you will need to provide certain documents and information. There could be other reasons you have unsatisfied requirements and need to submit additional documentation.

If you are selected for verification or have any unsatisfied requirements to complete your financial aid application:

• Regularly check your UNCSA “artist” email. You will receive an email guiding you to log on to your E-Z Arts student portal. Follow the directions provided by linking to each unsatisfied requirement listed in E-Z Arts. Promptly submit the additional documentation to the UNCSA Office of Student Financial Aid.
• Documentation must be complete, and you must be accepted for admission, before you can be notified about your award package.

5. Finally, Your Award Notification!

After you are accepted for admission and have satisfied your financial aid application requirements, you will be notified via UNCSA “artist” email to log on to your E-Z ARTS student portal view your award package.

Your award package will be based on your Cost of Attendance Budget compared to your Student Aid Index from the FAFSA.

Special Circumstances/Unusual Circumstances

If you or your family have experienced Special Circumstances such as your financial situation has changed significantly from the information you provided on the FAFSA (e.g., there has been a job loss or otherwise experienced a drop in income) you may be eligible to have your financial aid adjusted. If you have experienced such changes, the Office of Student Financial Aid can guide you through your options, forms, and other required documentation.

If you have Unusual Circumstances that make you unable to provide parental information on the FAFSA, you have other options that the UNCSA Office of Student Financial Aid can consider. Please contact us at (336.770.3297 or finaid@uncsa.edu) to discuss your unique situation so we can guide you further. You will be asked to provide a personal statement explaining your situation. You will also be asked to provide documentation to support your statement, such as legal documents and written statements from other individuals who can verify your situation (e.g., high school guidance counselor, clergy, social worker, psychiatrist/psychologist, or another medical professional.)