FAQS

Many prospective MBA@UNC students have questions about our program and its admissions policies and procedures. We’ve listed some of the most common ones here.

If you need details and information not provided on this page, please feel free to contact us.

General FAQ
Admissions FAQ
Tuition and Billing
UNC Student Portal
Financial Aid at UNC
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Student Loan Repayment
Military Education Benefits
Tax Benefits for Education

General FAQ

  • MBA@UNC allows students around the world to earn UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked MBA online1. MBA@UNC features a rigorous curriculum that can be tailored to specific career goals, and students earn the same UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA degree as the on-campus programs. Courses are delivered in a live, virtual classroom by top UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty.

    Our online MBA is designed for working professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills and build a global network who prefer the flexibility or learning style provided by a program primarily offered online.

    Through the use of innovative technologies and real-world Summit experiences, MBA@UNC blends the flexibility of an online program with in-person networking opportunities and personalized learning.

  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a portfolio of degree formats that enable students with a range of backgrounds, objectives and scheduling requirements to access UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked MBA. Whichever program you choose to pursue, you’ll receive the same UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA degree.

  • Your MBA@UNC network will comprise global professionals living and working around the world.

    We look for candidates with strong professional and academic backgrounds who can thrive in UNC’s collaborative, team-based environment. We apply the same rigorous admissions standards to MBA@UNC that we require of our other MBA programs.

  • A new class begins each quarter in July, October, January and April. Visit our website for cohort start dates and application deadlines.

  • Students have the flexibility to complete the program in as few as 18 or as many as 36 months. Students who take two courses per quarter during the core, and 4 courses per quarter during electives will complete the program in 24 months.  

  • Almost half (45 percent) of your credits are electives. While we emphasize a strong core curriculum, we offer more than 25 electives, allowing you to customize your experience, and focus on the areas and skills you want to strengthen.

    Learn more about electives.

    For students who want to specialize in a particular business area, we also offer six concentrations:

    • Data Analytics and Decision Making
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Management and Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Strategy and Consulting

    Learn more about concentrations.

  • Each course is designed and delivered by a UNC Kenan-Flagler professor and requires:

    • Preparation outside of class, including teamwork and assignments that may include readings, cases, projects and papers.
    • Lectures and delivery of new information in an asynchronous format.
    • Weekly virtual meetings in a synchronous format. This may include case discussions, role plays, breakout groups and other discussions to drive learning.
    • Optional quarterly three-day Summits – three-day, intensive experiences held on-campus and around the world. Students will be responsible for completing all coursework to receive credit for Summits. Many students choose to participate in at least two Summits, and can participate in up to four during the program.

  • Though all classes and coursework can be completed online, providing flexibility for those students who want to earn their degree fully online, MBA@UNC students have the option to participate in experiential and global learning experiences, such a Summits, Global Immersion Electives, and Doing Business In courses (short-term study abroad). MBA@UNC students also have the ability to take in-person electives in the Full-Time or Executive MBA programs, based on course availability.

  • This is a rigorous program for highly-motivated professionals. In addition to the weekly synchronous class sessions, expect to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week per class for study time, preparation and asynchronous sessions.

  • We’ve been delivering our MBA online since 2011, so we understand how to help working professionals—current students and alumni—achieve their most ambitious career goals.

    With scheduling options that minimize the days you spend out of the office, practical learnings you can apply to your job right away, personalized coaching services and coursework you can complete at your own pace from anywhere, our online format makes it possible to maintain your income and accelerate your professional momentum while you earn your degree.

    Once you’ve graduated, you’ll continue to receive 1:1 coaching services—tailored to your needs and interests as your career evolves. You will also be able to take UNC Kenan-Flagler courses for a reduced fee, giving you new opportunities to refine your skills, explore new interests and update your knowledge.

    Learn more about Career Management and Leadership Development.

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Admissions FAQ

  • UNC Kenan-Flagler seeks students whose academic background, professional experience and leadership abilities meet the rigorous demands of our top-ranked program—regardless of the format they choose. We look for candidates with strong professional and academic backgrounds who can thrive in our collaborative, team-based environment.

  • We require MBA@UNC applicants have a minimum of two years professional work experience. We value advanced degrees, but they are not a substitute for work experience.

  • Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. International candidates must have a college-level education equivalent to an American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree (the same as a first university degree). Generally this is a 4-year degree.

    There are a number of universities around the world that offer 3-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these 3-year undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to our program.

  • MBA@UNC’s testing requirement is based on the applicant’s number of years of professional full-time work experience as a general policy. However, the Admissions Committee will consider online student GMAT waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.

    Please note that no GMAT/GRE waiver is automatic and an approved waiver request does not guarantee admission to the program.

