Scholarships for First-Year Students

Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for scholarships once admitted to North Carolina A&T State University. In some cases, where indicated, individual scholarships will require a separate application. The Freshman Scholarships listed below are available to new students, enrolling in a degree-seeking program and pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. All students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for full consideration of all types of financial aid. Your completed admissions application must be on file with the  admissions office by November 1st for priority scholarship consideration.

National Alumni Scholarship

The National Alumni Scholarship recognizes exceptional academic talent and ability. This scholarship program is a legacy of the former National Alumni Association and the objective is to carry on the mission of attracting quality students. This award covers full tuition, related fees, room, and board. It is renewable for four (4) years as long as the student meets the yearly requirements.

Criteria:
  • Be a United States citizen who has graduated or will graduate from an accredited high school prior to the fall semester of the year for which the selection is made.
  • Meet the requirements for admission to N.C. A&T State University. Must apply to the university prior to the application deadline.
  • Minimum 3.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale.
  • ACT and SAT score are optional for the 2024-2025 year.
  • Include two typed and signed letters of recommendation/evaluation letters on letterhead. These should include:
  1. One letter from school (faculty or administrator).
  2. One letter from a community organization (i.e. faith-based; civic; Boy/Girl Scouts; Boys & Girls Club; Jack-N-Jill; pageants/cotillions; etc.).
  3. Do not include relatives.
  4. Compete recorded interview questions.

2025-2026 National Alumni Scholarship Application will be open November 1-January 10.


Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship 

The Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars Program is a preeminent scholarship awarded to entering freshman who have shown excellence in academics and scholarly leadership during their high school matriculation. Recipients of this award will receive a 4-year renewable scholarship which includes tuition and related fees, room and board contingent upon meeting renewal requirements each year.

The Cheatham-White Scholarship 

The Cheatham-White Scholarship provides an outstanding educational experience for students who are exceptional scholars, as well as versatile and well-rounded individuals. Cheatham-White Scholarships will be awarded to students with a broad range of interests, proficient in areas of both the arts and sciences, who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to service.

THE FEBRUARY ONE SCHOLARSHIP

The February One Scholars Program seeks to recruit and retain very high achieving students in an environment where intellectual curiosity is stimulated and conducive to in-depth and engaged learning. Leaders are empowered to grow and develop professionally and social consciousness and service to society is used to influence the world for the better.

Merit Scholarships

Merit awards are based solely on academic achievement as reflected within the student’s admissions application. The application for admission to the university serves as the application for merit scholarships; therefore no separate application is required. Students must have a completed admissions application on file with admisisons by November 1st for priority scholarship consideration. Merit award criteria varies and dependent upon funding. 

Endowment Scholarships

These scholarships are privately donated funds that are given to North Carolina A&T students each year from private gifts made by individuals, groups or companies. They are awarded to students based on a wide range of criteria to include: major, high school attended, outstanding academic achievement, community service, leadership and/or financial need. For a list of endowment scholarships by school and college please click here.

College and Departmental Scholarships

Many colleges and departments offer scholarships to current N.C. A&T students participating in specific academic programs. Departmental scholarships are most often awarded to continuing students who have demonstrated excellence in meeting the eligibility criteria for their scholarship while enrolled at N.C. A&T. However, some departments also make scholarships awards to prospective students as a means of encouraging them to enter their academic department or to be involved in an activity or initiative for which they have responsibility. Additional information regarding Departmental Scholarships may be found on the websites for the respective academic departments. 

N.C. A&T Chapter Alumni Scholarships

Funded by contributions from North Carolina A&T Alumni Association Chapters nationwide, these scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance, involvement, and leadership skills with the additional criterion of geographic location. Chapter scholars must be residents of the geographical area served by the chapter. The selection criteria and value of scholarships vary from chapter to chapter. Applications are generally available to incoming freshman; however students should inquire directly to the local Alumni Chapter for additional details.

Outside Scholarships

Many organizations outside the University award scholarships each year to assist students in funding their education. Listed below are external scholarships primarily for incoming freshmen. Please click here for a list of additional outside scholarships available to students.