This program serves adults wishing to earn a college degree or take courses for professional or personal development. Since the format for the evening program is unlike the day program, the fee structure and costs are unique. A student MUST be pursuing a degree to receive financial aid.

Catawba College offers aid to qualified students in two ways: 

1. The North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG)
2. Federal and State assistance based on the results of the FAFSA need analysis, which is obtained through an application process. Need-based aid comes from Federal and/or State sources.

• Apply for admission to the evening program. Your acceptance must be complete before you receive your financial aid package from Catawba College.
  
  
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible keeping in mind that you should complete the FAFSA at least 60 days before you plan to enroll. You may pick up a FAFSA in the Financial Aid Office or you may file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List Catawba's school code (002914) - and we will receive the results electronically. Catawba's priority filing date is March 15.
  
  
• Expect an "Award Letter" from Catawba approximately four weeks after you submit the FAFSA. Make sure you turn in all requested information to the Financial Aid Office.
  
  
• If you are a transfer student and filed the FAFSA last year, you may complete your renewal FAFSA, but be sure to add Catawba's code on the update.

• North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG): Most NC students enrolled full-time are eligible for the NCLTG. This is a grant for legal North Carolina residents attending private colleges located in NC. The student must be a legal resident for one full year prior to enrollment and must not have already earned a bachelor's degree (except teacher certification). This grant is contingent upon maintaining full-time enrollment and is currently $1850 ($925/semester) and is not available during the summer. This grant is subject to Legislative appropriation.
  
  
• Federal Aid: Need-based aid is determined by the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the financial ability of the student to contribute to educational costs as determined by the FAFSA (EFC-Expected Family Contribution). Federal programs for which students may qualify include: Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG (limited funds available), Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Loans, and the Federal Perkins Loan (limited funds available).
  
  
• The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to needy, undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree. This is a grant and does not have to be paid back and is prorated by the number of hours the student is enrolled.
  
  
• Federal Direct Loans: These are subsidized student loans for students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period and during deferment periods. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods. The current interest rate for subsidized loans is 5.6% and 6.8% for unsubsidized loans. 
  

NOTE:  Students are awarded funds to cover direct costs (if available); however, if a student needs additional funds for books, computer, transportation and/or living expenses, the student may borrow from the Direct Loan program to meet these needs (as eligibility and loan limits permit).

• Monthly Payment Plan: In our continuing effort to assist the families of our students, Catawba College offers a monthly payment plan as an alternative to the traditional lump sum payments each semester. The plan is administered by Higher Education Services, Inc. (HES). You can print the brochure and enroll by mail or you can apply online through the HES website. If you have questions regarding the plan, feel free to contact HES on their toll-free number, 1-800-422-0010 or call the Catawba College Business Office at 1-800-CATAWBA.
  
  
• Company Sponsorship:  Some companies "sponsor" students and request that Catawba bill them for their tuition expenses. Prior arrangements must be made with the Business Office. Most companies prefer to reimburse students at the end of each course.
  
  
• Payment by Course:  When prior arrangements have been made with the Business Office, Catawba permits students to pay for courses by the block, meaning that payment is made each month for the course(s) being taken during that month.