Types of Aid

Most students are eligible for some type of financial aid regardless of family financial circumstances. Basically, to be eligible for aid, students must:

• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA designating ECSU (school code 002926) to receive FAFSA results.
• Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the ECSU Financial Aid Office.
• Not owe a refund on a student grant or be in default on a student loan.
• Be enrolled at least half time, six or more undergraduate credit hours or five or more graduate credit hours.

The type of aid we offer is in the form of:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Work Program
• Loans

Scholarships

Awards are based upon different criteria and do not require repayment. Financial need, academic excellence, state of residency, major of study are a few of the criteria used for selecting recipients. Most scholarships require a 2.5 high school GPA and 1200 SAT score to be eligible and 2.5 college GPA to maintain it.

ECSU Foundation Scholarship

UNC Campus Base Scholarship

Departmental Scholarships

Other Scholarships

Grants

Grants are awards that are not repaid. Only undergraduates who have not previously received a bachelor's degree are eligible. Most grants are awarded to those who apply for financial aid by the March 15th priority funding deadline and exhibit exceptional financial need.

Education Access Rewards North Carolina Scholars Fund (EARN)
EARN is awarded to enrolled full time dependent students for the first time who is a North Carolina resident, meet all other eligibility requirements for the Federal Pell Grant, and have a total family income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline. The maximum award is up to $4,000 a year for the first two academic years.

"EARN awards are contingent upon funding by the North Carolina General Assembly."

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated by the Department of Education based on the information listed on the FAFSA form, the number of credit hours per semester and your cost of attendance. If you are enrolled for less than 12 credit hours, the Pell award is calculated as follows:

Federal Pell Grant funds are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, second degree, non-degree and graduate students. If eligible, you will receive only one Pell Grant in an award year. The amount of other aid does not affect the Pell Grant award amount. You can not receive Pell Grant funds from two or more schools at the same time.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded based on your EFC number, when you apply, your financial need and funds available. FSEOG funds are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, second degree, non-degree and graduate students. Students with the lowest EFC numbers receive priority. FSEOG awards range from $200 to $2,000 a year.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is awarded to full-time Pell Grant recipients. You must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study (after January 1, 2006, if a first year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student). If you are a first year student, you must not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program. If you are a second year student, you must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of the first academic year. Eligible students may receive $750 for the first academic year of study and $1300 for the second academic year of study.

Federal National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
The SMART Grant is awarded to full-time Pell Grant recipients majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Physics, Industrial Technology, Marine Science and Mathematics. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Eligible students may receive up to $4000 for each of the third and fourth academic years of study.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
The TEACH grant is awarded to students who intend to teach in a high-need field in a public or private  elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Eligible students may receive up to $4,000 per year. It grant requires a 3.25 college GPA and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS)
The ELS is awarded to students who are a North Carolina resident taking at least 6 credit hours a semester. 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 $5,000 or less will be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. Students who have earned baccalaureate college degree are ineligible. Grants ranges from $100 to $2,500 for the year. This award is determined by the state of North Carolina.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)
The NCSIG is awarded to full time students who are a North Carolina resident. Students who have earned baccalaureate college degree are ineligible. This grant awards $700 a year and is determined by the state of North Carolina.

University of North Carolina Need Based Grant (UNCIG)
The UNCIG is awarded to students who are North Carolina resident and taking at least 6 credit hours a semester. Eligibility is determined based on need. Students who have earned baccalaureate college degree are ineligible. This award is determined by the state of North Carolina.

Work

Part-time employment on campus allows students to earn money to pay for educational expenses.

Federal Work-Study Program
This program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need. Students are paid $8.00 an hour and are limited to 20 hours a week. Students must first work in order to get paid.