North Carolina Central University: Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is committed to providing resources that make college tuition more manageable for students and their families. Understanding the various scholarships and financial aid options available is crucial for prospective and current students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs offered at NCCU, along with eligibility requirements and application processes.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance at NCCU

Since NCCU is a public university, tuition costs differ for in-state and out-of-state students. The published sticker price is a starting point. The actual cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically increases over a student's four years in college. Individual college costs depend on a student's financial situation, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In-State Students: The sticker price for North Carolina residents is approximately $26,788.
Out-of-State Students: Non-residents face a higher sticker price of around $39,824.

Federal Aid Programs

Pell Grants

The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. If a student receives a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college they gain admission to. Pell Grant payments may range from $650 to $6,195, but this grant will be reduced for students who enroll less than full-time.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Eligibility for FSEOG is based upon financial need determined by the information provided on the application for financial aid. Students who are eligible for Pell Grants and who demonstrate the greatest need are given priority in receiving FSEOG. FSEOG funds will appear as a credit on a student’s account. The grant will be reduced for students who enroll for less than full-time. Grants are generally $1,000 for in-state and $2,000 for out-of-state students per school year.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

This is an award for which a student must work. Money is earned hourly, and the student is paid bi-weekly. This award is available to undergraduate and graduate students based on need, using the information provided on the application for financial aid to determine eligibility. FWS awards will not appear as a credit on a student’s account. The average FWS undergraduate employee works ten hours per week and typically earns from $500 to $1,000 per academic year at a minimum rate of $9.00 per hour. The average FWS graduate/ professional employee works ten to twenty hours per week and typically earns from $1,000 to $2,000 per academic year at a minimum rate of $10.00 per hour. Students can make their work more meaningful by performing Community Service in the Durham community or by participating in the America Reads Program tutoring at elementary schools at a rate of $9.00 per hour.

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State Aid Programs for North Carolina Residents

North Carolina residents with demonstrated financial need should explore state grants to help pay for NCCU.

NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship

The state offers need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays.

Education Lottery Scholarship

Awards range from $502 to $4,200 for NCCU students. It provides financial assistance to needy North Carolina resident students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant with one exception; students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant with an estimated family contribution of 5000 or less may be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. Students who have earned baccalaureate (four-year) college degrees are ineligible.

North Carolina Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program

The North Carolina Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program offers grants to foster youth and former foster youth to attend colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year for four years as they pursue higher education. The funds may be used for tuition, books, or qualified living expenses related to post-secondary education.

Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)

This program provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to students who are committed to working in North Carolina in high need fields. You may be eligible if you are planning to pursue nursing, teaching or an allied health profession. The FELS award is available to North Carolina residents attending one of the 16 UNC colleges and universities.

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The Next NC Scholarship

In-state students should explore the Next NC Scholarship opportunity, where most families earning $80K or less qualify for at least $5K per year.

Golden LEAF Scholarship

This award is funded by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to students residing in one of the 56 North Carolina counties who will enroll at one of the 16 public universities (the University of North Carolina (UNC) system campuses). Grants will range from $100 to $3,588 for the year. Students can receive this award for a maximum of ten semesters.

NCCU Specific Scholarships

Cheatham-White Scholarship

The Cheatham-White Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program for students attending North Carolina Central University and N.C. This is a fully funded four-year scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop, travel and personal expenses. Each scholarship also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities that may include international travel and study.

University Endowed and Annual Scholarships

An online database of University endowed and annual scholarships are listed every October for the upcoming academic year. Admitted students can apply for up to ten scholarships by completing the online University scholarship application between October 1st and the end of February. Scholarship recipients are chosen by the various departments on campus. Selected students will receive notification from the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid by May 1. To be eligible, one must meet all of the University admissions requirements.

Chancellor's Cycle of Success Scholarship

Eligibility and Selection CriteriaTo be selected as a Chancellor's Cycle of Success Scholarship recipient, a student must satisfy all of the following criteria:

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Be admitted as a freshman into a baccalaureate program at NCCU.
Have a minimum weighted or unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.3 on the transcript submitted with their admissions application.
Have confirmed their enrollment at the University.
Have completed the FAFSA.
(Optional) Have a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 23. (Superscores are accepted.

Athletic Scholarships

Awards range from $200 to full payment of educational expenses. You must have a documented record of sports participation and outstanding athletics ability to be eligible for this scholarship.

