Major Programs in North Carolina

Transcription

1 Scholarships and Loans: Major Programs in North Carolina Making College Affordable Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College

2 Contents Scholarships and Grants... 3 Board of Governors Dental Scholarship-Loan Program... 3 Board of Governors Medical Scholarship- Loan Program... 4 North Carolina Community College Grant and Loan Program... 5 North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant Program (NCLTG)... 5 North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)... 6 State Contractual Scholarship Fund Program (SCSF) The University of North Carolina Need-Based Grant... 7 Programs with Service Obligations... 8 Master s Nurse Scholars Program (M-NSP) (Graduate Program) NC Student Loan Program for Health, Science and Mathematics (HSM)... 9 North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship Program Nurse Education Scholarship-Loan Program (NESLP) Nurse Scholars Program (NSP) (Undergraduate Program) Prospective Teacher Scholarship-Loans (PTSL) Future Teachers of North Carolina Scholarship-Loan Program (FTNC) The North Carolina Millennium Teacher Scholarship- Loan Program North Carolina Loan Programs...16 North Carolina s Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Consider The North Carolina Advantage Federal Stafford Loans Federal PLUS Loans to Parents Federal Programs Other Resources

3 Welcome! By contacting College Foundation of North Carolina, you ve just taken an important step in planning for a college education. This brochure contains information on the major scholarship, grant, and loan programs available to North Carolina students. Scholarships and Grants Board of Governors Dental Scholarship-Loan Program Eligibility: Applicant must be accepted for admission to the UNC School of Dentistry, have financial need, be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes and intend to practice dentistry in North Carolina. Value: Provided sufficient funds are available, the scholarship provides an annual stipend of $5,000 plus tuition, mandatory fees, medical insurance, a laptop computer and required dental equipment. If funding proves to be insufficient, these amounts will be prorated. Awards are renewable annually for a total award period of four years, provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress, continues to have financial need, and remains interested in dental practice in North Carolina. Funding is awarded as a scholarship-loan for recipients who were admitted to the Dental School after July 1, 2005, and will be renewable annually as a scholarship-loan for a total award period up to four years for these students. The scholarship-loan must be repaid with service to the State of North Carolina (one year of service for each year funding is received) upon graduation from the Dental School, or through cash repayment with 10% interest. Application Procedure: Student must be nominated by the UNC Dental School for the award. Applications will be available from the UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School Admissions Office. The application deadline is March. 3

4 Board of Governors Medical Scholarship-Loan Eligibility: Applicant must be accepted for admission to one of the four medical schools in North Carolina: Duke University School of Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The student must be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes, have financial need, and express intent to practice medicine in North Carolina. Value: Provided sufficient funds are available, the scholarship provides an annual stiped of $5,000 plus tuition, mandatory fees, medical insurance and a laptop computer. If funding proves to be insufficient, these amounts will be prorated. Awards are renewable annually for a total award period of four years, provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress, continues to have financial need, and remains interested in medical practice in North Carolina. Funding is awarded as a scholarship-loan for recipients who were admitted to a qualifying medical school after July 1, 2005, and will be renewable annually as a scholarship-loan for a total award period of up to four years for these students. The scholarship-loan must be repaid with service to the State of North Carolina (one year of service for each year funding is received) upon graduation from the medical school, or through cash repayment with 10% interest. Application Procedure: Applicants must be nominated for the award by one of the four participating medical schools. Applications will be available from each insti- Resource tution s school of medicine admissions office. The application deadline is April

5 North Carolina Community College Grant and Loan Program Eligibility: Must be a North Carolina resident enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester in curriculum programs. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant. Students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for this grant based on estimated family contribution as determined on the Student Aid Report. Value: Value per grant will vary according to financial need. Additionally, there will be $250,000 available for short-term loans to students. Contact the financial officers at the local community colleges for more specific information regarding procedures, etc. Application Procedure: Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which also is used to qualify for Federal Pell Grants. North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grant Program (NCLTG) Eligibility: Must be eligible for in-state tuition rates under terms and conditions of the current Residence Manual of The University of North Carolina. Must not be enrolled in a program designed primarily for career preparation in a religious vocation. Must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate in a degreegranting program at an eligible private college or university in North Carolina and be certified as eligible under NCLTG regulations. Value: Maximum award for is $1,800 per year or $900 per semester, subject to adequate appropriations. The program is not based on financial need. Application Procedure: Applications available from financial aid offices of the eligible private colleges and universities in North Carolina. 5

