A student success program destined to earn high marks.

North Carolina State University has launched Pack Promise, a new program that reaffirms the university's mission and proven historical record of access, affordability and student success. Pack Promise guarantees that NC State's neediest students will receive 100 percent of their financial aid requirements through a combination of scholarships, grants, Federal Work-Study employment and need-based loans. And through unique mentoring and counseling, academic support and advising, undergraduate research opportunities and financial aid counseling, student success and timely graduation will also be ensured.

The Promise fulfills the mission.

NC State’s mission has always been to extend a quality education to the broadest range of deserving students, regardless of income or need. Pack Promise, reaffirming our historical commitment to access, affordability and student success, and encouraging first-generation college students, is a formal extension of that mission.

What that means is simple:

We’re giving help to those who need it most.

Getting a degree without getting buried in debt.

Today, more than ever, a college education is an essential step in developing a career and earning a good living. Yet at the same time, an increasing number of potential students are from low-income families. Thus, the very people who could most benefit from a secondary education are the least likely to be able to afford it.

For years, the only viable solution was a student loan – something a lot of students were reluctant to take on. And for good reason: according to the College Board, the typical student who borrows to finance a bachelor’s degree at a public university graduates with $15,500 of debt.

NC State University has created Pack Promise to ensure that 100 percent of the financial aid needs of low-income students is met.

Are you eligible for Pack Promise?

If you're an incoming freshman, and your family income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level and you/your parents have limited assets, you may be eligible. So if, for example, youre part of a family of four with an annual income of less than about $29,000, or the child of a single parent who earns about $19,200, you may qualify for Pack Promise. If so, 100 percent of your financial need will be met.

How it works.

Your financial aid will be delivered through a combination of scholarships, grants, Federal Work-Study employment, and a need-based loan of up to $2,500 per year. As long as you continue to qualify, your aid will cover up to nine semesters (the approximate equivalent of four years of full-time coursework).

The anticipated aid package for 2006-07 will be about $14,000 per year if you’re an in-state student, or $27,000 if you’re from out of state.

More than money.

We want you to succeed. So in addition to financial aid, we’ll also lend a hand with:

• additional academic support and advising
• undergraduate research positions targeted to your academic goals
• financial aid counseling to keep you from missing critical filing dates
• mentoring and counseling