Student Financial Aid & Employment

Scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified students. Although many forms of assistance are awarded on the basis of financial need, many others are based on academic achievement. In this document we outline the process of applying for assistance as a high school student, and also mention opportunities available to continuing and transfer students.

Co-op Employment and Part-time Opportunities

The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) allows a student to help pay for his/her education by alternating semesters of study and work, beginning in the Sophomore year. The extra year required to obtain a degree is more than compensated for by the salary and work experience. Job opportunities through co-op are available in the Research Triangle Area, as well as throughout the state, and in other states.

For additional co-op opportunities please check the CSC On-Line Jobs Board and part-time employment listings may be obtained from the.

The Computer Science Department often hires students as graders, teaching assistants, and lab instructors for CSC 110, 111, 113, 116, 216, and E115. If you are interested, check the Lab Instructor and Teaching Assistant Job Application Web page or contact Mr. Tim MacNeil.

Department of Computer Science Scholarships

Several endowed and cash scholarships are available to Computer Science students directly through the department.  In most cases, it is not necessary to apply individually; the scholarship committee will consider all qualified applicants within the department and notify individuals as awards are distributed throughout the academic year.  In cases where an application is necessary, a notice is sent to students via email or an Internet web-page announcement.

Endowed Scholarships
“Endowed” scholarships are those which are funded by the proceeds from an endowment, usually named in honor or memory of an individual, or in recognition of a corporate donor.  Once created, endowments are a perpetual, never-ending source of support for our students.  Current endowments providing scholarship support to computer science students include:

  • 40th Year Scholarship – This scholarship was created by the generous donations of alumni and faculty, in outright gifts and through proceeds from an online charity auction, to commemorate the department’s 40th year celebration in 2007.  Alumnus, Tony Brown (BS CSC ’83) and his wife Kathryn (BA English ’83), were the lead donors to the endowment, contributing almost $5,400.  The nonrenewable scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving sophomore or higher in computer science with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Anne-Marie and Chris Olinger Entrepreneur Scholarship - This endowment, created by a generous donation from CSC alum and Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Olinger (BS CSC ’89) and his wife, Anne-Marie (BS CSC ’87), will provide scholarships to outstanding students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science (CSC) and who are affiliated with NC State Entrepreneurship and/or the CSC Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Track, with a focus on students who demonstrate divergent thinking, problem solving and strong desire to think creatively and work competitively. The original donation to create the endowed scholarship was more than $264,000, the largest fully funded scholarship endowment ever created specifically to benefit computer science students at the time of the donation.
  • Brian P. Block Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship was created to honor CSC alum, Brian Block, who graduated in 2008, and passed in 2015 after working at technology companies Cisco, I-Cubed and KPIT. This is a needs-based scholarship for a student studying computer science, and renewable given that the student is making satisfactory progress toward graduation.
  • Dr. Carl C. Hughes Scholarship - This award was created to honor the life and legacy of this alum and career educator who taught mathematics at The Ohio State University and at North Carolina State University, and later served for more than 27 years as an Associate Professor at Fayetteville State University.  This needs-based award will be given to a qualified computer science student from an underrepresented class who is pursuing a dual major in computer science and applied mathematics or similar degree.
  • Carol Miller Student Leadership Award – This endowment, created to honor Carol Miller, a very popular and long-time lecturer in the department, upon her retirement in 2009. The endowment was made possible by the generous donations of numerous alumni, family and friends. The endowment provides "programmatic” and/or scholarship support with the highest priority given to supporting student organizations, student programs, and/or students directly. When the funds are used for scholarships, preference is given to computer science students who have demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Charles W. Kelly / ISSA Scholarship – This scholarship was created by the Raleigh Chapter of Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) to honor its founder, Charles W. Kelly.  The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in working in the field of computer security.
  • Collins Leadership and Computational Excellence Scholarship in Computer Science (planned estate gift) - This planned gift by CSC alum Keith Collins (B.S. ’82) and his wife Margie, will provide scholarships to be awarded to top students who have demonstrated strong aptitude and interest in research and mathematics. Awards shall be for one academic year and may be renewable if the recipient maintains a GPA of at least 3.0, demonstrated leadership activity, and satisfactory academic progress.
  • David and Karen Whitley Engineering Scholarship (planned gift, funding in progress) - This planned gift by NC State EE alum, David Whitley and his wife, Karen, honors David’s father, Hansel D. Whitley, and the profound impact he had on David’s life and career.  While a EE graduate, David’s career has been in the software industry and this needs-based scholarship is intended to support a student pursuing a degree in computer science.  The award is renewable if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
  • Diversity in Computer Science - This endowment, originally created by several members of the department’s Strategic Advisory Board (SAB), provides "programmatic” and/or scholarship support targeting the attraction and retention of under-represented groups in the field of computer science.
  • Donald L. Bitzer Creativity Award - This scholarship was established by Mrs. and Dr. Donald L. Bitzer, Distinguished University Research Professor, to recognize and encourage creativity in undergraduate computer science students.  "Creativity is thinking outside the box," says Dr. Bitzer, who is a member of the Order of Merlin and is known for his use of magic to help explain complex principles in his courses.  To encourage students to look at problems creatively, he presents two creativity awards each year.
  • Doris and Don Martin Scholarship - This endowment honors Dr. Don Martin, previous department head, and his wife Doris.  Martin joined NC State University in 1960, serving as head of computer science from 1974 to 1986, played a key role in the department’s rapid growth.
  • Duke Energy Scholarship - This endowment, provided through the generosity of the Duke Energy Foundation, provides one scholarship annually to a deserving student in computer science. This is a need-based scholarship, awarded preferably to a student in an under-represented class pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science.  Awards shall be for one academic year and may be renewable for up to four years max if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