6 North Carolina Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG) This program is offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority through College Foundation, Inc. Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and a North Carolina resident. Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on a full-time basis at a North Carolina postsecondary institution. Must not be enrolled in a program designed primarily for career preparation in a religious vocation. Award is available to undergraduates who demonstrate substantial financial need. Value: Awards are $700 for the academic year. Application Procedure: Must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), indicating that North Carolina is his/her state of legal residence. Must list at least one North Carolina college, university, technical, or vocational school in the release section of the form. Deadline for applying is March 15 of each year. State Contractual Scholarship Fund Program (SCSF) Eligibility: Must be North Carolina resident, enrolled full or part time as an undergraduate in an approved NC private college or university. Must have documented unmet financial need. Must not be enrolled in a program designed primarily for career preparation in a religious vocation. 6

7 Value: Each eligible institution receives up to a maximum of $1,150 for each full-time equivalent North Carolina resident undergraduate enrolled in Funds are distributed to needy North Carolina students according to the institution s aid policy. Application Procedure: Recipients are chosen by the financial aid offices of the eligible private institutions in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina Need-Based Grant Eligibility: Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at one of the 16 UNC system universities. Eligibility is based on a calculation of need, using income data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Value: Award amounts vary, based on legislative appropriations. The maximum grant for the academic year is $3,250. Application Procedure: Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing at least one of the UNC system universities. Consideration for the grant is automatic once the FAFSA is filed; no formal deadline has been established. Applicants should meet priority deadlines established by their institution. Late applications may be denied if sufficient funds are not available. 7

8 Programs with Service Obligations: Master s Nurse Scholars Program (M-NSP) (Graduate Program) M-NSP is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. Eligibility: The Nurse Scholars Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship-loan program available to students who have chosen to enter the nursing profession. Recipients are chosen on basis of superior academics, leadership potential, and desire to practice nursing full time in North Carolina. Recipients must be North Carolina residents for tuition purposes. Students must plan to enter a nursing program at one of the North Carolina colleges, universities, or hospitals that offer nurse education programs that prepare students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Financial need is not a criterion. The minimum qualifying grade point average is Value: The annual value of the award is $6,000 for fulltime study toward a master s degree in nursing and $3,000 for part-time (6-8 semester hours per term) study. Preference is given to full-time students. The scholarship is renewable. Subject to legislative funding, up to 50 full-time equivalent master s scholarship-loans will be awarded annually. Application Procedure: Applicant must be unconditionally admitted to a participating North Carolina Master s in Nursing program. Applicant should contact the nursing department at the school they plan to attend to obtain an application. Repayment: Recipient enters into a contract with the State of North Carolina to work full time as a master sprepared nurse or to teach in a nurse education program 8

9 Options in North Carolina. Twelve months of service as a fulltime nurse cancels one full year of M-NSP funding support. The interest rate for cash repayment is 10%. NC Student Loan Program for Health, Science, and Mathematics (HSM) Eligibility: Available to North Carolina residents enrolled full time in accredited associate, baccalaureate, master s, or doctoral programs pursuing degrees in health, science, or mathematics. Value: Maximum loans range from $3,000 to $8,500. Must complete a promissory note, repaying loan(s) in service or cash. Application Procedure: Contact HSM at CFNC or NC Student Loan Program for Health, Science, and Mathematics, P.O. Box 13663, Research Triangle Park, NC Repayment: Interest accrues at 4% beginning with the date of the loan check until a recipient becomes ineligible for continued participation in the program or becomes eligible for service repayment. Interest accrues at 10% at the time a recipient becomes ineligible for continued participation in the program or whose employment in North Carolina has been denied for forgiveness, while maintaining employment and residency within the State of North Carolina. Interest accrues at 15% at the time recipient, for any reason, becomes ineligible for continued participation in the program and resides, or is employed, outside the State of North Carolina. 9

10 North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship Program Eligibility: Must be North Carolina residents currently enrolled as high school seniors. Selection based on high school grades, class standing, SAT scores, writing samples, community service, extracurricular activities, and references from teachers and members of the community. Interviews at the local and regional levels are required. Recipients must be accepted for admission to one of the following postsecondary institutions in North Carolina: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elon University, Meredith College, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, and Western Carolina University. Financial need is not a selection criterion. Value: Subject to continuing legislative appropriations, up to 500 Teaching Fellows are selected annually from area high schools. The maximum award is $6,500 per year and is renewable for a total of four years of college. Application Procedure: Applications are available beginning in August of each year on the Teaching Fellows website at tfellows@ncforum.org. Repayment: One year of the loan will be forgiven for each full year the recipient teaches in a North Carolina public school. If the scholarship-loan is canceled, or the recipient does not repay the scholarship-loan through service, the amount of the loan and accrued interest (10%) must be repaid by the recipient. 10

11 Nurse Education Scholarship-Loan Program (NESLP) Eligibility: Must be North Carolina resident for tuition purposes. Awards based upon financial need and other factors such as academic performance. Value: NESLP awards range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending upon student s demonstrated financial need, cost of instruction, other financial assistance, and the amount of funding available through NESLP. Maximum award for students enrolled in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nurse Education (LPN) programs is $3,000. Maximum award for students enrolled in a baccalaureate (BSN) program is $5,000. Application Procedure: Awards available through financial aid offices of North Carolina colleges and universities that offer nurse education programs to prepare students for licensure in North Carolina as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Contact the financial aid office at the participating NC college or university offering the level of nurse education instruction desired. Recipients must execute a promissory note. Repayment: Recipient enters into a contract with the State of North Carolina to work full time as a licensed nurse in North Carolina. Loans not repaid through service must be repaid in cash. The interest rate for cash repayment is 10% from the date of disbursement. 11

12 Nurse Scholars Program (NSP) (Undergraduate Program) Eligibility: The Nurse Scholars Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship-loan program available to students pursuing nursing careers. Recipients are chosen on basis of superior academics, leadership potential, and desire to practice nursing full time in North Carolina. Must be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes. Must plan to enter a nursing program at one of the North Carolina colleges, universities, or hospitals that offer nurse education programs that prepare students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Financial need is not a criterion. The minimum qualifying grade point average is Value: Candidates for the Associate Degree in Nursing will receive $3,000 per year; for the Diploma in Nursing, $3,000; and for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, $5,000 or $3,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable. Subject to legislative funding, up to 450 scholarshiploans will be awarded annually. Application Procedure: Applications may be received from any of the participating schools offering nurse education programs, counselor offices in the high schools in North Carolina, and from the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. Repayment: Recipient enters into a contract with the State of North Carolina to work full time as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina. Twelve months of service as a full-time nurse cancels one year of NSP support. The interest rate for cash repayment is 10%. Informat 12

13 Prospective Teacher Scholarship-Loans (PTSL) Eligibility: Must be a North Carolina resident. Selected on the basis of GPA, SAT scores, class rank, congressional district, and licensure areas of need. High school seniors who apply must have a minimum SAT score of 900 and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients must attend a public or private NC college or university with an approved education program, or enroll in a community college with a transfer program. Value: Recipients in teaching fields receive $2,500 per academic year for up to four years of undergraduate study, and recipients in special services areas (e.g., school psychologists, school counselors, speech language specialists, and audiologists) receive $2,500 per academic year for the minimum number of years required to earn an entry level degree. At the community college level, up to $900 per year is provided for undergraduate study transferable to an approved program leading to licensure. Application Procedure: Applications may be obtained from the College Foundation of North Carolina website at The application deadline is usually mid to late January and recipients are announced in April. Repayment: One year of the loan will be forgiven for each full year the recipient teaches or works as a special services professional in a North Carolina public school. If the scholarship-loan is canceled, or the recipient does not repay the scholarship-loan through service, the amount of the loan and accrued interest (10%) must be repaid by the recipient. on 13

14 Future Teachers of North Carolina Scholarship- Loan Program (FTNC) Created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2005, this program was designed to provide financial assistance to North Carolina college juniors or seniors pursuing a degree to teach math, science, special education, or English as a Second Language. Eligibility: The Future Teachers of North Carolina (FTNC) is a competitive, merit-based scholarship-loan program available to students who have chosen to enter the education profession. The dean of the education program at the participating institution selects recipients for this award. Recipients must have maintained a minimum of a B or better average in college, enroll in a teacher preparation program at any of the eligible institutions, plan to pursue a degree in a teacher education to become certified in math, science, special education, or English as a Second Language, and demonstrate a commitment to teach in the State s public schools. Community Colleges may nominate students who are transferring to four-year institutions as well. Value: The annual award will be $6,500 per year for students enrolled full time (a minimum of 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters). One half of the award is made available to the recipients in the fall semester and the remainder in the spring semester. The scholarship-loan is renewable for a second year of funding. Funding for the program is contingent each year upon appropriations made available to the State Education Assistance Authority by the General Assembly. Application Procedure: Applications are available through the teacher education department and community colleges (for transfer students). 14

15 Other Information:The FTNC scholarship-loan recipient enters into a contract with the State of North Carolina to work full time as a teacher licensed to teach math, science, special education, or English as a Second Language in the State s public schools. Three years of service as a full-time teacher (minimum of 9 months) cancels the funding support received. Service repayment must be completed within five years from graduation. If a recipient does not fulfill the teaching obligation, the funds must be repaid within ten years of graduation with an interest rate of 10%. The North Carolina Millennium Teacher Scholarship-Loan Program The North Carolina Millennium Teacher Scholarship- Loan Program is a competitive program for worthy and needy North Carolina resident high school seniors who are interested in teaching in North Carolina public schools. Eligibility: Students who are selected for the NC Millennium Teacher Scholarship must enroll at one of three campuses: Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University or Winston-Salem State University, must have a minimum SAT score of 900 and at least a 2.5 weighted grade point average and must demonstrate at least $3,000 of financial need as determined by the campus financial aid office. Students choosing to pursue critical shortage licensure areas, as defined by the UNC Office of the President, will be given priority. Recipients must make satisfactory progress in meeting all requirements of the teacher education program at the participating campuses. 15

16 Value: Students who are selected for the NC Millennium Teacher Scholarship will receive $6,500 per year for up to four years to be applied toward the cost of attendance. Up to 20 recipients will be selected at each of the three participating campuses: Elizabeth City State University: Fayetteville State University: Winston-Salem State University: Following graduation from college, the recipient must teach one year in a North Carolina public school system for each year a loan is received to receive service forgiveness. If the recipient cannot repay the scholarship through service, the loan must be repaid through cash with accrued interest at the rate set forth in the Promissory Note. Application Procedure: Information is available through the Schools of Education or Financial Aid Offices at the three participating campuses. North Carolina Loan Programs North Carolina s Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) North Carolina s Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), also known as the North Carolina Insured Student Loan Program, offers low-interest education loans for students and parents insured by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). In North Carolina, the loans are principally available through a central loan originator and servicer, College Foundation, Inc. (CFI). Information on these loans is available at the College Foundation of North Carolina website, CFNC.org or toll-free CFNC. Some institutions do not participate in the FFELP program, opting to make loans 16

17 through the Federal Ford Direct Loan Program. Students attending colleges participating in the Direct Loan program should contact their institution s financial aid office for information on student loans. Consider The North Carolina Advantage All lenders participating in the Federal Family Education Loan Program must adhere to certain guidelines, including maximum interest rates, maximum fees charged, and repayment options offered to borrowers. Within these guidelines, some lenders offer students better rates than the standards set by the federal program. North Carolina s FFELP loans offer substantial savings to borrowers. CFI, a nonprofit corporation, focuses on offering borrowers the best benefits and repayment incentives* possible to save families money in interest and fees- the North Carolina Advantage. The borrower interested in applying for a CFI loan must have a connection to North Carolina which includes at least one of the following: Be a resident of NC; or Be attending or have attended a NC college or university eligible to participate in FFELP; or Be a current or former participant or beneficiary in the NC College Savings and Investment Program; or Have a previous loan with CFI. Federal Stafford Loans Students can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars by using CFI s Stafford Loan program. The average borrower ($10,000 in total loans) can save more than $1,200 by taking advantage of all the benefits on a loan through CFI. *Determination of the amount and availability of benefits on new loans is generally made on an annual basis and may be subject to change as a result of amendments to federal and state law. Check to verify benefits in effect when you apply. 17

18 Loan Details The amount students may borrow depends on their grade level in school, program length, amount of other financial aid received, and in the case of the Subsidized Stafford Loan the amount of financial need. Annual maximums vary by the grade levels shown below: First year of undergraduate school, Second year of undergraduate school, Third year and beyond of undergraduate school, and Graduate/Professional students. For the loan maximums currently in effect, visit Loan Programs at CFNC.org. Depending on the grade level and the program length, independent students may borrow additional amounts (above these maximums) as Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. There are also aggregate lifetime maximums for dependent undergraduate students, independent undergraduate students and graduate or professional students. The current aggregate maximum information is available at CFNC.org. Loan Benefits* Interest on Stafford Loans is a variable rate with a federal maximum rate set of 8.25%; however, Stafford Loans made through CFI are capped at a maximum of 7.75% to protect borrowers against rising interest rates. Loan rates are adjusted each July 1. Students who make their payments on time benefit from interest rate reductions as outlined below: Consecutive on-time payments Interest rate reduction 1 /2 % 1% 2% (or forgiveness of last 6 payments) *Determination of the amount and availability of benefits on new loans is generally made on an annual basis and may be subject to change as a result of amendments to federal and state law. Check to verify benefits in effect when you apply. 18

19 In addition, borrowers who elect to make payments via automatic draft receive a.25% interest rate reduction. The Federal Stafford Loan program allows fees of up to 4% of the loan balance to be withheld from the loan checks for all students who borrow from the loan program. However, the NC Advantage program waives fees for Stafford Loan borrowers, which means students get more money to pay their college expenses. Application Procedure: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is required for all federal and most state financial aid. You can complete online by going to CFNC.org. Follow the instructions of your college financial aid office for obtaining a Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note if needed. Some colleges will use an electronic process while others will use paper forms. To apply electronically, visit and click online applications. To designate CFI as the lender, be sure Lender Code is on the Master Promissory Note. Eligibility: Student must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien, enrolled at least half time during the loan period, and enrolled in a program of study that leads to a degree or certificate. Student must have received a determination of eligibility or ineligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and, to qualify for the federal interest subsidy, must demonstrate financial need. Repayment: For a borrower who qualifies for the federal interest subsidy, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while the borrower is in school and before the repayment period starts. Repayment must begin six months after enrollment ceases, but deferments may be granted under a variety of conditions set forth in federal law. Students who do not qualify for the federal interest subsidy may still borrow an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, but they are responsible for the interest for the entire period the loan is outstanding, including periods of in-school enrollment. 19

20 Federal PLUS Loans to Parents PLUS Loans are also part of North Carolina s Federal Family Education Loan Program through CFI. These loans are for parents of dependent students enrolled in undergraduate programs of study. Federal PLUS Loans do not require the determination of eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant or Federal Stafford Loan; however, parent borrowers must not have an adverse credit history as defined in federal regulations. Parents who are uncertain about credit history may request PLUS Loan Pre-Screening online at or by phone at CFNC. Eligibility: The borrower and the benefitting student must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien. The borrower also must have a connection to North Carolina, unless the benefitting student is enrolled in an eligible institution in North Carolina. The student must be enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program at an eligible college or vocational school. PLUS Loan checks are made co-payable to the parent borrower and the post-secondary institution. Value: The amount a parent can borrow is determined by the cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student will receive. Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The Federal PLUS Loan interest rate is variable, cannot exceed 9%, and changes each July 1. Borrowers who make on-time monthly payments receive the same interest rate reductions outlined in the Stafford Loan section. Borrowers who elect to make payments via automatic draft receive a.25% interest rate reduction on their loan balance.* *Determination of the amount and availability of benefits on new loans is generally made on an annual basis and may be subject to change as a result of amendments to federal and state law. Check to verify benefits in effect when you apply. 20

21 Application Procedure: Parents are advised to consider determining first if the student will qualify for an interest-subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. The Federal PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note application and information is available at CFNC.org or by calling tollfree CFNC or from the college the student plans to attend. To complete a loan application online, click Online Applications at CFNC.org. Federal Programs The federal government also provides many scholarship, grant, and loan programs to eligible students. You can receive a copy of the Student Guide by calling FedAid. Other Resources This brochure contains the major state programs available to students and families, but there are also other resources to tap to help with your financial plan for college. Student Financial Aid for North Carolinians is a comprehensive listing of aid programs for students in the state. Access and download this guide at CFNC.org, by clicking on Paying for College and then Publications. Check with the college of your choice for other publications that list financial options specific to that school. Talk with your school counselor to learn about possible scholarships that are specific to your school, county, or future plans. 21

22 Don t forget Solutions your community s churches and civic organizations. Many give annual scholarships and would be happy to share that information with you. Don t be confused by sound-alike companies that have college or foundation in their name. Unless it s College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) or the information service, College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), you won t be eligible for CFI s North Carolina Connection. 22

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24 If you d like to speak with a representative about planning, applying, or paying for college, please call toll-free CFNC A service of the State of North Carolina provided by Pathways, CFI, and NCSEAA College Foundation, Inc CFI Form G 615 (01/06)w