MPH@UNC Financial Aid FAQ

Tuition and fees are charged on a per-credit basis. Each credit in the MPH@UNC program costs $1,735 for tuition and $28.69 for fees.

For example, if a student is taking 6 credit hours in a term, the cost of their tuition would be $10,410 ($1,735 x 6), with an additional $172.14 ($28.69 x 6) in fees.

Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year, as approved by the UNC System Board of Governors. Any tuition change is applicable to all enrolled students.

MPH@UNC Financial Aid Information

Cost of tuition and fees for the program may be covered through a variety of resources.

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid can provide information on federal or private educational loans. Personal resources, employer support, military benefits and institutional aid (such as fellowships) can also be used to pay for tuition, and students may want to explore those options.

Students enrolled in the MPH@UNC program at the UNC Gillings School can apply for student loans to cover the cost of tuition as well as living expenses.

A student’s total financial aid award (including corporate sponsorship, outside grants, fellowships and all education loans) cannot exceed the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees and living expenses.

UNC Tuition, Billing, Financial Aid and Military Benefits FAQs

Tuition and Billing

How much does the MPH@UNC program cost?

Tuition is based on the number of credits for which you register. Current tuition rates can be found on the tuition and fees page.

Are there additional fees assessed on top of tuition?

Yes, all students are responsible for student fees each semester. For more details on costs and fees for the current academic year, consult the Office of the University Cashier’s Tuition and Fees chart (Gillings School information begins on page 8).

Does this program require specific equipment that I will have to purchase?

Students who are a part of the MPH@UNC program are required to have access to the internet along with a personal computer that has a camera and microphone.

How much is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

There is a $250 non-refundable enrollment deposit due once admitted.

Can I use financial aid to cover the deposit?

No, federal student aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

Will I be able to view my financial aid offer before submitting the deposit?

If you complete the FAFSA and provide any required supporting documentation at least 10 business days prior to the enrollment deposit deadline, we should be able to provide you with your full financial aid information as soon as possible.

When will I receive a tuition bill and when is payment due?

Spring tuition charges are posted in November, so the bills are due in December before the spring term starts. Summer I tuition is posted in May.

Fall tuition is posted in July, so the bills are due in August before fall term starts.

How do I view my bill?

Enrolled students and authorized users will receive email notification to their UNC email address.

What are the accepted forms of payment?

The online payment system is generally available seven days a week, except for certain processing times which vary.

  • Payments from your checking account
    • Must be drawn from a U.S. bank.
    • No fee when paying with this option.

How to find your account number or routing number.

  • Credit/debit card payments
    • We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
    • There is a 2.85% or minimum $3.00 non-refundable transaction fee to use credit/debit cards.

Additional information can be found on the UNC University Cashier page.

How does my employer pay the school?

Upon receipt of a billing authorization from the payer and a FERPA form from the student, we will bill the third party approximately two weeks after classes start for each term. Since we generate hundreds of these bills, it can take several weeks to send all of them.

Upon receipt of the authorization, the specific charges to be paid by the sponsor will be deferred, and a sponsored service indicator will be placed on your Student Account. Once the drop/add period has ended, the Cashier’s Office will bill your sponsor for the items they have agreed to pay.

Sponsors are expected to remit payment within 30 days of the billing date on the invoice. Payments can be made either by a check made payable to UNC-CH or online as an electronic funds transfer.

The student remains responsible for ensuring that their account is paid in full. Students will continue to receive bills until the third party pays, and the account is paid in full. View the UNC University Cashier page for full instructions.

Are payment plan options available for online students?

UNC offers several options for students to make a payment towards tuition. See all available payment methods.

What are the consequences if my tuition bill is not paid when classes begin?

In accordance with state law, payment for tuition and fees is due prior to the start of the term. Students registering in the billing period must pay tuition and fees or defer their bill in the Student Center by the due date noted on the bill. Accounts not paid or deferred by the due date may result in cancellation of registration. Past due prior term balances cannot be deferred or paid with financial aid for future terms.

Students expecting financial aid, departmental funding or other third-party support may request deferment of their term bill that is due prior to the start of each term.

Deferment requests must be submitted by the due date on the first bill of each semester.

If I’m eligible to receive a refund, what is the process?

Students must enroll in direct deposit to receive refunds. Details on the refund process are listed on the UNC University Cashier Student Accounts page.

What is the Title IV Authorization? 