North Carolina Central University Alumni Association Scholarships

North Carolina Central University Alumni Association offers scholarships to students at NCCU. The scholarship will vary in amount and may be renewable for up to four years. A majority of the National Alumni Scholarship awards made annually go to incoming freshman, applications are acceptable from any student regardless of classification or academic interest. Recipients of these awards are designated as National Alumni Scholars. All National Alumni Scholars are required to carry a full class load.

Other Scholarships

A. A.N. Addie L. Alex M. Alfred L. & Mildred B. April D. Preference given to undergraduate students enrolled in the Dept. Arthrell Dupree and Earl A. Audwin A. and Rafette B. Averner Blue, Jr. BCBS - Dept. Bert and Carolyn B. Bessie and William H. Bessie M. Betty P. Bill and Nata F. Must be a NC resident of an underrepresented minority group. Brian R. Carey A. Carl T. Christopher S. Clarence G. and Mildred C. The Scholarship Committee shall determine the recipient(s).
Dr. A.P. To be eligible for this award, one must be an undergraduate student, enrolled full time, N.C. resident and have an academic average of 3.0. An entering freshman must be ranked in the top 25% of his/her graduating class. C.M. and M.D. To be eligible for this award, one must have a 3.0 GPA, rank in the top 25% of the high school graduating class, in the case of an entering freshman, and be a N.C. resident undergraduate full-time student. This award is usually made to a University scholar who is an undergraduate student.
Award is available to a full time North Carolina resident undergraduate majoring in Criminal Justice. First priority in selection is given to a son or daughter of any law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Second priority is given to a son or daughter of any sheriff or deputy sheriff who is deceased, retired (regular or disability). Third priority is given to any resident criminal justice student meeting NCCU’s academic and financial need criteria. The nonrenewable awards are valued at $2,000 each.

Veteran's Benefits

North Carolina Central University is approved to certify Veterans, Active Duty Service members, and their eligible family members for training time in any one of the approved programs of education under provisions of Titles 38 and 10 United States Code. The Veterans Administration offers five different education benefits to Veterans, Active Duty Service members, and eligible family members. Through the Office of Veterans Affairs at North Carolina Central University, students are educated about which benefits they may be eligible for, and are assisted in applying for such benefits. The Office of Veterans Affairs is located in the NCCU Veterans Resource Center in Suite 216 of the Miller Morgan Building, and is a part of the Division of Enrollment Management.

*To be eligible for certification to the VA you must be admitted to the University as a degree-seeking student. Those who are on Active Drill/Reserve status may be eligible for this benefit with approval from their Commanding Officer. Benefits may be applied for upon completion of basic and MOS/Rate training and after obtaining a signed Notice of Basic Eligibility, NOBE, from their Command. This benefit is paid directly to the individual and must be verified by the student on the last day of each month enrolled in training. Benefits are paid out proportionately based on training time.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

An individual may be eligible if he/she entered the Military on or after July 1, 1985, served at least two years, contributed $100.00 a month for the first 12 months of service, and were honorably discharged. This benefit must be used within 10 years of the service members discharge date. This benefit is paid directly to the individual and must be verified by the student on the last day of each month enrolled in training.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment

For the retraining of certain Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10%. Entitlement is determined by a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and is based on how current work conditions are intensifying or aggravating a service connected disability.

Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the newest education benefit for individuals with active duty service after September 11, 2011. Active Duty, Veterans, and family members may be eligible for this benefit as long as the service member spent at least 90 days on Active Duty Status; Active Duty service time need not be consecutive. This benefit includes a payment of in- state Tuition and Fees disbursed directly to the University, a Housing Allowance, and Book Stipend paid directly to the student.

Transfer of Entitlement (TOE)

Service members can qualify for Transfer of Entitlement, or TOE, if they have completed at least six years of service and have a reenlistment to serve four more, or 10 years of service time.

Fry Scholarship

For Spouses and Children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 11, 2001. Those eligible will receive all 36 months of entitlement at the 100% benefit rating. A spouse or child of a Veteran who is declared 100% totally or permanently disabled due to service connected disabilities may be eligible for this benefit. Also a surviving spouse or children of a Veteran who died on active duty or due to complications with a service connected disability may also be eligible. DEA includes 45 months of entitlement and is paid directly to the student at the end of each month; amount of payment is based on the rate of training.

In-State Tuition for Veterans

This section states that a Veteran using Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 30 benefits, or Post 9/11 Chapter 33 benefits may qualify for instate tuition as long as they are within three years of their discharge date, reside in the same state in which the University is located, and maintain consecutive enrollment. The spouse and children using Post 9/11 GI Bill® Transfer of Entitlement or the Fry Scholarship may also qualify for instate tuition as long as the above three criteria are met.

