North Carolina A&T University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~57%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1065
- Average GPA: 3.7
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 North Carolina A&T University at a Glance
- The headline full ride (Cheatham-White) is extremely competitive—most students will not receive it, even with strong grades.
- Automatic merit is available, but typically ranges from about $1K–$5K per year—not enough on its own to dramatically reduce total cost.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — North Carolina A&T University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1065.
Average net price? About $10,523/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
NC A&T Alumni Chapters information: https://www.ncat.edu/alumni/chapters/index.php
NC A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine site: https://www.ncat.edu/band/index.php
NC A&T CAES 1890 Scholars page: https://www.ncat.edu/academics/caes/1890scholars.php
NC A&T Honors College Cheatham-White page: https://www.ncat.edu/honors/cheatham-white.php
NC A&T Dowdy Scholars Program page: https://www.ncat.edu/honors/dowdy-scholars.php
NC A&T February One Scholars Program page: https://www.ncat.edu/honors/february-one.php
NC A&T National Alumni Scholarship page: https://www.ncat.edu/alumni/scholarships/national-alumni-scholarship.php
NC A&T Outside Scholarships information: https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/scholarships/outside.php
Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarships page: https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumni/scholarships/
NC A&T Scholarships for First-Year Students page: https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/freshmen-scholarships.php
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program site: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890-national-scholars-program
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Carolina A&T University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $6,657 | $21,181 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $11,590 | $11,590 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $18,247 | $32,771 |
Average Federal Net Price: $10,523 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: North Carolina A&T does not participate in NC Promise, WUE, or the Academic Common Market. That means out-of-state families should look to A&T’s own merit or competitive scholarships for big discounts.
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Students who are legal residents of North Carolina, as determined by the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
How much more do out-of-state families pay?
Roughly $14,000–$14,500 more in tuition and fees than NC residents, before any scholarships.
Is there a way for out-of-state students to pay in-state rates?
No state or regional tuition-matching program is offered at NC A&T, so merit scholarships are the main path to lowering costs.
https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.php
https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/financial-aid/estimated-costs.php
https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://irep.ncat.edu/common-data-set/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199127-North-Carolina-A-and-T-State-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At NC A&T, students are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. There’s no separate form, but you’ll want to apply by the priority deadline for the best chance at funding. Award amounts vary by year and profile, but high-achieving students can receive thousands in renewable aid if they keep GPA and credit requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Merit Scholarships | Several thousand dollars per year (varies) | Strong GPA, high school course rigor; test scores optional but may help if submitted | No | Yes — must meet 3.25 GPA & 15 credits/term | Students with a 3.8+ weighted GPA* and honors/AP/IB coursework; SAT 1160+ or ACT 24+ if submitting scores* | Nov. 1 (priority) |
*GPA/test score ranges are estimates based on recent recipient profiles. Cutoffs can shift yearly depending on funding and competition.
Do I need a separate application?
No. Just apply for admission by Nov. 1 and you’re considered automatically for university merit awards.
Does NC A&T superscore the ACT/SAT?
Yes. NC A&T considers your highest subscores from all submitted test dates, but test scores are not required for admission or merit.
Can I stack merit with other awards?
Yes, many departmental or donor scholarships can combine with merit. Full-ride winners (Dowdy, Cheatham-White, etc.) cannot double-dip base merit.
Test-optional okay for merit?
Yes. Students not submitting scores receive holistic review based on GPA, rigor, leadership, and recommendations.
ncat.edu/admissions/scholarships/
ncat.edu/financial-aid-office/scholarships/
ncat.edu/academics/honors/distinguished-scholars/
catalog.ncat.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These are selective, university-level awards with extra steps beyond the admission application (essays, interviews, nominations). They’re limited in number and go to students with exceptional academics, leadership, and service. Note: Honors College and departmental scholarships appear in their own sections on this page and are not listed here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheatham-White Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks, laptop, supplies, travel, personal expenses) for 4 years + summers of funded enrichment | First-year applicants with a minimum 4.0 weighted GPA and 1280 SAT or 28 ACT; US citizen/permanent resident; major impact in academics, leadership, service | Yes — Honors College application & school/self nomination | Yes — maintain 3.5 GPA, 30 credits/year, Honors College membership | Top 1–2% with rigorous academics, leadership, and interview performance | Nov. 15 (priority for Honors/nomination); see Honors College site yearly |
| National Alumni Scholarship | Full tuition and fees, room and board (renewable up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen with demonstrated academics, service, and leadership; usually requires a 3.75+ GPA, minimum 1200 SAT/26 ACT | Yes — separate application & interviews required | Yes — maintain stated GPA/requirements yearly | Students with ~3.8 weighted GPA or above, compelling leadership/involvement, and strong interviews | Dec. 15 (all materials due for following fall cycle) |
| A&T Alumni Chapter Scholarships | Varies by local chapter (generally partial tuition or set dollar amount) | Incoming freshmen and upperclassmen from chapter’s geographic region; minimum 3.0 GPA typically required | Yes — apply directly to local alumni chapter | Varies, most are one year (some renewable) | Regionally engaged students with academic merit and chapter connection | Varies by chapter, spring-summer for fall entry |
*When public GPA/test ranges aren’t published, levels reflect recent recipient averages and can change with funding or applicant pool.