Federal Financial Aid is subject to strict guidelines as described below. This aid is intended to pay current tuition, fees, and certain other costs of attendance. Students must explicitly grant permission for the Cashier’s Office to apply federal financial aid to these other charges, like campus health charges, library fines, etc.

Log in to the Student Center through Self Service in ConnectCarolina, select “View Permissions” from the drop-down menu in the Student Financials section. Click on “Grant Permission” then follow the instructions. For additional information on Title IV Authorization, visit the UNC University Cashier Financial Aid page.

Who can I contact at UNC for billing and payment questions?

The Cashier’s Office receives a very high number of calls, so please consider emailing your inquiry (including your PID) to cashier@unc.edu  for faster service. Responses to email inquiries are generally made by email within one business day.

Visit the UNC University Cashier Contact page for an email address dedicated to particular issues.

I am a UNC System employee, can I use an employee tuition waiver for this program?

Courses such as the Executive MBA program, MBA@UNC, MPA@UNC, MPH@UNC, MAC Online or study abroad courses that are primarily receipt-supported are not covered by the Tuition Waiver Program.

UNC Student Portal

What is the UNC student portal?

The UNC student portal is ConnectCarolina. Your ConnectCarolina account includes access to academic records, billing, financial aid, direct deposit set up and more. You will need your UNC ID and password to log into ConnectCarolina.

How do I set up my UNC ID and Password?

To access CarolinaConnect, you will need an ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need). You will receive access upon submitting your enrollment deposit. For instructions on setting up your ONYEN and password, please visit our onyen services page.

How do I set up my UNC email address? 

Your UNC email account is where you’ll receive information about financial aid, orientation and other key updates. If you use a smartphone to check your email, we recommend you connect your UNC email to your phone’s inbox. For instructions click here.

STEP 1: Log into selfservice.unc.edu using your ONYEN and Password. Don’t have your ONYEN yet? Click here for setup instructions.

STEP 2: Click on “Email Sign-Up” on the left hand menu to set up your UNC email account, create an easy-to-remember alias, and change your password.

STEP 3: Check your email by visiting heelmail.unc.edu.

When willI get access to my UNC user account?

You will receive ONYEN access upon submitting your enrollment deposit.

Financial Aid at UNC

Does UNC offer internal scholarships to online students?

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid can provide information on personal resources, employer support and institutional aid (such as fellowships) can also be used to pay for tuition, and students may want to explore those options.

Are there UNC specific supplemental financial aid forms I need to complete?

There are no additional forms required to apply for federal financial aid.

Do I need to include my social security number (SSN) in my application for admission to be eligible for aid? 

Yes, you will need to include your SSN in your application for admissions, in order for UNC to retrieve your FAFSA from the federal database. For additional information, please visit the UNC Scholarships and Student Aid page.

What federal student aid is available to graduate students?

The federal student aid graduate students are eligible to apply for include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Learn more about the types of federal student aid.

Why are graduate students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Subsidized Loan?

The Department of Education awards Federal Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized Loans to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not yet completed their bachelor’s degrees. The Department of Education does not evaluate need or income for loans at the graduate or professional level. Therefore, graduate students are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant nor the Direct Subsidized Loan.

Are there academic standards I must meet to continue to receive federal student aid?

Yes, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain in good standing with the program.

What are the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements I must meet to continue to receive federal student aid?

According to Federal Guidelines, you must maintain SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress – to be eligible for financial aid at Carolina. SAP standards will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester.

To meet SAP standards:

Maintain a minimum equivalent of a 2.0 grade point average consistent with your program’s graduation requirement.

Successfully complete one-third of the coursework in which you are enrolled. To estimate this completion rate, divide the number of credit hours you have successfully completed by the number of credit hours attempted.

Any course in which you receive a non-failing grade counts as a ‘completed’ course.

What is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid?

Students must be registered at 4.5 credit hours per term to receive federal student aid.

What are private loans?

Private student loans are credit-based, non-federal student loans.You can research private education loan lenders to determine if a private loan is best for your individual situation. UNC does not recommend specific private loans.

Factors to consider when choosing a private loan:

  • Amount of loan debt
  • Timeline for repayment. Is it possible for you to repay the loan quicker than the standard 10-year repayment period?
  • Best interest rate. Keep in mind that the Prime Rate will not always be as low as it is currently.
  • Your credit score and, if applicable, a co-signer’s credit score. Better credit often means better loan terms, such as borrower protections.

Are private loans offered at UNC?

