On January 30, 2024, the Department of Education announced an updated timeline for the 2024-2025 FAFSA delivery to schools. In order to update the formula and tables used to calculate FAFSA results, all FAFSAs that have been submitted are in a holding stage. This holding pattern may result in additional financial resources for some students, but the changes will take time to be properly implemented. 

What does this mean for students? All completed FAFSA will not be delivered to Chowan until mid-March. This is the same for all colleges across the country. 

What if a student has not filed a FAFSA? We encourage eligible students to go ahead and complete the FAFSA so the record can be submitted to us in the tentative March release. 

What if the FAFSA has already been submitted? Great! The Department of Education has advised that students will receive an email once the FAFSA is processed. Students can check their status online at studentaid.gov. 

What if someone does not intend to complete the FAFSA? Completing the FAFSA is optional, however, some funds – like state grants and federal work study have a FAFSA requirement. We do encourage all eligible students to complete the FAFSA in their first year in school. It is the family’s decision if they wish to reapply for financial aid. If they do not wish to utilize this route, we ask that they notify our office.

What if someone has a unique situation? Should a student or family have a unique situation, or just have general questions, they are always welcome to contact us by calling 252-398-6535 or emailing finaid@chowan.edu.

Once we begin to receive the FAFSA data, we will communicate with the student any additional paperwork that may be necessary. Should no additional documents be needed, we will work to prepare award offers as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we always encourage families to still seek additional outside grants and scholarship applications while we wait for your FAFSA results. 

We will keep you posted on any updates to the FAFSA processing timeline. 

Best, 

Chowan Financial Aid