Financial assistance is provided through any one or a combination of the following:

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program
North Carolina State Contractual Scholarship Fund (NCSF)
North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)
North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG)
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Plus Loan
Federal College Work-Study (FCWSP)
University Grants-in-Aid
Institutional Scholarships and The College Fund/UNCF

Federal Pell Grants: These grants are available to students who are attending college on a full or part time basis. They are based on a federal formula that measures the ability of students’ families to meet their educational expenses. An application for a Pell Grant must be submitted for the academic year for which the student is applying. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FASFA] may be obtained from the institutions of post-secondary education, high schools, public libraries, and other easily accessible locations. If the FASFA is mailed to the processing center, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in four to six weeks, which needs to be forwarded to the Office of Financial Aid. If the application is mailed to Shaw University for processing, the student will receive an Information Acknowledgement Student Aid Report, which should be reviewed by the student for any corrections.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program: FSEOG awards are made to the students with greatest need, with priority given to students who receive a Pell Grant. The grant ranges from $250 to $2500 per academic year, depending upon the student’s need and the availability of funds.

North Carolina State Contractual Scholarship Fund (NCSF): This grant is funded by the State Legislature especially for private institutions and is limited to North Carolina residents who demonstrate exceptional need.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG): This grant is offered to legal residents of North Carolina who are full-time students with demonstrated financial need. Funds are awarded in amounts up to $1500 per year. The program is administered by the State of North Carolina through College Foundation, Inc. Students may apply by using the same need analysis forms as they use for other federal and state aid. A copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) must be processed by March 15th of the year in which the student is applying for the grant.

North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant (NCLTG): This grant is funded by the State Legislature especially for private institutions and is limited to full-time students who are residents of North Carolina.

Federal Perkins Loan: The Federal Perkins Loan is a federal loan administered by the university to provide long-term, low interest (5%) loans funds for educational expenses to students with "exceptional financial need." Under this program, students may borrow up to $3,000 per year to finance their educational expenses. The total amount borrowed can not exceed $15,000 for undergraduate students. Repayment begins nine months after graduation or after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan: The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low interest loan made to eligible students by the Department of Education. These loans are made for the purpose of helping a student meet educational expenses. Interest is deferred on the principal of the loan during the student’s enrollment period. Students who demonstrate need may borrow up to $2,625 a year as first year students, $3,500 a year as second year students, and $5,500 a year after the completion of the first two years of undergraduate study. Repayment begins six months after graduation or after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half time basis.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: These are Stafford loans that are not based on need. The borrower is responsible for paying the interest during in school deferment periods. However, the borrower may defer the interest while enrolled. The loan limits are the same as the Stafford Loan for dependent students. This loan provides additional funds for educational expenses. Borrowers begin repayment of principal and interest within 60 days of the receipt of the loan funds. Self supporting students may borrow up to $4,000 per year as first and second year undergraduates and $5,000 per year as third and fourth year undergraduates (not to exceed the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid), to help meet educational expenses.

Federal Direct Plus Loan: Plus loans are for parents of dependent students enrolled in college. This loan provides additional funds for educational expenses. Borrowers begin repayment of principal and interest at a variable interest rate within 60 days of the receipt of the loan funds, unless they are eligible for a deferment. Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance minus any financial aid received.

Federal College Work-Study (FCWSP): The Work-Study program provides part time employment to eligible students who are enrolled. Students earn at least the minimum wage. Work-Study gives students a chance to earn money for personal expenses. Students are employed on campus by a variety of departments and offices, with the typical student working approximately 8 to 10 hours per week.

University Grants-in-Aid: The University provides a limited number of University Grant-in-Aid (UGA) for students whose circumstances indicate special considerations should be given.

Institutional Scholarships and The College Fund/UNCF: Presidential and University Scholarships are available to students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher and a minimum SAT or ACT score. As a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institution, scholarships are available. After enrolling, you may contact the Office of Financial Aid. There are many private scholarships available. The public library is an excellent source for private funds. Most scholarships require an application, an essay, and the student’s grade point average.