  • Gordon Family Scholarship - This endowment, created by alumna Suzanne Gordon (B.S. CSC ‘75, M.S. CSC ‘80) and her husband, Ralph (B.S. CE ‘72) which will provide an annual merit-based award to an outstanding undergraduate pursuing a degree in computer science. In the spirit of “paying-it-forward”, preference will be given to students who are, have been, or will be actively involved in outreach efforts to assist at-risk children or youth, either through NC State University student organizations (such as STARS) or through personal involvement through community programs like Communities in Schools of Wake County.
  • Henry B. Rowe, Jr. Scholarship - This award was established by Denise Carlisle & Gerhard Pilcher (Class of 1985, BS-CSC and Class of 2011, MS-Advanced Analytics) to honor Gerhard’s stepfather & Mount Airy, NC businessman, Mr. Henry B. Rowe, Jr. (1919-1997).  Rowe was a 1941 graduate of NC State University in Chemical Engineering, served as editor of the Technician during his senior year, and was a member of a close-knit group of campus leaders (self named the “rail birds”) that included William “Bill” Friday.  This award will be given to a qualified computer science student who is a contributing member of the Computer Science Ambassadors Program.
  • Jesse Fearrington Scholarship - This gift by CSC alum Jesse Fearrington (B.S. ’73), will provide scholarships for students majoring in computer science from Chatham County, NC, where Jesse grew up. Awards will be renewable for up to three additional years, or until the student completes his or her undergraduate studies, as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory grades and academic progress.
  • Joyce Hatch Scholarship - This endowment, created to honor Joyce Hatch, an extremely popular student advisor who retired in 2006 after serving for over 30 years. In keeping with her ongoing efforts to help those in needs, this is a “needs” based scholarship.
  • KC Tai Memorial Fund – This endowment, created to honor Dr. KC Tai after his untimely passing in 2002, provides "programmatic” and/or scholarship support targeting the area of software engineering.  When the funds are used for scholarships, preference is given to computer science students with a disability or handicap.
  • Ken Tate Scholarship for Student Success in Computer Science – This endowment was created to honor Ken Tate, who has served as Director of Engagement & External Relations since 2001. The endowment was made possible by a generous lead gift by CSC alum, Tony Brown (BS CSC ‘83). This needs & merit-based award will be given to a qualified computer science student who is a contributing member of the Computer Science Student Ambassadors Program, a program Ken Tate launched and supported as an advisor to hundreds of students.
  • Mark and Robin Wyatt Scholarship - This endowment by CSC alum Mark Wyatt (B.S. ’80) and his wife Robin, will provide scholarships for incoming freshmen in the College of Engineering at NC State University, with first preference going to students from Statesville Senior High School or Mount Pleasant High School, where Mark and Robin attended high school.  Awards will be renewable for up to three additional years, given satisfactory grades and academic progress.
  • Mark Paul Kavanaugh Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Mark Kavanaugh, an outstanding computer science student who died in a car accident in the fall of 1986. Funds for the scholarship were given anonymously.
  • Marvin & Mary Chaney Undergraduate Scholarship in Computer Science and Mathematics - This endowment, created by loyal and generous alumni, Marvin Chaney Jr. (B.S. CSC ’76) and Mary D. Chaney (B.S. Mathematics ’78), provides scholarship funds to be split equally for distribution between Computer Science (College of Engineering) and Mathematics (College of Sciences). This merit-based award will be made annually and is renewable, if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
  • Mary A. & William H. ‘Bill’ Messer Computer Science Scholarship - This planned gift by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, will provide need and/or merit-based scholarship support to students pursuing a degree in Computer Science.  The scholarship honors the Messers, who were life-long North Carolinians from the Gastonia area, with a strong affinity to NC State University.
  • Michael 'Gray' Dougherty Memorial Scholarship in Computer Science – This endowment made possible by an outpouring of heart-felt pride and support from friends and family, honors the legacy of Michael 'Gray' Dougherty (BS CSC '20, MCS CSC '21), who passed away suddenly in 2023. The merit-based scholarship will be awarded annually to an undergraduate studying computer science, with a preference toward meritorious students who are enrolled in the game development concentration, or who have demonstrated an interest in video game design through internships, undergraduate research, work experience, career aspirations, and/or co-curricular experiences.
  • NetApp Scholarship – This endowment, provided through the generosity of Network Appliance, provides one scholarship annually to a deserving student in computer science. NetApp, headquartered Sunnyvale, CA, is a world leader in unified storage solutions. This scholarship was established in 2007, as part of the 40@40 Campaign in conjunction with the department’s 40th Year Celebration.