Additional Financial Aid Programs

Work-Aid Program

This is an award for which a student must work. The student is paid bi-weekly. This is not a need-based program. Wage rates, hours and conditions of employment are strictly between the student and the employer. Work-Aid awards will not appear as a credit on the student’s account.

DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG)

The DC Tuition Assistance Grant was created in November 1999 by the District of Columbia College Access Act. The grant provides funds to District residents. DC TAG may be used to attend any of the more than 2,500 public colleges around the county. The grant pays the difference between the in-state and out-of-state tuition. The award is paid directly to the institution and is equal to the difference between the in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 per year. There is a lifetime maximum of $50,000. DC Web site provides useful information on the program. Eligibility is based on the following criteria: a resident of the District enrolled in college as a full time student, in good academic standing according to the standards set by the college, and demonstrates financial need.

Burroughs Wellcome Fund Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP)

Established in 1988 by Burroughs Wellcome Company in the Research Triangle Park, this program offers Triangle residents the opportunity to improve their lives through further education or training. Any person who has been a permanent resident of Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake County for the past six months, who can demonstrate the potential to succeed despite adversity, and who has an exceptional desire to improve himself or herself through further education or training may apply. There are no limitations on age, income level, previous education, course of study, or training program the applicant is planning to pursue. Scholarship may be used to begin a program or continue a program in which the applicant is already enrolled. It may be used for technical or community college programs, vocational or trade programs, or four-year college or university studies. Between four and six awards are made annually up to $5,000 per year for a maximum of four years. Scholarship may be applied to expenses for tuition, required fees, and required books.

North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NGTAP)

Student must be active member of the North Carolina Army or Air National Guard and remain a member of the National Guard for two years following the end of the academic period for which tuition assistance is provided. Student must enroll in an eligible business or trade school, a private or state educational institution in North Carolina, and must maintain a C or better grade point average.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program

In order to qualify, a student must have a mental or physical disability that is a handicap to employment. There must also be a reasonable expectation that as a result of vocational rehabilitation services the person may become gainfully employed. The amount of the award is based on need and the type of program in which the individual is enrolled. It generally pays for tuition and fees.

Services for the Blind Scholarship

Student must be legally blind or have a progressive eye condition that may result in blindness, thereby creating an employment handicap for the individual. Student must he a North Carolina resident enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program. Tire amount of the assistance is based on financial need.

Roger R.

The purpose of the Roger R.

Applying for Financial Aid

FAFSA

The FAFSA is an essential tool to help you make informed financial decisions for your family. We offer various forms of aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study and loans, some of which do not require repayment. Applying for financial aid begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA on October 1st of each year.

School Code: Please indicate our school code of 002950 in section six.
Verification: Please verify that North Carolina Central University is listed on the Student Aid Report (SAR).
Expiration Date: The expiration date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is June 30th. Students attending the second session of summer school should closely monitor the deadline date to ensure that the FAFSA is processed before the deadline.

Summer School Financial Aid

Applying for Summer School is a paperless application process. Prior to receiving aid for Summer School, a student must be advised by an academic advisor and registered for Summer School in the summer sessions desired. Classes must appear in BANNER. Eligible students will be automatically awarded. If a student receives financial aid, but never attends classes, the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid must return all disbursed funds to the respective federal and institutional aid programs. The types of aid available during the summer vary based on the student’s remaining eligibility for Pell Grant and loans. To qualify for a student or parent loan, a student must be enrolled at least on a half-time basis, undergraduates six (6) hours, and graduates four and one-half (4.5) hours.

University Scholarship Application

Admitted students can apply for up to ten scholarships by completing the online University scholarship application between October 1st and the end of February. Scholarship recipients are chosen by the various departments on campus. Selected students will receive notification from the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid by May 1. To be eligible, one must meet all of the University admissions requirements.

Important Considerations

Holistic Review: Colleges judge applications holistically. A high score on standardized tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection.
Test-Optional Policy: North Carolina Central University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions.
Attendance Verification: Starting Fall 2022, attendance verification will be required for financial aid disbursement. At the beginning of each semester, before financial aid is disbursed, the University must be able to document that you have begun attendance in all your courses. During the first two weeks of class, professors will be asked to electronically report if you attended all your courses.
Urban Environment: Colleges in cities offer easy access to jobs, internships, and entertainment. These colleges provide plenty of opportunities but may include higher living costs and a busier environment than other campuses. Some urban schools have traditional campuses, while others blend into the city.
Loan Information: Graduates of NCCU take out a median of $28,250 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option.
COVID-19 Relief Aid: In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress passed the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Aid, which provides $6.3 billion in direct support to institutions.

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