Do these replace my automatic merit?
Yes — full-ride or full-cost-of-attendance awards always supersede smaller merit awards. Some departmental or outside scholarships may stack for other expenses.
What are the key deadlines?
You must submit your A&T admission and any separate scholarship or Honors College materials by the published priority deadlines, often by Nov. 15–Dec. 15 for the following fall. Programs may require interviews or nominations, so plan early.
Are test scores required?
Most awards are holistic, but for Cheatham-White and National Alumni, 1200–1280+ SAT or 26–28+ ACT is typical among recipients. Academic rigor, leadership, and impact are essential.
How many are awarded?
Awards are very limited and can change by year. Visit each scholarship’s official page for the most up-to-date figures per cycle.
https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/scholarships/index.php
https://www.ncat.edu/admissions/scholarships/first-year.php
https://ncat.edu/honors/cheatham-white.php
https://ncat.edu/alumni/scholarships/national-alumni-scholarship.php
https://northcarolina.edu/cheatham-white-merit-scholarship/
https://ncat.edu/alumni/chapters/index.php
https://ncat.edu/admissions/scholarships/dates-deadlines.php
🎖️ Honors College
The Honors College at NC A&T offers high-achieving students a smaller academic community inside the nation’s largest HBCU. It’s designed for motivated students: seminar-style classes, Honors housing, extensive mentoring, and access to exclusive research and enrichment opportunities.
A strong GPA (usually 3.75+ weighted in high school*), rigorous advanced coursework, leadership in school/community, and a clear record of service. Test scores (SAT/ACT) are considered if submitted, using a superscore policy.
- Priority class registration and advising
- Dedicated Honors housing with supportive peer community
- Faculty mentorship plus exclusive seminar-style courses
- Special research grants and study abroad funding
- Leadership development and elite fellowship preparation
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheatham-White Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks, laptop, enrichment) for 4 years plus four summers of enrichment | Incoming freshmen with at least 3.75–4.0 GPA, advanced coursework, major leadership and service record, U.S. citizenship/permanent residency | Yes — submit Honors College application by Nov 15 priority | Yes — maintain GPA and Honors standing | Valedictorian/salutatorian-level, exceptional leaders in school and community | Nov 15 |
| Lewis & Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, room, board, and enrichment funding (renewable 4 years) | Incoming freshmen, 3.75+ weighted GPA, competitive SAT/ACT if submitted, leadership, service | Yes — Honors College app by Nov 15 | Yes — GPA, leadership, Honors standing | Scholars average 4.2+ GPA, advanced courses, sustained involvement | Nov 15 |
| February One Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, housing, meals, Honors activities/enrichment, four years | Incoming freshmen: 3.75+ GPA; big impact in leadership, service, extracurriculars | Yes — Honors College app by Nov 15 | Yes — renewable with GPA, involvement | Scholars average 4.2+ GPA, major campus/community involvement | Nov 15 |
*Published cutoffs are minimums; past winners often exceed them, especially in GPA, rigor, and leadership. Numbers and amounts may change yearly.
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the Honors College by November 15 for full scholarship consideration; December 15 final for Honors without major funding.
Does Honors add time to your degree?
No. Honors courses substitute for standard requirements, letting students graduate on schedule with added benefits and global opportunities.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
Yes. When you apply to the Honors College, you’re automatically considered for Cheatham-White, Dowdy Scholars, and February One — all major full-ride programs. These replace base merit awards if selected.
What deadlines matter?
Apply to both A&T and the Honors College by November 15 for scholarships; later submissions only reviewed for Honors admission as funds allow.
https://ncat.edu/honors/
https://ncat.edu/honors/cheatham-white.php
https://ncat.edu/honors/dowdy-scholars.php
https://ncat.edu/honors/february-one.php
https://ncat.edu/honors/dates-deadlines.php
https://ncat.edu/news/2025/dowdy-scholars-cohort.php
https://ncat.edu/news/2025/february-one-cohort.php
⭐ College Specialty
North Carolina A&T isn’t just the largest HBCU in the nation — it’s a powerhouse for STEM, agriculture, and leadership programs that draw attention far beyond the state. For first-gen families, that means your student can study at a school that combines national reputation with strong career pipelines. And yes, NC A&T is classified as a public R2 research university, with an emphasis on applied research and workforce impact.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences: As an 1890 land-grant HBCU, NC A&T is nationally recognized for research in sustainable farming, food security, and extension programs that serve communities statewide.
- Business: The Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics is AACSB-accredited and ranks among the top producers of African American business graduates nationally.
- Sciences & Technology: Consistently one of the nation’s top HBCUs in STEM degree production, including computer science, biology, and health sciences.
- Largest HBCU: With more than 15,000 students in 2025, A&T has held the title of largest HBCU in the country for 12 straight years, giving students broad academic options and alumni connections nationwide.