What Is Pack Promise?

Pack Promise is a formal extension of NC State’s mission, reaffirming the University’s historical commitment to access, affordability and student success. More than just a financial aid program, Pack Promise is a set of principles designed to minimize the loan burden for needy students, encourage first-generation college student attendance, promote access and academic success for students from low income families, and connect faculty with students to enhance the student’s academic experience through undergraduate research opportunities.

What comprises the Pack Promise financial aid package?

Students who are identified as eligible for funding under the Pack Promise will have 100 percent of their financial need met through a combination of scholarships and grants, Federal Work-Study employment, and a maximum need-based loan of $2,500 per year for up to nine semesters. Students may decline the Work-Study and/or loan portion of the aid award, but grant and scholarship funding may not be offered to replace those funds.

Who is eligible?

Pack Promise will provide funding and academic support for dependent first-time freshmen who enter during the 2006-07 academic year, and whose parental income is at or below 150 percent of poverty level as defined by the 2005 US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) Poverty Guidelines.

A new class of Pack Promise scholars will be admitted and funded each year thereafter.

Both resident and nonresident freshmen will be considered for the Pack Promise.

All students identified as eligible for the Pack Promise will be required to verify income information.

How do I apply?

There is not a separate application for Pack Promise. Admitted freshmen who complete the 2006-07 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and who meet the defined income guidelines will be identified automatically by the NCSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. After eligibility has been confirmed through verifying parental income, students will be notified if funded under the guidelines of the Pack Promise.

How do I renew each year?

To be eligible for renewal, Pack Promise scholars must reapply for aid each year by submitting a Renewal FAFSA by March 1, NC State’s priority financial aid filing date for the upcoming academic year.

Eligibility will be re-evaluated each year to assure parental income continues to meet updated HHS income guidelines.

Also for renewal, students must have made satisfactory academic progress according to the Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility..

If income and academic guidelines continue to be met, Pack Promise scholars will be funded until completion of the first baccalaureate degree or for nine semesters, whichever comes first.