UNC-Chapel Hill extends enrollment deadline for class of 2028

UNC-Chapel Hill announced Friday it is extending its enrollment deadline until May 15 to ensure that admitted students can make an informed decision about enrolling at Carolina based on a clear understanding of their financial situation. The significant delays in receiving Free Application for Federal Student Aid data resulted in students not receiving financial aid offers in a timely manner.

“We are confident that we’ve admitted a wonderful, accomplished, caring class of students who will thrive if they come to Carolina. However, we recognize that this is a significant decision for our prospective students, and we want to assure them that when they choose Carolina, they will be able to afford it by providing them with their full financial aid and scholarship package,” said Rachelle Feldman, vice provost of enrollment at UNC-Chapel Hill. “We don’t want anyone to be in a position where they’re making that decision blind to their financial position.”

For the last 19 years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Carolina as the best value among public institutions. In addition, the University is committed to ensuring that every admitted student can afford their education through various programs, such as the University’s new initiative guaranteeing grants and scholarships to cover tuition to North Carolina families earning less than $80,000. However, these scholarship programs hinge on receiving accurate and timely data from FAFSA to determine each family’s individual financial needs.

UNC-Chapel Hill encourages admitted students who are waiting for their financial aid package to take advantage of its online financial aid estimator tool. It can provide an early indication of the amount of financial aid for which they might qualify.

The U.S. Department of Education initiated a major overhaul of the FAFSA program, which led to widespread delays. However, the delays in the University receiving FAFSA data will not negatively impact a student’s financial aid offer. The University is committed to helping students afford Carolina and is taking its time to ensure the applications are handled professionally and with the due diligence they deserve.

This enrollment extension to May 15 from May 1, applies to both early decision admitted students and regular admission admitted students. International students are still encouraged to enroll by May 1.