Students should also explore loan options that may be available through other resources, some of which are dependent on your country of citizenship. Some of these will have specific requirements for the borrower as outlined by the lender, bank, or government, so the student should contact the lending agency directly for details on each program. Below is a list of possible programs, but this is not a comprehensive list.

HDFC Credila is available for Indian students only.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China  is available for Chinese students only.
Bank of China is available for Chinese students only.
FIDERH is available for Mexican students only.
Prodigy Finance does not require a U.S. co-signer.
MPOWER Financing does not require a U.S. co-signer.

Private Education Loans for International Students (with a U.S. co-signer)

International students who are not U.S. citizens and who have a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident co-signer may also be eligible for private education loans through lenders such as Sallie MaeWells FargoDiscover Student Loans and CitizensBank. Students should research private education loan lenders to determine which is best for their individual situation.

When will I receive my financial aid offer?

Once you are admitted, we will process financial aid within the first week. You will receive either a financial aid offer or a request for additional items.

We will send notification of your financial aid offer to your UNC email. The email will include instructions on how to view your offer in your ConnectCarolina Student Center. You will need to create an ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need) in order to view your aid.

How do I accept my financial aid award?

Log in to your ConnectCarolina Student Center pages and click on your “Financial Aid” tab. If additional information and/or documents are required from you before your financial aid eligibility can be determined and an award made, these requirements will be displayed under your “To-Do” list.

Click each “to-do” item listed and follow the instructions provided for each item.

Am I required to accept the full amount on my financial aid offer?

No, you do not have to accept the full amount offered. Students are encouraged to borrow only what is needed. You can choose to accept all, part or none of your financial aid award.

Students can use the “Reduce/Decline” self-service feature in ConnectCarolina to indicate how much aid they want to accept. When a loan is reduced, the system will automatically split that reduction equally between both the fall and spring semesters.

For example, if a $10,000 loan is reduced to $5,000, the reduction will be updated to $2,500 per fall/spring semester (for a total of $5,000).

If a student’s first term of enrollment is spring semester, loan reductions will only be made for that semester. During the summer term, loan reductions are updated just for that term.

Does my Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program?

Possibly; however, all students should anticipate being eligible to borrow the maximum Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements below:

  • United States citizen or permanent resident 
  • Not in default on any undergraduate or graduate federal education loans
  • Have not exceeded $224,000 in federal student loan debt for both undergraduate and graduate loans 

Students also have the option to apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan to help cover their remaining tuition and fees costs (if needed) or living expenses after their Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility is exhausted.

When will loans disburse to my student account?

Accepted student loans generally are sent to the University Cashier by the first day of classes each semester or term. Financial aid, including student loans, is automatically applied to billed tuition/fee charges. If a student’s financial aid exceeds the amount of their billed tuition/fee charges, the University Cashier will issue a refund for the overage. The University Cashier issues financial aid refunds within 14 days of aid being applied to a student account. Please note that students are required to sign up for direct deposit in order for the Cashier’s Office to most quickly deliver any credit balances directly to their bank accounts. This can be a U.S. checking account of your choice.

Can I use loan funds to cover additional expenses such as living, books, supplies, etc.?

Yes. Financial aid budgets include both direct expenses (required tuition and fees) and indirect expenses (housing, meals, transportation, books and supplies and basic personal expenses).

Students can choose to increase their overall indebtedness to include these estimated living expenses, if needed.

Is there an immersion required for this program? If so, will I be able to use loan funds to cover immersion expenses?

The immersion is not required for the MPH@UNC program.

Who can I contact at UNC for financial aid questions?

For more detailed information or for further questions, please visit the Office of Scholarship and Student Aid website. External Contact them directly by email at aidinfo@unc.edu or by phone at (919) 962-8396.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

What is the FAFSA and how do I apply?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online application the Department of Education uses to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid. Visit studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA.

What is the UNC FAFSA school code?

The UNC FAFSA school code is 002974.

Do I need my parents’ tax information to complete the FAFSA?

If you are applying for graduate school, you are considered an independent student, and do not need to include your parents’ information to complete the FAFSA.

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measurement of your ability to contribute toward your educational costs. As a graduate/professional student your EFC is not a factor in your eligibility for federal student loans.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is available every October 1 for the upcoming academic year. New students planning to use federal student aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. Continuing students will need to submit a FAFSA each year they plan to receive federal student aid.

Please reference the table below to determine which FAFSA to complete based on your desired start date:

StartTermFAFSA Year
September 2023
Fall 2023
2023-2024
January 2024
Spring 2024
2023-2024
May 2024
Summer 2024
2023-2024
September 2024
Fall 2024
2024-2025
January 2025
Spring 2025
2024-2025
May 2025
Summer 2025
2024-2025
September 2025
Fall 2025
2025-2026
January 2026
Spring 2025
2025-2026
May 2026
Summer 2025
2025-2026

Do I need to complete the FAFSA each year?

Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you will need to complete the FAFSA for each award year for which you are or plan to be a student.

What constitutes an academic year for federal student aid?

An academic year is the year for which financial aid is used to fund your education. Generally, this is the 12-month period that begins on July 1 of one year and ends on June 30 of the following year.

What criteria is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid?

In order to apply for federal student aid (FSA), you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Be registered with Selective Service, if you are male (must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree program
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Not currently be in default on previous federal student loans
  • Not have exceeded the maximum aggregate loan limit

What is the aggregate loan limit?

The aggregate loan limit is the total amount that you may borrow in federal student loans for undergraduate and graduate study. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing. The maximum aggregate loan limit for federal loans is $138,500. This amount does not include PLUS loans or private loans.

If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit. You can learn more about graduate annual loan limits on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit or have defaulted on a federal student loan?

Log in on the StudentAid.gov homepage to view your federal student loan borrowing history and loan servicer details. Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans. Contact your lender for default resolution options.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

What is the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; at the graduate level, the loan amount is not based on need or income. Graduate and professional students are only eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans; graduate students are not eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans. Visit the federal student aid website to learn more about the difference between Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

How much am I eligible for with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

There are limits on the unsubsidized loans that you may be eligible to receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits). Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year from the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Learn more about graduate annual loan limits.

How do I apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

To apply for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will also need to complete Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note online at Studentaid.gov.

What is the current interest rate for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

If you receive a federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Direct Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of the current year, and before July 1 of the following year. Learn more about interest rates for federal student loans.

Are there any loan fees for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with federal student loans.

When do I begin repayment on my Direct Unsubsidized Loan?

Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your federal student loan goes into repayment. However, if you have a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students can use to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Before you apply for a PLUS loan, make sure you have already filled out the FAFSA.

What are the eligibility and credit criteria to apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

In addition to meeting all basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, applicants cannot have an adverse credit history. A credit check will be performed when applying. If you have an adverse credit history, you may still be able to receive a PLUS loan if you meet additional requirements. Learn more about Direct PLUS Loans.

What is the current interest rate for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you receive a federal student loan, you will be required to repay that loan with interest. Interest is paid to the lender as a cost of borrowing. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount. Unlike other forms of debt, such as credit cards and mortgages, Direct Loans are daily interest loans, which means that interest accrues (accumulates) daily. The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of the current year, and before July 1 of the following year. Learn more about interest rates for federal student loans.

Are there any loan fees for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Learn more about fees associated with federal student loans.

How much can I borrow from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved for the Graduate PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance as determined by UNC-CH.

Do Direct PLUS Loans affect my aggregate loan limit?

Only Direct Subsidized/Direct Unsubsidized Loans (formerly referred to as Stafford loans) and federal loans made through the Federal Family Education Loan Program count toward your aggregate loan limit.

When and how do I apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

You can apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan within 180 days of the start of your program or once you are enrolled.To apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must first complete the FAFSA; next, complete the Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students.

What are the next steps if I’m approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If approved, complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional.

What are my options if I’m denied the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

If you are denied, you may reapply with an endorser; someone who agrees to repay the loan if you do not repay it. Or begin the credit appeal process and complete PLUS Credit Counseling on the federal student aid website.

When do I begin repayment on my Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment or leave school, your federal student loan goes into repayment. However, if you’re a graduate/professional student PLUS borrower, you will be placed on an automatic deferment while in school and for six months after graduating, leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment.

Student Loan Repayment

Do I have to repay my student loans while I’m in school?

No; most federal student loans grant a six-month grace period  before you must begin making payments after you graduate, fall below half-time status, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program.

You can defer payment on your federal student loans if you are enrolled at least half-time. You should be aware that although you can defer payments while you are in school, and during your grace period, interest will still accrue on your loan(s).

Most private loans also have deferred payment options while you are in school; however, you will need to check with your loan servicer.

When do I have to repay my loan?

Repayment begins after the six-month grace period when you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program. You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period. Within the grace period, your loan servicer will provide you with a loan repayment schedule that states when your first payment is due, the number and frequency of payments, and the amount of each payment. Your monthly payment amount depends on your repayment plan. Learn more about repayment timelines.

