Does UNC-Chapel Hill Require the CSS Profile?
UNC-Chapel Hill requires the CSS Profile for incoming students seeking university grants and scholarships and uses CSS code 5816. Its process is lighter than many CSS schools because it does not require noncustodial-parent information and normally collects the Profile only in the entering year.
CSS Profile
RequiredIncoming students seeking UNC-Chapel Hill need-based university grants and scholarships submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA. The Profile is normally completed only for the entering year if the student remains enrolled and has no significant financial change, while federal-only eligibility is based on the FAFSA.
CSS school code
5816UNC-Chapel Hill's CSS Profile code is 5816. Use that code to send the form to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Published financial aid deadlines
These are the school's currently published 2026–27 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.
Which parent files?
UNC-Chapel Hill explicitly does not require noncustodial-parent information on the CSS Profile, so applicants do not need to request a noncustodial-parent waiver. Required FAFSA contributors still create their own FSA IDs and provide consent and signatures.
Documents and next steps
Use UNC-Chapel Hill CSS code 5816 and FAFSA code 002974. After both applications are filed, monitor the Financial Aid To Do list in ConnectCarolina for requested paperwork. Fall applicants seeking university need-based aid must complete those additional items by May 15, 2026.
Official sources for this answer
- UNC-Chapel Hill incoming student aid application instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- UNC-Chapel Hill incoming financial aid deadlines (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does UNC-Chapel Hill require the CSS Profile?
Yes. UNC-Chapel Hill requires the CSS Profile for incoming students seeking university grants and scholarships and uses CSS code 5816. Its process is lighter than many CSS schools because it does not require noncustodial-parent information and normally collects the Profile only in the entering year.
What is UNC-Chapel Hill's CSS Profile code?
UNC-Chapel Hill's CSS Profile code is 5816. Use that code to send the form to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
When is UNC-Chapel Hill's financial aid deadline?
Fall early action FAFSA and CSS Profile: December 1, 2025; Spring incoming FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting paperwork: February 1, 2026; Fall regular decision and transfer FAFSA and CSS Profile: March 1, 2026; Requested fall supporting paperwork in ConnectCarolina: May 15, 2026.
Is the FAFSA enough for UNC-Chapel Hill?
Not for UNC-Chapel Hill's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but UNC-Chapel Hill uses the CSS Profile separately to evaluate its own need-based funding.
Estimate the rest of your aid
The CSS Profile does not tell you what federal aid you may receive. Estimate that separately, then compare the result with each college's net price and your outside scholarship options.