  • Oracle Scholarship - This endowment, provided through the generosity of Tekelec (acquired by Oracle in 2013), provides one scholarship annually to a deserving student in computer science. This is a need-based scholarship, awarded preferably to a student in an under-represented class pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science.  Awards shall be for one academic year and may be renewable if the recipient maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
  • Papapanagiotou Graduate Award Endowment - This endowment was created by Dr. Ioannis Papapanagiotou (ECE PhD ’12) will be used to provide awards for students pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the Department of Computer Science. In particular, award preference will be given to students who have demonstrated experience in or a commitment to working with the Greek culture and heritage. Application information: To apply for this award, students must submit to the DGP of their department 1) a 2-page CV, 2) 2) a 1-page statement explaining how they meet the criteria of the award, and 3) a reference letter from a faculty member. Applications must be received by April 30th every year and the award will be presented at the start of the following academic year.
  • Renee and Stan Katz Scholarship - This scholarship endowment was created by Dr. Martin S. Dulberg (CSC MS’96, CSC PHD’03) and Dr. Barbara J. Adams in honor of Dr. Dulberg’s mother and stepfather, Renee and Stan Katz.  The scholarship will be awarded to a freshman in computer science and is renewable for up to eight (8) semesters as long the student maintains a minimum 2.8 GPA and makes acceptable academic progress toward graduation. Should the recipient decide to change majors, the scholarship may be retained as long as the recipient is in the College of Engineering.  Preference shall be given to first generation college students.
  • Robert E. Funderlic Scholarship - This endowment was created to honor Dr. Robert E. Funderlic, Professor Emeritus and former department head from 1986 - 1992. The endowment was made possible by the generous donations of numerous alumni, family and friends, including a major lead gift by CSC alum, Dr. Andy Smith (PhD 2004). The endowment provides merit-based scholarship funds with a preference for computer science undergraduates at the junior level or higher, who are at least 8 years post-graduation from a high school in North Carolina.
  • SAS Institute Scholarship - This endowment, provided through the generosity of SAS Institute, provides multiple scholarships annually to deserving students in computer science. SAS, headquartered in Cary, NC, is one of the world's top software developers.
  • SAS Institute Diversity Scholarship - This endowment, also provided through the generosity of SAS Institute, provides multiple scholarships annually to under-represented students in computer science.
  • Society for Information Management (SIM) Ed Galloway Scholarship – This scholarship was created in 2008 by the RTP Chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM) professional organization, and renamed in the memory of Ed Galloway who passed away unexpectedly in 2016. Galloway was instrumental in his efforts to bring community service into the chapter’s vision and mission. He believed that supporting the next generation of technologists would help not only the recipient, but ultimately help the chapter thrive. The scholarship is awarded annually to a rising junior or senior and may be renewable if the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress.
  • Thomas L. Honeycutt Scholarship - This endowment, created to honor Dr. Thomas L. Honeycutt, a very popular professor and influential department icon, upon his retirement in 2012 after more than 40 years of service. The endowment was made possible by the generous donations of numerous alumni, family and friends, including a major lead gift by Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, Bobby R. Johnson, Jr. (B.S. ’77) and his wife, Donna.  The endowment provides need-based undergraduate scholarship support with a preference to first generation college students and/or students from military families.
  • Troan Scholarship for Computer Science - This endowment, created by a generous donation from CSC alum and Hall of Fame inductee, Erik Troan (BS CSC ’95) and his wife, Brigid (DVM ’99), will provide scholarships for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, including first-year students intending to major in Computer Science. Preference will be given to students who are from the first generation in their family to attend college and/or who reside in counties designated as Tier 1 by the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center.
  • Whitehorne Family Entrepreneurship Scholarship in Computer Science (planned estate gift) - This endowment, created by a generous donation from CSC alum and Hall of Fame inductee, Ed Whitehorne (BS CSC ’72) and his wife, Deborah, will provide scholarships for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, who are affiliated with the CSC Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Track. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated a combined interest in entrepreneurship and the field of computer science and who are from the first generation in their family to attend college.
  • William W. Johnson III Computer Science Scholarship (planned estate gift) - This planned gift by CSC alum William “Bill” Johnson III (B.S. ’71) is intended to provide ‘needs based’ scholarship support for one or more students studying computer science

