How do I apply for financial aid?

When you apply for admission, you will be given the opportunity to fill out an application for University financial aid. In addition, the WPS undergraduate coordinator in your area of study will alert you to any scholarships your record indicates you might qualify for. Even if you think you may not be eligible, we encourage you to apply and to submit your application as soon as possible.

If you do apply for financial aid from the University, you will not find out what you have been admitted — so be sure to get your admissions application in on time and fully filled out.

When do I apply for financial aid?

For University-sponsored financial aid, you apply at the same time you apply for admission. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Not only will you receive notice of any financial award sooner, you have a better chance of obtaining a portion of whatever funds are available.

How is financial aid eligibility determined?

If you are applying for merit-based aid, your eligibility is determined by how well you satisfy the criteria for that particular scholarship. If you are applying for needs-based aid, the amount of University financial aid you are eligible to receive depends on what your family’s financial aid needs are (as determined by the application you fill out), whether you are a full-time or part-time student, the amount of financial aid money available and whether or not you qualify for specific financial aid programs. A lot of these programs require you to be registered for at least 12 credit hours a semester.

Is my family required to contribute money toward my education?

In almost all cases, yes they are. Unless you are considered independent for financial aid purposes, your family is expected to contribute to the cost of your college education. You have to satisfy specific criteria to be considered independent from a financial aid perspective. Most students meeting independent status criteria are older, veterans of the armed services, in graduate school or married.

Is there financial aid available for international students?

Because most financial aid is government-based and geared toward citizens of a specific country, most international students who enter NC State University do so with financial aid provided by organizations located within their home country. Please see the individual programs for information on scholarships available to international students.

What academic scholarship options does NC State offer?

NC State's academic scholarship programs include:

• The Caldwell Fellows Program for truly exceptional students. Participants are selected on the basis of leadership potential, outstanding scholarship, citizenship, maturity, and intellectual promise.
  
• The Park Scholarship for outstanding students, one of the most prestigious and comprehensive undergraduate scholarships in the U.S.
• General Hugh Shelton Leadership Initiative Scholarships, which are awarded to deserving students who exhibit outstanding leadership, character and community service.

What sort of scholarships does WPS offer?

WPS has a considerable endowment that permits a large number of scholarships to be awarded to both incoming freshmen and upperclassmen. These awards, combined with well-paying summer internships and semester co-op jobs, allow many students to finance a large portion of their undergraduate education. Please visit the WPS Scholarship and Financial Aid page for more information on program specific awards.

What part-time jobs could I get as a student?

If you want to hold down a part-time job in addition to your studies, NC State offers you several ways to identify appropriate opportunities:

• Our University Career Center links students seeking jobs with NC State departments needing part-time help through its ePack Program.
• Scholarships & Financial Aid maintains an online application system for students seeking part-time jobs.
• Human Resources maintains a searchable database for students seeking part-time jobs.

Where can I get additional information about my financial aid options?

The following websites can provide you with more information on your financial aid options:

• The NC State Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at NC State can assist you in applying for and securing financial aid. It can help with scholarships, grants, loans and campus employment as well as provide financial aid counseling.
• The US Department of Education has information and pamphlets on federal student loan programs and grants.
• College Foundation of North Carolina is a nonprofit partnership that can help you find the best financial aid alternatives for you. It offers information on college costs, calculators, and types of financial aid, including scholarships and grants for North Carolinians and how to apply, as well as North Carolina's college savings program. In addition to the web site, CFNC offers a toll-free number for families to access a college financing specialist, 800-600-3453.
• FINAID is a comprehensive source of information on all forms of student financial aid.
• College Board Onlineoffers a scholarship search and information on financial aid.
• FastWeb offers a free college scholarship search service.
• iApply offers links to and information about financial aid for parents and students.
• The North Carolina State Educational Assistance Authority administers and manages 35 financial aid programs funded by federal, state or private sources to assist North Carolina residents in meeting the costs of postsecondary education.
• Funding Your Education is an informative site maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

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