As a high school senior, getting a college education can seem like an intimidating and expensive task. From rising tuition costs to student loan debt, the process of getting the best result for your investment in college can have lots of obstacles. But don't worry — with North Carolina A & T University's four full-ride scholarships: National Alumni Scholarship, Lewis & Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars Program, Cheatham-White Scholarship and February One Scholarship, free college might be possible!
These prestigious and competitive awards are esssentially full scholarships, covering all costs associated with attending NC A&T: tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, special program fees or activities – you name it!
For those not familiar with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), it has a rich history that's deeply rooted in academic excellence. Established in 1891, NC A&T University is a land grant university with a Carnegie classification of “doctoral, higher research.”
The university is known for various fields of study including engineering, agriculture, business, and more. Its commitment to developing talent while providing debt-free degree options is reflected in its full-ride scholarship offerings. These scholarships are a testament to NC A&T's dedication to making quality education accessible to deserving students while continuing its legacy of excellence. Not to mention, it is the home of the self-proclaimed “Greatest Homecoming on Earth.”
North Carolina A&T offers full scholarships, but let’s breakdown what "full-ride" actually means:
Simply put, it's a golden ticket to a 4-year college education, for free!
A full-ride scholarship is a financial aid award that covers the entire cost of a student’s college education. This generally includes tuition, room and board, fees, books and sometimes a stipend. These scholarships are usually awarded to students based on academic excellence (GPA and SAT or ACT test scores), athletic ability, or special talents.
Getting awarded a full-ride scholarship can significantly decrease the financial burden of college. This can provide students with the freedom to focus on studying, participating in extracurricular activities, and exploring career-related opportunities without worrying about student loans or how to pay for college.
Just as every student is unique, the scholarship options at NC A&T are diverse and tailor-made for the brightest minds. Let’s explore each scholarship’s eligibility criteria and application requirements.
National Alumni Scholarship - The NC A & T alumni offer this scholarship opportunity to continue the school legacy by awarding students with exceptional academic talent money to cover college costs. This scholarship covers full tuition, related fees, and room and board. It is renewable for four (4) years as long as the student meets the yearly renewal requirements.
DEADLINE: December 15
The Eligibility Breakdown:
Dowdy Scholars Enrichment Program - The program is named for Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy, the sixth president of North Carolina A&T College and first chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University and his wife. This scholarship covers full tuition, related fees, standard double room, and board. Scholars may also travel abroad during the fall and spring semester using award funds. It is renewable for four (4) years as long as the student meets the yearly requirements.
DEADLINE: November 15
The Eligibility Breakdown:
Cheatham-White Scholarship - The award is named for Henry P. Cheatham and George H. White, two African Americans who were both elected to the United States Congress to represent North Carolina in 1888 and 1896, respectively. This is a 4-year fully-funded scholarship that covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks, laptop, supplies, travel and personal expenses. The scholarship also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment that can include study abroad opportunities.
DEADLINE: November 15
The Eligibility Breakdown:
February One Scholars Program - Inspired by the courage of the “A&T Four,” four North Carolina A&T State University students who refused to leave a segregated lunch counter in downtown Greensboro, NC without being served on February 1, 1960. This scholarship covers tuition, student fees, housing, and meals.
DEADLINE: November 15
The Eligibility Breakdown:
*NOTE: The National Alumni Scholarship has a separate application with a December 15th deadline.
Each of these scholarships holds a promise of a debt-free college degree and a bright future at North Carolina A & University. They are competitive, so applicants should pay special attention to application details, requirements, deadlines. These scholarships are not just a way to avoid student loans, but an academic passport to a life-changing journey.