Sponsored Scholarships
“Sponsored” scholarships are those which depend on annual gifts and sponsorships in order to be awarded.  Availability is based on continued funding from the donor.  From a historical perspective, sponsored scholarships of significance ($1,000 or more) have been awarded annually from the following sources:

  • Aspirations Awards ‐ awarded annually to a student who has won a regional or national NCWIT Aspirations Awards and who comes to NC State to study computer science. Award is renewable for up to four years given the student remains academically eligible and makes satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree in computer science.
  • Harris Corp
  • John Deere
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northrop Grumman

External Scholarships
Many corporate partners provide and administer special scholarships targeting computer science students.  These are communicated to students as we are made aware of them.  External scholarships of significance to our students include:

  • BHW Group Scholarship - The BHW Group's Women in STEM Academic Scholarship provides $3,000 to women who are pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree and are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applications are due each April 15th and the winner will be announced on May 1st. For more details, click here.
  • Celebrating The Hispanic Engineer Scholarship - The Association of Cuban-American Engineers Scholarship Foundation, Inc. offers scholarships (ranging from $500 to $2,500) to Hispanic engineering students. In the past, many of the scholarships granted have gone to deserving undergraduate and graduate students. The organization starts accepting applications in November. Applications can be submitted through January 31st and awards will made in March. Among other things, you must have completed 30 credit hours, were enrolled in the fall and will be enrolled this spring. You can apply online on the Foundation's website. You will also need to submit an official transcript and the first page of your student aid report (SAR). If you have questions about the scholarship program, please email Yuray Rodriguez.
  • Microsoft Scholarship - This national scholarship covers 100 percent of a student’s tuition and also provides a salaried summer internship of 12 weeks at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington.  While open to all candidates who meet the criteria for eligibility, a large majority of the scholarships will be awarded to female students, under-represented minority students or students with disabilities.  Minority applicants must be a member of one of the following groups under-represented in the software field: African American, Hispanic, or Native American.  Scholarship details including application process and selection criteria are emailed to all CSC students when provided by Microsoft. For more details, click here.
  • Truist Cyber Innovation Scholarship Opportunity - Truist Financial Corporation has established a scholarship program to assist current undergraduate and graduate students who plan to continue their education at an accredited college or university in the Raleigh/Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia areas. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 and we generally contact recipients as candidates for paid internship opportunities within our Cyber team over the summer. Children of Truist officers are not eligible. This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin. The application and more info can be found here

Undergraduate Fellowships

The Office of Undergraduate Fellowship Advising occassionally announces upcoming fellowship opportunities for students. Here is a list of such fellowships that may be available:

  1. The David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad (https://www.iie.org/programs/boren-awards-for-international-study/) are open to any undergraduate student and are merit based.
  2. The David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships are also merit based and open to seniors and recent graduate students. There is also a service requirement with this award.
  3. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (www.orau.org/) is merit based and open to seniors and first year graduate students.

Students applying for these scholarships can receive help with making a professional application as well as practicing and improving their interview skills. For more information on these scholarships, please visit the respective web sites or look for posted information around Withers Hall.

You can also find more information on these and many others opportunities for your students at the Undergraduate Fellowship Advising web site (www.ncsu.edu/university_honors). If you know of any students who would be strong candidates for any of these scholarships, please email Denise Wood at fellowships@ncsu.edu.

University-wide Opportunities

Merit Awards Program (November 1 deadline)

The application deadline for University-wide Merit Awards is November 1; students should submit both the scholarship application and the admissions application by that date. Although it is not necessary to be admitted to the University before applying for a Merit Award, you must apply for admission to be considered for a scholarship.

Applicants must meet at least two of the following academic criteria:

  • total SAT score of 1200
  • high school grade point average of 3.75
  • rank in top 10% of the senior class

Finalists are selected in early January and are invited for interviews in late February. Award announcements are made by mid-March.

For additional information you may contact:

John T. Caldwell/Merit Awards Program
Box 7342
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7342

Need-based Assistance (January 1 target date, March 1 deadline)
The steps to apply for need-based financial aid while still a high school student are:

  1. Obtain a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your high school counselor or from the NCSU Financial Aid Office.
  2. Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. To ensure that you are considered for all types of financial aid for which you are eligible, submit the FAFSA by March 1.
  3. Indicate on the FAFSA that you want to apply for financial aid at NCSU.
  4. After the FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report which you must send to the NCSU Financial Aid Office

For additional information you may contact:
Financial Aid Office
Box 7302
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7302
On-line information about university-wide opportunities is available at NCSU financial aid and scholarships.

If you are interested in supporting our computer science undergraduates through an endowed or sponsored scholarship, please contact:

Leslie Rand-Pickett
Interim Director of Engagement and External Relations
Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering
1222A EBII, Box 8206
NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-8206
919-513-7310
lcrandpi@ncsu.edu

Other Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources