Financial Aid Update – February 2024

We know our incoming students are excited about joining Pirate Nation and can’t wait to welcome them this fall. We also understand that the nationwide delays in financial aid may be cause for concern. Below is an important update on this situation.

Aid offers are delayed nationwide.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to determine your financial aid based on financial need and eligibility. Your FAFSA information is typically transferred to schools when you complete the form. However, the U.S. Department of Education has delayed this process nationwide due to implementation of changes required by the FAFSA Simplification Act. Without your FAFSA information, universities across the nation, including East Carolina University, are currently unable to determine your aid offer.

What’s next?

We appreciate your patience as the U.S. Department of Education works through this delay. We anticipate receiving your information by mid-March. Our office is ready to process your information as soon as it is received and provide you with your financial aid award as quickly as possible — most likely in early April.

Deposit deadline update.

While our priority deposit deadline is May 1st, we encourage families to take the time they need to make an informed decision. Enrollment deposits will continue to be welcomed after May 1st.

We’re here to help.

We know going through the college decision process is stressful, and as part of our potential Pirate family, we want to let you know that we understand the weight of this delay and care about each one of you. Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Office of Undergraduate Admissions are here to help and ready to assist you on your journey to joining Pirate Nation. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and continue to monitor your email regularly for further updates.