1. Billing, Payments, & Refunds
  2. Bookstore Advance Program

Bookstore Advance Program

This program allows eligible students to receive early access to their financial aid refund in order to purchase textbooks and supplies from the on-campus Barnes & Noble bookstore.

** The enrollment period for Fall 2021 is July 15 - August 11. **

Bookstore Advance Program (BAP) funds

  • Funds will be an advance of a student’s expected financial aid refund. 
  • This is NOT an additional financial aid award.
  • BAP is not available for summer sessions.

How to participate in the program

  • You will receive an email if you are eligible for a Bookstore Advance (i.e., your anticipated financial aid must exceed your student account charges).  
  • If you did not receive an email, you are not eligible for a Bookstore Advance.
  • To participate in the program, you must opt-in by completing the application form by the enrollment deadline stated in your email. 
  • Once your application is processed, you will receive an email notifying you of the exact Bookstore Advance amount that will be available to you.  This amount will be available at the Barnes & Noble bookstore, and a preliminary charge for this amount will be placed on your student account. 

How to purchase books using BAP

  • You may purchase your books once you receive the email notifying you of the exact Bookstore Advance amount that will be available to you.  
  • You are only allowed to use the Bookstore Advance for educational purchases.
  • You have the option to buy books in-person at the UNC Charlotte on-campus bookstore or online.
  • When making a purchase in person at the bookstore, tell the cashier that you want to use your “Bookstore Advance” funds to purchase your books. 
  • When purchasing online, choose BAP as the method of payment.
  • Students are not permitted to purchase books for other students using the Bookstore Advance.

Deadline to purchase books using BAP

  • You may use your advance funds to make purchases from July 27 - August 31. After this date, your Bookstore Advance will expire. 
  • After August 31, any remaining funds in your Bookstore Advance account will be removed. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You will receive an email if you are eligible for a Bookstore Advance (i.e., your anticipated financial aid must exceed your student account charges).  
    • If you did not receive an email, you are not eligible for a Bookstore Advance.
  • To participate in the program, you must opt-in by completing the online application form by the enrollment deadline.
  • You must continue to be an active, degree-seeking student.
  • You must be enrolled at least half-time in UNC Charlotte hours for the upcoming semester.
  • You must have sufficient financial aid to cover your student account balance and have enough funds to cover the Bookstore Advance amount.
  • The university will make the final determination of a student’s eligibility for this program. You must meet all of the terms and conditions for your financial aid package.

This program is designed to assist those who might not otherwise be able to purchase educational materials at the beginning of the semester. Participation is completely voluntary. If you believe this opportunity will assist you in purchasing textbooks and supplies needed for this semester, we encourage you to consider taking advantage of the offer.