    To learn more about requesting a waiver, visit our GMAT/GRE Waiver Policy.

    Our school code for the GMAT is D40.HL.07. Our code for the GRE is 0024. TOEFL External link , IELTS External link or PTE Academic External link is required for applicants for whom English is not the native language. Our school code for these tests is 5816. You do not need to submit a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score if:

    • You earned an undergraduate or graduate degree at a U.S. college or university
    • You total education was conducted in English in a native English-speaking country
    • You earned an undergraduate degree or graduate degree from India. We will request test scores from some Indian candidates as needed

  • Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, please specify that your transcript(s) be sent to appsvcs@onlinebusiness.unc.edu or select University of North Carolina, Online MBA if listed as an option through a vendor. This will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

  • An interview is required for admission into the program. Interviews will be conducted via video conference, using a basic webcam like the type integrated into most laptop computers.

  • Although no specific prerequisite courses are required to apply to MBA@UNC, basic business knowledge is required. You will need to understand standard accounting, statistics, finance, and economics principles. You also need to be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

  • The application for MBA@UNC is available for completion online. In addition to basic information, you will be required to submit essays, professional recommendations, all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts and your test scores. The online application instructions will guide you through this process, and our Admissions Counselors are available to answer your questions.

  • All UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA programs require students to complete the entire program; transfer credits are not accepted.

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Tuition and Billing

  • Tuition is based on the number of credits for which you register. Current tuition rates can be found on the Tuition & Financial Aid page.

  • Admitted applicants will be required to submit a $1,500 non-refundable enrollment deposit to reserve a space in the program. Enrollment deposits will be applied as a credit toward the first quarter’s tuition once the student enrolls in the program.

  • We hope to provide you with full financial aid information as soon as possible; however, the process may not be complete prior to the enrollment deposit deadline. U.S. and permanent residents should be eligible to borrow the maximum Federal Direct Loan amounts, provided they meet the basic eligibility requirements. Students can also review the additional loan options to determine the best program for covering the remaining amount of their estimated cost of attendance. International applicants are not eligible for Federal student loans.

  • Tuition bills are processed through the UNC Cashier’s Office; however, any specific questions about your tuition charges should be directed to the MBA@UNC Registrar or the MBA@UNC Financial Aid Office.

    • Tuition is billed on the 15th of the month prior to each quarter.
    • Tuition is due on the second Tuesday of the month that each quarter starts.
    • Financial aid is disbursed directly to the Cashier’s Office and student loan funds will be credited directly toward any outstanding tuition balance due.

    Billing schedule example:

    QuarterBill SentPayment Due On
    July
    Early July
    2nd Tuesday in August
    October
    Mid-September
    2nd Tuesday in October
    January
    Mid-December
    2nd Tuesday in January
    April
    Mid-March
    2nd Tuesday in April

  • Enrolled students and Authorized Users will receive email notification when bills are available in the ConnectCarolina Student Center.

  • The payment system is generally available 7 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.

  • A third-party sponsor is a government agency, embassy, or private company that pays all or a portion of a student’s invoice directly to the university. 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.

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

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

  • Details on the refund process are listed on the UNC University Cashier Student Accounts page

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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.

  • 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.

  • To access ONYEN (Only Name You’ll Ever Need). You will receive access upon submitting your enrollment deposit.

  • Your UNC email account is where you’ll receive information about financial aid, orientation, and other key updates. It is very important to make sure your email address listed in Connect Carolina is correct. This is the address main campus will use to send bills, financial aid information and general UNC alerts. 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.

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Financial Aid at UNC

  • Many private organizations and government programs offer fellowships, grants, and scholarships that can help you fund your degree. UNC’s Funding Information Portal organizes these resources and offers a convenient way for you to research these opportunities. Start your research early to give yourself the best chance of receiving an award.

    In the past, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students have received funding from these organizations and programs.

    For additional information please visit the UNC Scholarships and Student Aid page.

  • Yes, you will need to include your SSN in your application for admission, in order for UNC to retrieve your FAFSA from the federal database.

  • Fellowships: Merit fellowships will be awarded to a limited number of students in each entering class at MBA@UNC.

    How do I apply for a fellowship?
    Your application for admission serves as the application for fellowships. There is no separate application for these awards.

    How would a fellowship affect my loan eligibility?
    A student’s fellowship amount will reduce overall tuition balance and is normally credited equally over all payments. The amount of the fellowship proportionally reduces the student’s loan eligibility.

    Corporate sponsorship: Some companies provide employees with an educational benefit, whereby they pay all or part of tuition expenses. Preparing a request for corporate support might help to gain support. We are happy to share information and guidance to help you make such a request.

    Veterans benefits: MBA@UNC is an approved program for students receiving military education benefits.

