Funding Your College Education
Applying for College
Full-Ride Scholarships in the UNC System
College Student Services
College Award Letter Terminology
100

This type of financial aid does not need to be repaid and is typically awarded based on need.

What is a grant?

100

This is the most common application used to apply to multiple colleges at once.

What is the Common Application (Common App)?

100

This UNC school offers the Levine Scholars Program, which covers full tuition, room, board, and provides funding for summer experiences.

What is UNC Charlotte? 

100

This center helps students find jobs, internships, and career advice during and after college.

What is the Career Services Center?

100

This is the total cost to attend college, including tuition, fees, room, and board.

What is the Cost of Attendance (COA)?

200

This form of aid requires students to work part-time to help pay for their education.

What is work-study?

200

A personal essay submitted as part of a college application to highlight your experiences and goals.

What is a personal statement?

200

At Appalachian State University, this program covers full tuition and is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, service, and scholarship.

What is the Chancellor Scholarship? 

200

This office provides support and resources to students who need accommodations due to a disability.

What is the Disability Services Office?

200

This is the term for the amount a student is expected to contribute toward their education costs.

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

300

This federal application is required to be filled out by students seeking financial aid for college.

What is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?

300

This document is requested by colleges to see your academic progress and grades in high school.

What is a transcript?

300

This scholarship at NC A&T University is awarded to high-achieving students majoring in STEM fields, covering full expenses and offering mentorship opportunities.

What is the Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship?

300

These living spaces on campus provide housing for students, often with organized social activities.

What are residence halls or dormitories?

300

This type of financial aid package combines different sources, like grants, loans, and scholarships.

What is a financial aid package?

400

These are given based on merit, talent, or other criteria and do not have to be repaid.

What are scholarships?

400

This type of application deadline means you are committing to attend if accepted.

What is Early Decision?

400

This scholarship, available at NC State University, is awarded to students with high academic performance, leadership, and commitment to service.

What is the Park Scholarship?

400

Students can get help with academic challenges like writing or math at this campus resource.

What is the tutoring center or academic success center?

400

This type of aid reduces your tuition and fees and is often awarded based on your academic performance.

What is a merit-based scholarship?

500

This type of loan, offered by the federal government, allows you to borrow money for college with flexible repayment options.

What is a federal student loan?

500

These short evaluations, often required with college applications, come from teachers or counselors who know you well.

What are letters of recommendation?

500

This scholarship provides full financial need through grants, scholarships, and work-study – no loans and is for scholars who qualify and attend UNC-Chapel Hill.  

What is the Carolina Covenant?

500

This office assists students with mental health support, including counseling and therapy services.

What is the Counseling Center?

500

This term refers to the amount of money remaining after financial aid has been subtracted from the total cost of attendance.

What is unmet need?

M
e
n
u