Types of Aid
TYPES OF AID
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Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA designating ECSU(school code 002926) to receive FAFSA results.
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Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
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Be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
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Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the ECSU Financial Aid Office.
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Not owe a refund on a student grant or be in default on a student loan.
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Be enrolled at least half time, six or more undergraduate credit hours or five or more graduate credit hours.
ECSU has several types of financial aid for students. Students may get a combination
of any of the following to pay for education expenses:
SCHOLARSHIPS
Foundation Scholarships (funded by the ECSU Foundation) have unique eligibility requirements based on donor agreements. Please apply to these scholarships using the following the link below. Please be aware that you will need to submit a FAFSA to be considered for some of these scholarships based on the eligibility criteria.
Foundation scholarships are awarded based on major of study, state of residency, interest in a specific subject area like math or science, or exceptional talent and academic performance.
Notification Dates: June 15 and every week after until funds are depleted
Need-based scholarships and grants are awarded based upon a student's financial need. Some scholarships are awarded based on both merit and financial need.
Purpose
The Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship was established as a merit scholarship program
for incoming freshmen at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) to provide an outstanding
educational experience for five students who are exceptional scholars, versatile and
well-rounded individuals. Scholarship recipients will represent the core values of
the institution through their commitment to excellence, accountability, diversity
and the ECSU motto: “To live is to learn.”
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Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA annually
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Enroll full time each semester and earn a minimum 30 credit hours each academic year
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Maintain membership and active participation in the ECSU Honors Program
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Maintain membership and active participation in the Chancellor Ambassor Program
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Strong candidates are intellectually curious and able to articulate their ideas clearly. In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews the applicants’ responses to the application questions along with the entire application for freshman admission. To be eligible for the Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be a competitive applicant for admission as a freshman in the fall semester into a baccalaureate program at ECSU
- Be on course to graduate from high school in the spring semester prior to college admission
- Be a United States citizen or permanent resident
- Have a minimum 3.5 or higher unweighted cumulative GPA
- Show exceptional qualities of character and leadership
- Demonstrate a commitment to academics, service and be involved in extracurricular activities
- Enroll as a full-time student
- Submit a letter of recommendation supporting your application for this scholarship from a teacher, religious leader or supervisor to chancellors.scholarship@ecsu.edu
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2024
Note: This scholarship is only available to first-time, incoming freshmen.
Aid Limitations
The total financial aid package – to include all types of aid received – must remain within the cost of attendance or financial aid budget as determined by Student Financial Aid. It is therefore important that you notify the Student Financial Aid Office of any scholarship, assistance, or loan funding that does not appear as part of an aid package. By doing so early, students reduce the risk of having aid adjusted mid-year or after funds have been received.
Undergraduate students receiving multiple or large scholarship offers from ECSU should also be aware that, in rare cases, their scholarship awards may be limited. Work closely with awarding offices to understand your scholarship package and terms of individual awards.
Eligibility Requirements
Entrance Eligibility. To be eligible for ECSU’s UNC Campus Scholarships, as an entering freshman, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a North Carolina resident;
- Be a graduate of a North Carolina high school who graduated with a cumulative weighted GPA of 2.5 or higher;
- Meet admissibility criteria to the University under University and UNC System rules;
- Apply for federal aid by completing and submitting the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by the required date and demonstrate financial need as defined by the U.S. Department of Education;
- Currently be enrolled in an ECSU degree program;
- Agree to participate in ECSU’s academic improvement effort, the First Year Experience, which includes an assessment of the student’s general education background and readiness for upper division work;
- Exhibit high moral and ethical standards in personal and scholastic behavior as set forth by ECSU’s Student Handbook, Catalogue and Student Code of Conduct.
- UNC Campus Scholarships have a maximum value of $3,000 per recipient per academic year and will be used after all need-based funds, from other sources, for which a student is also eligible have been included in the student’s financial aid package;
- The total award under the program shall carry up to a maximum value equal to the amount specified in the institution’s grant equity policy for in-state students;
- Continuing eligibility for a student awarded a UNC Campus Scholarship, as an entering freshman, requires maintenance of an academic year grade point average or a cumulative grade point average on the following scale:
End of Freshman Year, Sophomore Year, Junior Year, and Senior Year:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution and be enrolled full-time
TRANSFER STUDENTS:
- Be a North Carolina resident;
- Apply for federal aid by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the required date and demonstrate financial need as defined by the U.S. Department of Education;
- Currently be enrolled in an ECSU degree program;
- Exhibit high moral and ethical standards in personal and scholastic behavior as set forth by ECSU’s Student Handbook, Catalogue and Student Code of Conduct.
