North Carolina State University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

Talent Search is a college access program that serves youth in grades six through twelve. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admission requirements, scholarships, and various student financial aid programs. Talent Search also provides students and their families with assistance in choosing a college, applying for college, and applying for financial aid. This early intervention program helps young people better understand their educational opportunities and options. The NC State Program serves 814 students annually from 8 middle and high schools (Zebulon Middle, Smithfield Middle, Selma Middle, Wendell Middle, East Wake High, Knightdale High, North Johnston High and Smithfield Selma High). The Program has been apart of the university since 1991 and has assisted thousands of students to enroll in college and gain a college degree. Upward Bound is an early intervention pre-college program that helps students prepare for higher education. Upward Bound brings high school students to college campuses after school, on the weekends, and during the summer to receive instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, and work-study programs are additional components to the Upward Bound program. The NC State Program serves 120 students annually from 6 high schools (Northern Vance, Southern Vance, Louisburg, Bunn, Franklinton and East Wake). The program been a part of the university since 1978 and has assisted hundreds of students to enroll in college and gain a college degree. Student Support Services (SSS) is designed to assist first-generation, low-income individuals, and/or students with disabilities persist in their academic goals to complete a degree at a four-year college or university. SSS provides students with a variety of services designed to create an academically focused environment, by assisting students with basic college requirements, motivating students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education and promoting graduate school enrollment. Participants receive tutoring, counseling and remedial instruction at no cost. At present, the NC State program serves 140 participants. http://studentaffairs.ncsu.edu/trio/main

NC State’s Pack Promise Program began with the 2006-2007 academic year. The Pack Promise program is a formal extension of NC State’s mission, reaffirming the university’s historical commitment to access, affordability and student success. The Pack Promise Program provides funding and academic support for dependent first-time freshmen who are North Carolina residents and whose parental income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines. Students who are identified as eligible for funding under Pack Promise have 100% of their financial need met through a combination of scholarships, grants, Federal Work Study employment, and a maximum need-based loan of $3,500 per year for up to nine semesters of coursework at NC State. The program accepts a maximum of 200 students per year. The Pack Promise program is more than just a financial aid program; it represents a set of principles designed to minimize the loan burden for low-income students, encourage first generation college student attendance, promote access and academic success for students from low-income families, and connect faculty and staff with low-income students to enhance the students’ overall academic experience.

NC State faculty and staff have the opportunity to serve as academic coaches for all first year Pack Promise students. The academic coaching component of the program is coordinated by the NC State’s First Year College. Pack Promise academic coaches receive training on how to serve as a mentor and resource for low-income students.

Talent Search is a college access program that serves youth in grades six through twelve. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admission requirements, scholarships, and various student financial aid programs. Upward Bound is an early intervention pre-college program that helps students prepare for higher education. Upward Bound brings high school students to college campuses after school, on the weekends, and during the summer to receive instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Student Support Services (SSS) is an collegiate program that helps students complete their undergraduate degree through one on one and group support. SSS provides opportunities for academic development, by assisting students with basic college requirements, motivating students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education and promoting graduate school enrollment. Participants receive tutoring, counseling and remedial instruction at no cost.

While the Pack Promise financial aid award is not considered a scholarship, the overall financial aid award package for Pack Promise students does meet 100% of the student’s demonstrated financial need.

NC State produces a guide to college admission targeted to the parents of first generation college applicants. This guide is distributed to high school counselors in North Carolina. The Undergraduate Admissions Office attends numerous college preparation parent night programs sponsored by high schools throughout North Carolina.

NC State fully supports state efforts in college preparation coordinated through College Foundation of North Carolina. For example, NC State participates in North Carolina’s College Application week. Undergraduate Admissions attends college fairs that cover the entire state of North Carolina. The university hosts campus visits for numerous college preparation groups from high school and middle school student groups. For example, for many years NC State has hosted a day long program for North Carolina GEAR UP students.

The university waives application fees for freshmen applicants submitting College Board, ACT, or NACAC fee waivers. For 2012 NC State honored 1,865 admissions application fee waivers.

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid abbreviated or short cut web site is www.ncsu.edu/finaid. The web site has complete information regarding available aid programs, policies, application procedures and eligibility criteria.

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid web site, www.ncsu.edu/finaid, has complete information regarding available aid programs, policies, application procedures and eligibility criteria.