Catawba College News Service

SALISBURY — Catawba College is extending its enrollment deposit priority deadline to June 1 for incoming first-year students enrolling in the fall 2024 semester. It is also reducing the deposit amount to help students finalize their college selection.

The processing delays from the Free Application for Federal Assistance (FAFSA) have posed challenges for many students and their families. This caused a ripple effect that pushed back the creation of financial aid packages that often determine which college students ultimately choose to attend. The delay was a result of extensive federal changes to the FAFSA to simplify the student aid application process.

Catawba is reducing the enrollment deposit to $100 for all new students. Students who submit the FAFSA to Catawba will have their enrollment deposit reduced further to $50.

Students are encouraged to pay their enrollment deposit as soon as they determine Catawba is their final choice to secure their spot in the class and begin the housing process.

Catawba’s efforts are part of their commitment to providing access for all students to a high-quality, affordable education.

Prospective students who have not yet filled out a FAFSA for 2024-25 still have time to do so. The application form may be found at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.