What are the repayment plan options and how do I select one?

The Department of Education offers multiple options for repayment. When your loan enters repayment, your servicer will automatically place you on the Standard Repayment Plan; however, you may request a different plan at any time. Learn more about federal student loan repayment options.

How can I estimate my repayment amount? 

Use the Loan Simulator to estimate how much you would pay monthly and overall.

Can I consolidate my federal student loans?

Yes; if you have multiple student loans you may be able to combine them into one loan with a fixed interest rate. A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to combine multiple federal education loans into one loan including both graduate and undergraduate loans. When completing the free Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note, you will confirm the loans that you want to consolidate and agree to repay the new Direct Consolidation Loan.The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments. Learn more about loan consolidation.

What are the federal student loan forgiveness options?

In certain situations, all or a portion of your federal student loans may be forgiven, canceled, or discharged. If you’re no longer required to make payments on your loans due to your job, this is generally called forgiveness or cancellation. If you’re no longer required to make payments on your loans due to other circumstances, such as a total and permanent disability or the closure of the school where you received your loans, this is generally called discharge.

Outside of the circumstances that may qualify you to have your loans forgiven, canceled, or discharged, you remain responsible for repaying your loan, per the Master Promissory Note you signed. Learn more about federal student loan forgiveness programs.

Military Education Benefits

Are there scholarship opportunities or tuition discounts for military students or family members?

Not at this time, though all students are considered for fellowships based on their application.

How do I begin the process to apply for the GI Bill® and other VA education benefits?

Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website, VA.gov to find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits and get started on your education benefits form. The Education Benefits Application generates a request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is mailed to you within six to eight weeks from submitting the application.

Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, you should submit a copy to the UNC Veterans Services Office along with copies of any high school and previous college transcripts and the UNC-CH Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Data Form.

Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA at (888)-442-4551.

What is the deadline to apply for VA education benefits? 

New applicants should expect to receive their first check 8–12 weeks from the time the enrollment certification is sent. You should plan accordingly.

You will be paid retroactively from the first day of class. It is imperative that you notify the VA Certifying Official of any changes to your enrollment information (i.e. changes to schedule, including adding, dropping or withdrawals)

How often do I need to request recertification? 

If you have been receiving VA benefit payments at UNC, you will only need to submit the UNC-CH Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Data Form each semester from your UNC email address.

Will my military benefits cover the entire cost of the program?

Please visit the GI Bill comparison tool to view what your VA benefits will cover at UNC.

What are the eligibility factors for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits?

You are potentially eligible if you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

What is the current payment rate of benefits, including the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

The tuition and fee payment and MHA rates are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1, and are valid through July 31. View the current payment and MHA rate.

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the annual national maximum cap per military academic year. Participating institutions choose their contribution amount, the VA matches that amount, and issue payment directly to the school. Veterans who are utilizing Post-9/11 GI Benefits and who are entitled to 100 percent of their benefit may be eligible.

Does MPH@UNC participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

MPH@UNC does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The yellow ribbon program is not applicable to the MPH@UNC program as it is considered In-State by the VA (no matter your location).

Aside from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, what other military benefits does UNC accept or participate in?

UNC accepts the following funding options for members of the military and veterans:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) Active Duty Educational Assistance Program
  • Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606) Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
  • Disabled Veterans Assistance (Chapter 31)
  • Veterans Education Assistance Program (Chapter 32)
  • Vietnam Era GI Bill (Chapter 34)

Who can I contact at UNC for questions about using Military Education Benefits?

For questions regarding the use of your military education benefits, contact the UNC VA Certifying Official or Veterans Services Department by email: Jan.Benjamin@unc.edu.

Tax Benefits for Education

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit?

For details on tax benefits for education, see IRS Publication 970. Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which provides detailed information. UNC-CH is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS at (800) 829-1040 or www.irs.gov if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form?

It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts billed to you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form?

Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in 2018 to students enrolled in courses at UNC for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether he or she is eligible for an educational tax credit.

How do I obtain my 1098-T Form?

1098-T forms will be available online through the ConnectCarolina Student Center before the Jan. 31 mailing deadline. Please allow 10 days for arrival/delivery of 1098-Ts mailed to students who did not choose electronic delivery.

All students who have provided a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number to UNC can access their 1098-T forms by logging in to ConnectCarolina, clicking the Student Center tile, and using the drop-down menu under the Student Financials section. Select “View 1098T” and click the arrow button. For additional information on obtaining your 1098-T Form, please visit UNC University Cashier page.