3 answers
zoey
Student
Newnan, Georgia
4
Questions
Asked
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So i'm a freshman and I have multiple questions about colleges and stuff. I want to go to College at NCSU (North Carolina State University), but I have no way to pay. Is there any Scholorships or anything that could help? I live outside of NC so I'm not sure how to get in. ?
If anyone knows anything I need to, please ne free to share. I have to know everything before I graduate, as me and my parents are splitting up then.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, Zoey—first off, top top props for thinking ahead about college and making those big moves. You’ve got this totally! So, Yoga Dwi already dropped some solid advice. So here is what I can tell you which I hope helps. 🥰
1. Yoga’s Right—Scholarships Are Your Best Friend.
NCSU has some pretty sweet scholarships, like the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship and the Goodnight Scholars Program (perfect if you’re into STEM and come from a low-income background). These babies can seriously cut down your costs, so definitely check their scholarship portal regularly.
Just I should say: Don’t stop at NCSU’s scholarships—cast a wider net! Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche are full of random scholarships (some are super easy to apply for, like writing a quick essay or even just filling out your info). The more you apply for, the better your chances!
2. Like Yoga said—FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your golden ticket to grants, work-study gigs, and even some low-interest loans. Even as an out-of-state student, you could snag some serious help. Fill it out as early as possible—the money’s first come, first served, and we want you at the front of that line.
3. Out-of-State Hustle! Yeah, out-of-state tuition is no joke—but there are sneaky ways to lower it:
Residency Workaround: If you can swing living in North Carolina for 12 months (without being financially dependent on your parents), you could qualify for in-state tuition. It’s not an overnight fix, but it’s worth looking into if you’re serious about NCSU long-term.
Regional Tuition Discounts: Some states have special programs (like the Academic Common Market) where you can pay in-state rates for certain majors. Check if your state has a deal with NC—it could save you a ton.
4. Another option? Start at a North Carolina community college—way cheaper—and then transfer to NCSU through their Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). It’s a budget-friendly, backdoor way to get that Wolfpack degree without breaking the bank.
5. NCSU offers on-campus work-study jobs, and there are always side hustles like tutoring, freelancing, or even paid internships. Not only does it help pay the bills, but it also gives you experience—a win-win.
6. It sounds like you’ve got a lot going on with your family situation, and honestly? I’m proud of you for pushing through. ❤️You’re already showing serious strength by planning ahead. If things get tricky, reach out to NCSU’s financial aid office—they’re there to help, and they’ve heard it all before. Plus, your high school counselor might have local scholarships up their sleeve, so hit them up too. Trust me once they hear they will deffinetely help out so don't be shy or afraid to say.
So just let me say, you’ve got options Zoey. Scholarships (NCSU’s + external), FAFSA for federal aid, residency tricks, community college transfers, and on-campus work can all make your dream totally achievable. You’re already ahead of the game by asking—now keep that momentum going.
And hey, when you’re walking around NCSU’s campus in your freshman year? You better remember you didn't give up and you got it! 😉 All the best!
1. Yoga’s Right—Scholarships Are Your Best Friend.
NCSU has some pretty sweet scholarships, like the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship and the Goodnight Scholars Program (perfect if you’re into STEM and come from a low-income background). These babies can seriously cut down your costs, so definitely check their scholarship portal regularly.
Just I should say: Don’t stop at NCSU’s scholarships—cast a wider net! Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche are full of random scholarships (some are super easy to apply for, like writing a quick essay or even just filling out your info). The more you apply for, the better your chances!
2. Like Yoga said—FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your golden ticket to grants, work-study gigs, and even some low-interest loans. Even as an out-of-state student, you could snag some serious help. Fill it out as early as possible—the money’s first come, first served, and we want you at the front of that line.
3. Out-of-State Hustle! Yeah, out-of-state tuition is no joke—but there are sneaky ways to lower it:
Residency Workaround: If you can swing living in North Carolina for 12 months (without being financially dependent on your parents), you could qualify for in-state tuition. It’s not an overnight fix, but it’s worth looking into if you’re serious about NCSU long-term.
Regional Tuition Discounts: Some states have special programs (like the Academic Common Market) where you can pay in-state rates for certain majors. Check if your state has a deal with NC—it could save you a ton.
4. Another option? Start at a North Carolina community college—way cheaper—and then transfer to NCSU through their Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). It’s a budget-friendly, backdoor way to get that Wolfpack degree without breaking the bank.
5. NCSU offers on-campus work-study jobs, and there are always side hustles like tutoring, freelancing, or even paid internships. Not only does it help pay the bills, but it also gives you experience—a win-win.
6. It sounds like you’ve got a lot going on with your family situation, and honestly? I’m proud of you for pushing through. ❤️You’re already showing serious strength by planning ahead. If things get tricky, reach out to NCSU’s financial aid office—they’re there to help, and they’ve heard it all before. Plus, your high school counselor might have local scholarships up their sleeve, so hit them up too. Trust me once they hear they will deffinetely help out so don't be shy or afraid to say.
So just let me say, you’ve got options Zoey. Scholarships (NCSU’s + external), FAFSA for federal aid, residency tricks, community college transfers, and on-campus work can all make your dream totally achievable. You’re already ahead of the game by asking—now keep that momentum going.
And hey, when you’re walking around NCSU’s campus in your freshman year? You better remember you didn't give up and you got it! 😉 All the best!
Pat Golden-Romero
Teach Hospitality/ Culinary Arts, College Admissions
6
Answers
Santa Cruz, California
Updated
Pat’s Answer
Hi, great advice from both Dr. H & Yoga. As a College Admissions professional I would also add the following: Remember you can't apply to college till at least 11th grade. Explore/ Decide what you like to do - your HS counselor is your best resource to help search colleges & interests. Be sure to apply to multiple colleges that are known for your college majors of interest. Look at the Scholarship page at each of those schools. Keep your grades up! especially in 11th grade. If your school offers: AP courses, Career Technical Education pathways or community college dual enrollment ( ask your counselor) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. You may be able to graduate from HS with college credits & then transfer to a public or private university to shorten your degree completion time. You'll want to get letters of recommendation from your teachers when application time comes too !
If you like N.C., I'd check out jwu.edu in Charlotte- Johnson & Wales University is a private university which means- NO out of state tuition - wide variety of quality degrees, with internships & great scholarships. Good luck!
If you like N.C., I'd check out jwu.edu in Charlotte- Johnson & Wales University is a private university which means- NO out of state tuition - wide variety of quality degrees, with internships & great scholarships. Good luck!
Yoga Dwi Pradana
I don't have a job
10
Answers
Batu, East Java, Indonesia
Updated
Yoga Dwi’s Answer
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about college and finances! Here are some key things you should know about getting into NCSU and affording it:
1. Scholarships & Financial Aid
Since you live outside of North Carolina, tuition will be higher, but there are still ways to reduce costs:
Merit-Based Scholarships – NCSU offers scholarships like the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship and Goodnight Scholars Program (for STEM students from low-income backgrounds). Check NCSU’s scholarship portal here.
Need-Based Aid (FAFSA) – Even if you're out of state, filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will determine if you qualify for grants, work-study, and federal loans.
Private & External Scholarships – Look at websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche to find external scholarships. Some may cover full tuition!
2. Residency & Tuition Reduction
Out-of-state tuition is expensive, but there are ways to lower costs:
Residency Requirements – If you move to NC and live there independently for 12 months, you may qualify for in-state tuition. Look into the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS).
Regional Tuition Programs – Some states have reciprocity agreements (e.g., Academic Common Market), which allow students to pay in-state tuition rates for certain majors.
3. Alternative Paths to NCSU
Community College Transfer – You can start at a North Carolina community college (which is cheaper), then transfer to NCSU through their Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP).
Work-Study & Part-Time Jobs – NCSU offers on-campus jobs to help students cover living costs. Also, look for paid internships and co-op programs to earn while studying.
4. Application Process & Deadlines
Make sure you check application deadlines and scholarship deadlines on NCSU’s official website.
Consider taking the SAT/ACT seriously, as a higher score could increase your chances of merit-based aid.
Since your family situation is changing, it’s important to plan your financial independence carefully. If you need more help, consider reaching out to NCSU’s financial aid office or a guidance counselor at your high school.
Stay motivated—you’ve got this!
1. Scholarships & Financial Aid
Since you live outside of North Carolina, tuition will be higher, but there are still ways to reduce costs:
Merit-Based Scholarships – NCSU offers scholarships like the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship and Goodnight Scholars Program (for STEM students from low-income backgrounds). Check NCSU’s scholarship portal here.
Need-Based Aid (FAFSA) – Even if you're out of state, filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will determine if you qualify for grants, work-study, and federal loans.
Private & External Scholarships – Look at websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche to find external scholarships. Some may cover full tuition!
2. Residency & Tuition Reduction
Out-of-state tuition is expensive, but there are ways to lower costs:
Residency Requirements – If you move to NC and live there independently for 12 months, you may qualify for in-state tuition. Look into the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS).
Regional Tuition Programs – Some states have reciprocity agreements (e.g., Academic Common Market), which allow students to pay in-state tuition rates for certain majors.
3. Alternative Paths to NCSU
Community College Transfer – You can start at a North Carolina community college (which is cheaper), then transfer to NCSU through their Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP).
Work-Study & Part-Time Jobs – NCSU offers on-campus jobs to help students cover living costs. Also, look for paid internships and co-op programs to earn while studying.
4. Application Process & Deadlines
Make sure you check application deadlines and scholarship deadlines on NCSU’s official website.
Consider taking the SAT/ACT seriously, as a higher score could increase your chances of merit-based aid.
Since your family situation is changing, it’s important to plan your financial independence carefully. If you need more help, consider reaching out to NCSU’s financial aid office or a guidance counselor at your high school.
Stay motivated—you’ve got this!