Below are brief descriptions of federal and state financial aid programs available to COA students. If you would like more information about any of these programs, please contact the COA Scholarships and Student Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grant Program
Federal Pell Grants are awards which assist undergraduates in paying for their education after they complete high school or earn a GED. The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal student aid program. For many students, these grants provide a “foundation” to which other federal and non-federal assistance may be added. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back unless a student does not complete the term of enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Students who receive the Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. This federal program does not require employment or repayment unless a student does not complete the term of enrollment. The amount of the grant is based on students’ financial needs and the minimum award is $100. To be eligible for FSEOG, students’ financial aid files should be completed as early as possible. Funding is very limited.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for eligible students to earn money to help pay college expenses while attending classes at least part-time. Students participating in the program are employed in the library, laboratories, administrative and faculty offices, and various departments of the college.

Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program
The Federal Direct Loan Program provides federally insured, low interest, long terms loans to undergraduate students to help cover the costs of attending college. The Federal Government is the lender of these loans, thereby allowing students to obtain them directly through the college. This program includes the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. These loan programs were created by Congress to help all eligible students with and without financial need, pay for the student’s educational expenses.

North Carolina Nurse Education Scholarship Loan Program (NESLP)
NESLP was created to work in combination with existing financial aid resources to encourage enrollment and retention of qualified nurse education students. Funds for NESLP are allocated by the N.C. General Assembly among colleges and universities which offer nurse education programs. NESLP awards are available for licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) education. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid no later than July to be considered for NESLP.

North Carolina Nurse Scholars Program (NSP)
NSP was established to provide college scholarships for outstanding high school graduates and other persons interested in higher education to become a registered nurse (RN). The program also makes awards to LPN’s seeking to become RN’s. These scholarships are based upon academic merit. Financial need is not a selection criterion. The application must be completed no later than May 1. Please note deadline is subject to change.

North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) Program
For students to be eligible for need-based aid under this program, applicants must meet the following criteria: (1) be admitted to an eligible program of study; (2) have applied for federal Pell Grant funds; and (3) meet academic requirements to maintain Pell Grant eligibility; and (4) other criteria as required by program.

North Carolina Education Lottery Grant (NCELS)
For students to be elegible for need-based aid under this program, applicaints must meet the following criteria: (1) be admitted to an eligible program of study; (2) have applied for federal Pell Grant funds; and (3) meet academic requirements to maintain Pell Grant eligibility; and (4) other criteria as required by program. Funds for the support of the program are contingent each year from the proceeds of the North Carolina State Lottery.

North Carolina Community College Loan Program and College of The Albemarle Short-Term Loan Program
This program provides short-term loans to students who need assistance with the costs of tuition/fees/books. Loans must be repaid prior to the end of the term in which the loan was received.