    Student loans: Federal student loans are available to US Citizens and Permanent Residents. UNC Kenan-Flagler has a financial aid professional who provides dedicated assistance to applicants. International applicants are not eligible for Federal student loans. Learn more about student loans at MBA@UNC.

  • 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.

  • Yes, you must remain Academically Eligible with MBA@UNC program standards and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive Federal Loans.

  • Students must be registered at 4.5 credit hours per semester to remain eligible to borrow Federal Student Loans. Please note that two quarters are the equivalent to one semester. The fall semester includes the July and October quarters and the spring semester includes the January and April quarters. Our students typically take about 8 credit hours per quarter.

  • Private education loans are offered by private lenders to help students bridge the gap between the cost of education and the amount the government allows you to borrow in federal loans. Lenders offer private educational loans with different rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements. While UNC is not permitted to make lender recommendations, you can use our ELMSelect Website to explore lenders that students across the university have used more frequently in the past few years.

  • Some private student loan lenders offer loans to international students that may or may not require a U.S. co-signer. Additional information is available under Full-Time MBA Private Education Loans (may or may not require co-signer).

  • You must be admitted and have submitted a FAFSA to UNC-Chapel Hill to receive a Federal Student Loan offer. We typically receive FAFSAs about 1 week after you submit it online. If you are starting in a July quarter we typically begin processing offers in mid-April. In other quarters, it occurs on a rolling basis. You will receive either an email notifying you that a financial aid offer is ready to review, or that we have requested additional items to determine your eligibility.

    We will send that email notification to the email that is listed as the preferred email address in your ConnectCarolina Student Center.

  • Log in to your ConnectCarolina Student Center. Review further instructions on the Office of the Scholarships and Student Aid website, and be sure to monitor the Financial Aid “To-do List” in the Connect Carolina Student Center.

  • 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. Please contact the financial aid team if you need assistance determining the amount to borrow. Instructions for accepting federal loan(s) are available on the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid Website.

  • Yes, it is possible, however, you must meet eligibility requirements, including:

    • United States citizen or permanent resident
    • Not in default on any undergraduate or graduate federal education loans
    • Have not exceeded $138,500 in federal student loan debt for both undergraduate and graduate loans
    • Enrolled at least half-time each semester
    • Submit the FAFSA each academic year and take steps to receive the loans

  • Loans are sent to the bill after you have accepted them and completed the required documentation. Generally, we are able to send them to the bill around the first day of classes each quarter.

    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 US checking account of your choice.

  • 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.

  • For more detailed information or for further questions, please contact our Financial Aid team at onlinefinaid@unc.edu.

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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

  • The UNC FAFSA school code is 002974.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    StartFAFSA Year
    July 2023 through April 2024
    2023-2024
    July 2024 through April 2025
    2024-2025
    July 2025 through April 2026
    2025-2026

  • Please review basic eligibility criteria on the Federal Student Aid Website.

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Student Loan Repayment

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • In certain situations, all or a portion of your federal student loans may be forgiven, canceled, or discharged.

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Military Education Benefits

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

  • 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 30-45 days 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 official transcripts of all colleges attended and the UNC-Chapel Hill Veterans Educational Benefits Enrollment Data Form.

    Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the VA at 1-(888)-442-4551.

  • VA processing times may vary so it is best to reach out to the VA Certifying Official as early as possible.

  • Coverage is based on individual entitlement. Please contact the VA Certifying Official at kfveteransaffairs@kenan-flagler.unc.edu to discuss coverage.

  • The MHA rates are determined at the beginning of each military academic year on August 1, and are valid through July 31st. View the current payment and MHA rate. Please note that the MBA@UNC is considered distance learning.

  • The Yellow Ribbon Program is not applicable to the MBA@UNC program as it is considered In-State by the VA (no matter your location).

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

    • 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)
    • Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)
    • Fry Scholarship

  • For questions regarding the use of your military education benefits, contact the UNC VA Certifying Official (Karsen Spain). You can reach Karsen Spain via email at Karsen_Spain@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.

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Tax Benefits for Education

  • For details on tax benefits for education, see Publication 970. Tax Benefits for Higher Education, which provides detailed information. UNC 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.

  • 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.

  • Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed in the previous year 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 they are eligible for an educational tax credit.

  • 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.

    Students can access their 1098-T form by logging in to ConnectCarolina, clicking the Student Center tile, and using the drop-down menu under the Student Financials section. Select “View 1098-T” and click the arrow button. For additional information on obtaining your 1098-T form, please visit the UNC University Cashier page.

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Related Pages

ADMISSIONS
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
EVENTS

1 UNC Kenan-Flagler was ranked #22 by U.S. News & World Report in the most recent report published in August 2024, and its online MBA program is ranked #3 in August 2024. (https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill-199120/rankings).arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference