How to Apply for Financial Aid

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Guilford College’s official application for need-based financial aid including federal grants, low-interest loans, and federal work-study opportunities. Information from your admission application is used to award merit-based aid.

Every student is encouraged to complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/.  Guilford College uses the FAFSA results to award all forms of financial aid.

Helpful Tips:

  • Guilford’s Federal School Code is 002931.
  • The FAFSA is available every year beginning October 1.
  • Need FAFSA help?  Check out this video.
  • Guilford’s priority date for filing the FAFSA is January 5 of every year, but you should apply early to improve your chances for getting the maximum federal aid for which you are eligible.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 336.316.2354.

Hege Library at Guilford College
Contact the Financial Aid Team

Students are assigned to counselors by the first letter of their last name. You can also visit the Financial Aid Office on the main floor of Hege Academic Commons, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 336.316.2354 to make an appointment.

Two students sit on the steps of King Hall.
Your Financial Aid Checklist

Do you need help paying for college but aren't sure where to start? Check out the Financial Aid Checklist, which gives you step by step instructions on how to apply for financial aid.

File Today, Don't Delay!

Guilford uses the FAFSA to help award scholarships, grants, and work study opportunities. Did you know that 100% of Guilford students who file the FAFSA receive additional aid? File now to maximize your rewards at FAFSA.gov. Include Guilford’s school code of 002931.

Filing Your FAFSA

The 2026-2027 FAFSA Opens October 1

Students apply for aid by submitting their FAFSA each year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 academic year opens Oct. 1 at fafsa.gov. The aid application process is annual, and students must reapply for financial aid each year. Students should submit the 2023-24 FAFSA if they will be enrolled for the fall 2026 and/or spring 2027 semesters. Guilford's School Code is 002931.

Applying for Aid

Guilford College has a priority FAFSA filing deadline of January 5 each year! However, due to the high number of FAFSA applications received, grant funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, it is important to submit the FAFSA and any other requested information as soon as possible. Students may be required to submit information in addition to the FAFSA. This additional documentation, if required, must be submitted in order to be considered for financial aid. The FAFSA and additional documents should be submitted as early as possible in order to optimize aid eligibility.

Tax Data

The 2026-2027 FAFSA requires 2024 federal tax and income data. In order to complete the FAFSA, all contributors (the student and parent(s)) will need to provide consent to transfer their tax information from the IRS website. 

Verification

The FAFSA application may be selected for a processed called verification. Students who are selected to complete this process will be required to complete a verification worksheet and may need to submit tax data (only if needed). Forms are listed below!

Submit any documentation to our office by mailing to the Office of Financial Aid, 5800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410. If you email any documentation with personally identifiable information (PII), please make sure to encrypt or password protect the information and send us the password in a separate email.

FAQs

Will my tuition change if I add or drop courses?
Possibly. Our staff are available to answer any questions you may have before you add or drop a class. After census date each semester, students are charged 100% of costs and receive 100% of their financial aid. If students drop prior to the census date, aid and charges will be updated.


Students who withdraw fully are subject to the Return of Title IV Policy for federal funds and those who receive North Carolina Need Based Scholarships who drop courses prior to the 35% of the semester is completed may see a reduction in their state scholarship.


If I withdraw from Guilford, will I get a refund?
Depending on when you withdraw, you may be eligible for a tuition refund. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services to find out how withdrawing could affect your aid and costs.


When do I pay my tuition?
Payment is due in full by the first week of August for fall and mid-December for spring.  If students are enrolled in a payment plan, which starts in July, payments are due on the 15th of each month, and payments must be paid and current before the start of classes.


So what exactly am I paying for at Guilford?
Here's an explanation of all our fees.
Student Activity Fee is used to fund student organizations.
Orientation Fee is a one-time charge to help pay for Guilford orientation, alcohol education, meals and small group sessions.
Follett ACCESS Book Fee is a per semester fee to ensure your books are available to you by the first day of class.
Meals and Housing: Unmarried students under the age of 23 are required to live on campus and eat in our dining facilities. If you’re a local student, you can apply to live at home with your parents or guardians. Contact the Residential and Housing office to learn more.

More information about fees.