- UNC Campus Scholarships have a maximum value of $3,000 per recipient per academic year and will be used after all need-based funds, from other sources, for which a student is also eligible have been included in the student’s financial aid package;
- The total award under the program shall carry up to a maximum value equal to the amount specified in the institution’s grant equity policy for in-state students
- Continuing eligibility for a student awarded a UNC Campus Scholarship, as a transfer
student, requires maintenance of an academic year grade point average or a cumulative
grade point average on the following scale:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution and be enrolled full-time;
- The Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide written notice to any recipient of a UNC Campus Scholarship who fails to maintain eligibility status under the
- Upon receipt of notice as set forth in SECTION D.1, a student may seek reinstatement of a UNC Campus Scholarship award by submitting a written request for reinstatement to the Director of Student Financial Aid and
- If the student meets academic progress, credit hour progress and other requirements and UNC Campus Scholarship funds are available at the time reinstatement is requested, a student may be reinstated by the Director of Student Financial Aid and The Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide a written decision on whether or not reinstatement will be granted which shall be a final decision.
- A student can only be granted one reinstatement under the UNC Campus Scholarship Program.
- Golden LEAF Scholarship
- Latino Diamante Scholarship
- North Carolina Bar Association Scholarship
- NC Community Foundation Scholarship
- North Carolina Hispanic College Fund Scholarship
- North Carolina Sheriffs Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship
- North Carolina Veterans Scholarship
- North Carolina Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans
- State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) Scholarship
- Abbott & Fenner
- Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
- Americorps
- Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
- David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship
- Deliotte Foundation
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
- HBCU Living Legends
- HBCU/MIHE Transportation Fellows Scholarship
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- International Students Scholarships
- Jackie Robinson Foundation
- Latino College Dollars
- Newsome Melton Student Leadership Scholarship
- Orphan Foundation of America
- Roothbert Fund
- Siemens Foundation
- Sour Patch Mischief for Change Scholarship
- The ELC Scholarship Program
- The Renaissance Foundation Scholarship
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- Tylenol Scholarship
- United Negro College Fund
GRANTS
FEDERAL GRANTS
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. There are no appeals or exceptions to the life-time eligibility Pell Grant rule. Students who have already earned a bachelor, master, or professional degree are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
This is a federal grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students with the most financial need receive priority for this grant. FSEOG awards range from $200 and $1,000 a year, depending on your financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds.
To be eligible for an FSEOG, you must meet these requirements each academic year:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by January 1 priority deadline
- Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Enrolled in at least six credit hours per term
- Have a zero ($0) Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA
- Have not previously received a bachelor's degree or higher
- Must not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant or loan program
- Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
Apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
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.
To be eligible for a TEACH Grant, you must meet these requirements each academic year:
- Meet the basic eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
- Be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program.
- Meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25). For specific information about the academic requirements, talk to the financial aid office at your college or career school.
- Receive TEACH Grant counseling that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation. You must complete counseling each year that you receive a TEACH Grant.
- Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.
- in a high-need field;
- at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families; and
- for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.
Apply for the Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
STATE GRANTS
- Be a North Carolina resident as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual
- Enroll for at least 6 credit hours
- Be admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in matriculated status in a degree, certificate, or diploma program at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina or at a North Carolina Community College
NON-NC RESIDENT GRANTS
DC Tuition Assistance Grant expands higher education choices for college-bound Washington DC residents by providing grants of up to $10,000 toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public four-year colleges and universities throughout the US, Guam and Puerto Rico.
DC College Access Program is a last dollar awards, for up to $2,000 per year for five years. The awards are based on unmet need and are designed to close the financial need gap between the students' resources, financial aid and the actual college expenses.
Maryland Higher Education Commission is the coordinating board responsible for administering state financial aid programs for residents of Maryland.
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
Federal Work-Study is a form of financial aid awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligibility is determined by the annual completion of the FAFSA, enrollment status, and Satisfactory Academic Progress. ONLY students qualified by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships with an unmet need are eligible to participate in the program.
Federal Work-Study provides opportunities for eligible students to work part-time to earn money to pay for their expenses. Unlike other financial aid, money earned from Federal Work-Study employment is paid directly to students, not disbursed to their student accounts. Payroll checks are issued twice a month and reflect the number of hours worked (if any) and the student’s hourly rate of pay (wages vary throughout campus departments, but will always be at least minimum wage).
Find Out More about Work-Study
LOANS
Federal Direct Student Loans are low-interest loans for students to help pay for the cost of a student's college education. The
lender is the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Stafford Loans have yearly limits.
There are two types of loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized:
- Direct Subsidized Loan is a need based loan. Interest is paid by the Federal Government while you're enrolled in school. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships determines eligibility for this loan based on information reported the on the FAFSA.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a non-need based loan. Interst is paid by the student while enrolled in school. The student does have the option to defer the interest until graduation or separates from the institution for any reason. If you choose to defer your interest, it will accumulate and capitalize onto your principal. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships determines eligibility for this loan based on information reported the on the FAFSA.
Many private lending institutions offer loans to students and families seeking assistance to meet expenses related to attendance at ECSU. We strongly recommend that students utilize their federal loans prior to seeking private loans. Other options that may be available are the Federal Parent Loan and the tuition payment plan.
ECSU has selected ElmOne as a one-stop resource for students seeking alternative loans. Our websites below provides an interactive lender list, which assists students in selecting a loan that is best meets their needs. Please note that the list is not comprehensive. We do not endorse or promote specific alternative/private loan lenders and will not discriminate against students’ chosen lenders.
Undergraduate Lender List Graduate Lender List
When choosing a private loan, our office offers these suggestions:
- Review the terms and conditions of loans carefully
- Only borrow what you need (visit the Cost and Aid webpage for more information)
- Check minimum/maximum annual loan limits
- Compare the combination of interest rate, fees, and repayment terms to determine the total amount repaid over time
- Some offer interest rates that are adjusted monthly, some quarterly, and some annually
- Check for deferred interest and/or principle while enrolled in school
A good reference site for more information about private/alternative loans is FinAid - The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid.
Note: The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship reminds you that before you apply for a private loan to fund your education, please use your federal student loan eligible first. A private loan can carry an interest rate as high as 15%. Other options that may be available are the Federal Parent Loan and the tuition payment plan.
You have the right to cancel or reduce your loan within 14 days of notification of disbursement. If you chose to cancel the loan after disbursement, you will be responsible for any unpaid balance due to the University. The University has the right to refuse cancellation of your loan after the 14 days unless the balance is paid in full.
Note: First time Direct Loan borrowers will need to complete both the entrance counseling and a master promissory note through www.studentaid.gov before any loan funds will be disbursed to Elizabeth City State University.
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan.
The entire MPN process must be completed in a single session, so be sure you have enough time before you start. Please allow 3-5 business days for the financial aid office to receive notification.
Each MPN generally takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
View Signing the Master Promissory Note video
Federal Direct Entrance Counseling is required for all first-time borrowers. The Counseling
Session informs you of your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20-30 minutes.
View the Entrance Counseling video
Exit counseling is required for all borrowers. The Counseling Session provides important information you need to prepare to repay your federal student loan(s). If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you:
- Drop below half-time enrollment
- Graduate
- Leave School/Withdraw
Please complete exit counseling and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will receive your information electronically within 5 to 7 business days.
The entire counseling process must be completed in a single session. Most people complete counseling in 20-30 minutes.
View the Exit Counseling video
Federal and nonfederal student loans are funds that must be repaid, even if you experience financial difficulties. Therefore, when deciding whether to borrow, you should examine your need for assistance and your future ability to repay. The precise terms of the both federal and nonfederal loans are contained in the promissory notes that borrowers must sign.
The Department of Education has several loan servicers.
Make sure you know your loan servicer and be sure to contact them for information about loan repayment, deferment, or forbearance. You never have to pay for assistance with managing your loans with your servicers, beware of commercial student loan debt relief companies.
A deferment is a period in which you are temporarily granted a reduction in your payment amount or allowed to stop making payments on your federal student loan for a specific amount of time.
I understand that I have a right to the following:
- Written information on my loan obligations and information on my rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
- A grace period and an explanation of what this
- A disclosure statement, received before I begin to repay my loan, that includes information about interest rates, fees, the balance I owe, and the number of
- Deferment of repayment or forbearance for certain defined periods, if I qualify and if I request deferment or
- Prepayment of my loan in whole or in part anytime without an early-repayment
- A copy of my Master Promissory Note (MPN) either before or at the time my loan is
- Documentation that my loan is paid in
- To cancel or reduce your loan within 14 days of notification of disbursement. If you chose to cancel the loan after disbursement, you will be responsible for any unpaid balance due to the University. The University has the right to refuse cancellation of your loan after the 14 days unless the balance is paid in
I understand I am responsible for:
- Completing Exit Counseling before I leave school or drop below half-time
- Repaying my loan even if I do not complete my academic program, I am dissatisfied with the education I received, or I am unable to find employment after I
- Notifying the Direct Loan Servicing Center if I have:
- Move or change my address
- Change my name
- Withdraw from school or drop below half-time enrollment
- Transfer to another school
- Fail to enroll or reenroll in school for the period for which the loan was intended
- Change my expected graduation date or
- Graduated
- Making monthly payments on my loan after my grace period ends, unless I have a deferment or a forbearance and repayment options will be provided during Exit
- Notifying the Direct Loan Servicing Center of anything that might alter my eligibility for an existing deferment or
Loan Information will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data Services (NSLDS) and will be accessible to authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions.
The Ombudsman Group is a neutral, informal, and confidential resource to help resolve disputes about your federal student loans. In order to reach the Ombudsman Group please use following information:
Via fax: 202-275-0549
Via mail: U. S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman Group
830 First Street, N. E., Mail Stop 5144
Washington, D.C. 20202-5144
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES