Appalachian State University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Appalachian State University is committed to making higher education affordable for every North Carolina student and has developed the Appalachian Commitment to a College Education for Student Success (ACCESS) program as a method to insure that students from low-income families in North Carolina can attend Appalachian debt-free. The ACCESS program offers such students a four-year university education at Appalachian debt-free. Specifically, the ACCESS program supplements federal financial aid grants, state financial aid grants and scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance with sufficient funds to cover the cost of institutional charges (tuition, fees, room, board) and an on-campus job for personal expenses for up to four years (eight semesters). Along with the financial assistance for students, a comprehensive program of academic support is a part of Appalachian’s ACCESS program. http://lap.appstate.edu/welcome-access

The Hubbard Center for Faculty Development educates faculty members about learning differences and implementing teaching strategies that enhance all students' learning http://collegestar.appstate.edu/ The Division of Student Development provides educational programs and resources to faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds. The Learning Assistance Program provides academic resources and support to these students.

The College Awareness Programs work with low-income students and their families to prepare the students for higher education. http://gocollege.appstate.edu/ In 2014 the Gear-Up Program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) received two grants totaling nearly $30 million from the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The grants will serve nearly 15,000 students in a eleven-county area in Western North Carolina: Allegheny, Ashe, Burke, Clay, Graham, Madison, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties. http://www.news.appstate.edu/2014/10/01/gear-up-grants/

The university has a number of scholarships that are awarded to students based on financial need: http://www.admissions.appstate.edu/scholarships/search/results/taxonomy%3A70 The university's ACCESS program ensures that eligible low-income students from North Carolina can attend the university debt-free. http://lap.appstate.edu/welcome-access Federal Pell Grant All undergraduate students who have not received their first baccalaureate degree are applying for a Federal Pell Grant when they complete the FAFSA. In order to qualify for a Pell Grant, students must have exceptional financial need as determined by Federal Methodology and be enrolled for at least one credit hour required for their degree program (not audit or hours classified as “permit”). Amounts awarded are determined by the federal government and the approved costs associated with attendance at Appalachian. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) This grant is awarded to those students with exceptional need. Students must be an undergraduate, working toward a first baccalaureate degree and enrolled at least half-time in hours required for their degree program (not audit hours or hours classified as “permit”) each term. Funding for this grant is limited and awarding is subject to funds availability. Complete the FAFSA to apply for the FSEOG. UNC Campus Scholarship The UNC Campus Scholarship is available for undergraduate students who are first generation college students, students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, or students from traditionally underrepresented populations. These students must have completed a FAFSA, are maintaining satisfactory academic progress, are enrolled full-time in credit hours required for their degree program per semester in a degree-granting program of study, have NC residency and demonstrate financial need to be considered for this scholarship.

The Office of Student Financial Aid offers in-person guidance to student and families on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. http://financialaid.appstate.edu/blog/id/76 The Admissions Office has information available to parents: http://www.admissions.appstate.edu/parents The College Awareness Programs work with low-income students and their parents to provide them with information about the higher education experience. http://gocollege.appstate.edu/ The mission of the Gear Up Appalachian Partnership (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is to accelerate the academic achievement of middle and secondary school students in the Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Clay, Graham, Madison, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties in North Carolina, so that increasing numbers will graduate from high school and enroll and succeed in college. These Western NC counties have an average poverty rate of 21.05%, an average child poverty rate of 30.37%, and an average household income of $37,760. In addition to its many other missions, Gear Up provides early information about college options, required courses, and financial aid and provides information to families about the costs of college and the availability of student financial assistance. Gear Up also provides support for parents in preparing their students for college. http://gearup.appstate.edu/

The Office of Admissions has trained recruiters who target students from low-income backgrounds. The Office of Admissions recently hired an Assistant Director for Access who will be enhancing the university's outreach efforts to low-income students and students from other under-represented populations. The Upward Bound Program is an academic support program funded by the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Programs division. The mission of this program is to provide the necessary support for economically disadvantaged and/or first generation high school students to complete high school, enroll in college, and successfully obtain a four-year college degree. http://community.appstate.edu/program/upward-bound Gear Up Program (see above)

The Office of Financial Aid works with students and their families to assist with eliminating financial barriers to attending Appalachian. http://financialaid.appstate.edu/ The Office of Student Employment assists students in obtaining part-time job opportunities on and off campus through the Federal Work Study Program and Student Temporary Work Program. http://studentemployment.appstate.edu/

The UNC Campus Native American Scholarship is available to Native American undergraduate students who submit a Tribal Card or a Certificate of Blood, have completed a FAFSA, are maintaining satisfactory academic progress, are enrolled full-time in credit hours required for their degree program (12 or more credit hours), have NC residency, are in a degree-granting program of study, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship amount is dependent on the number of eligible applicants and the amount of allocated funds each year. UNC Need-Based Grant: College Foundation of North Carolina administers this grant and makes awards based on the following: the student must be a North Carolina resident; an undergraduate working toward a first baccalaureate degree; be enrolled for at least half-time in hours required for their degree program (6 or more credit hours; not audit or hours classified as “permit”) each term and have substantial financial need. The FAFSA must be submitted no later than the March 1 priority deadline in order for a student to have priority consideration for this grant. North Carolina Need-Based Grant (NCNB): In order to be considered for this grant, a student must be a resident of North Carolina and demonstrate exceptional need. This grant may be awarded to undergraduate students who meet the above requirements and enroll in at least 6 credit hours required for their degree program (not audit) hours. The student must complete a FAFSA to apply for the NCNB grant. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship: College Foundation of North Carolina administers this grant and makes awards based on the following: the student must be a North Carolina resident; an undergraduate working toward a first baccalaureate degree; be enrolled at least half-time in hours required for their degree program (6 or more credit hours; not audit or hours classified as “permit”) each term; must meet all federal student eligibility criteria; and have financial need according to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) regulations and State Statute. The FAFSA must be submitted no later than the March 1 priority deadline for priority consideration

UNC Need-Based Grant: College Foundation of North Carolina administers this grant and makes awards based on the following: the student must be a North Carolina resident; an undergraduate working toward a first baccalaureate degree; be enrolled for at least half-time in hours required for their degree program (6 or more credit hours; not audit or hours classified as “permit”) each term and have substantial financial need. The FAFSA must be submitted no later than the March 1 priority deadline in order for a student to have priority consideration for this grant. North Carolina Need-Based Grant (NCNB): In order to be considered for this grant, a student must be a resident of North Carolina and demonstrate exceptional need. This grant may be awarded to undergraduate students who meet the above requirements and enroll in at least 6 credit hours required for their degree program (not audit) hours. The student must complete a FAFSA to apply for the NCNB grant. North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship: College Foundation of North Carolina administers this grant and makes awards based on the following: the student must be a North Carolina resident; an undergraduate working toward a first baccalaureate degree; be enrolled at least half-time in hours required for their degree program (6 or more credit hours; not audit or hours classified as “permit”) each term; must meet all federal student eligibility criteria; and have financial need according to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) regulations and State Statute. The FAFSA must be submitted no later than the March 1 priority deadline for priority consideration

There are two child development centers that have a relationship with Appalachian State: The Lucy Brock Child Development Center through the Reich College of Education: http://lucybrock.appstate.edu/ The Appalachian Child Development Center: Under the umbrella of the Office of Student Development, the Appalachian Child Development uses a "theme approach" each week. The themes tie in all areas of development (social, emotional, physical, personal skills) as well as reinforce cognitive activities. http://childdevelopment.appstate.edu/

The Appalachian Warrior Fund has been established at Appalachian State University to honor veterans.The scholarship fund is for honorably discharged and disabled veterans and their children who have been admitted and enrolled at the university. http://www.news.appstate.edu/2015/01/23/appalachian-warrior-fund/ The Office of Distance Education offers numerous programs and service to support non-traditional students: http://desites.appstate.edu/