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Chowan scholarships and merit aid

Two prices: the posted one, and yours.

Posted price$45,008per year · 2026-27 · cost of attendance
Yours?depends on the rules below

The short answer

Chowan may be worth checking, but its awards do not follow a simple grades-and-scores chart. Start with the published scholarships below.

Where does your student land?

Verified Jun 2026
5 school sources to explore

Published rules, with the school sources close at hand. Confirm the details before you count on an award.

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The award collection

Published scholarships

These amounts and requirements come from the school’s own published pages. Open an award to see who qualifies and how to keep it.

Where does your student land?

  1. Presidential Scholarship$11,000Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Presidential Scholarship

    $11,000

    Published amountNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    Not published (catalog says award amount is based on combined SAT score and GPA, but no cutoffs are published)
    SAT
    Not published (used in combination with GPA per catalog)
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Presidential Scholarship

    Who qualifies

    New accepted students are automatically considered; no separate application stated

    How to keep it

    Per the academic catalog, merit awards 'are renewed annually if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress' and 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan.'

    Worth knowing

    Top tier of Chowan's four named merit scholarships. Page lists annual amount and 4-year total ($44,000). No stat grid is published, so set automaticOnStats false even though consideration is automatic.

  2. Alumni Scholarship$9,000Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Alumni Scholarship

    $9,000

    Published amountNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    Not published
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Alumni Scholarship

    Who qualifies

    New accepted students are automatically considered; no separate application stated

    How to keep it

    Per the academic catalog, merit awards 'are renewed annually if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress' and 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan.'

    Worth knowing

    Second tier of the four named merit scholarships ($36,000 over 4 years).

  3. University Scholarship$8,000Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    University Scholarship

    $8,000

    Published amountNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    Not published
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for University Scholarship

    Who qualifies

    New accepted students are automatically considered; no separate application stated

    How to keep it

    Per the academic catalog, merit awards 'are renewed annually if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress' and 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan.'

    Worth knowing

    Third tier of the four named merit scholarships ($32,000 over 4 years).

  4. Founder's Scholarship$5,000Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Founder's Scholarship

    $5,000

    Published amountNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    Not published
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Founder's Scholarship

    Who qualifies

    New accepted students are automatically considered; no separate application stated

    How to keep it

    Per the academic catalog, merit awards 'are renewed annually if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress' and 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan.'

    Worth knowing

    Base tier of the four named merit scholarships ($20,000 over 4 years).

  5. Spirit Scholars ProgramUp to $50,000 (total award across four years)Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Spirit Scholars Program

    Up to $50,000 (total award across four years)

    Variable or qualified amountNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    Not published ('merit- and location-based'; specific cutoffs not published)
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Spirit Scholars Program

    Who qualifies

    Residency in designated NC counties (Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne, Wilson) or VA localities (Suffolk, Southampton, Isle of Wight); county of residence based on FAFSA mailing address

    How to keep it

    Page states 'Spirit Scholars consistently receive renewable awards that recognize academic achievement'; specific renewal criteria are not published on this page.

    Worth knowing

    Awarded to 'any qualified student' from the designated counties — 'this is not a contest.' IMPORTANT: the advertised amounts 'reflect the total award across four years,' not annual amounts. It is funded as a combination of merit awards plus location-based funds and appears as one line, 'Spirit Scholars Program,' on the award offer.

  6. Leadership Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)$36,000 over four years ($9,000 a year)Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Leadership Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    $36,000 over four years ($9,000 a year)

    Published award termsNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    At least a 2.7 grade point average to compete
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Leadership Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    Who qualifies

    Incoming student involved in a leadership role; short application, essay, and on-campus interview required; selected by the Leadership Scholar Selection Committee at an on-campus competition (interviews on select dates in November and January)

    How to keep it

    Renewable for up to three years provided the recipient is enrolled full-time, maintains a cumulative 2.5 grade point average, resides on campus, upholds the standards of the University, and continues to demonstrate strong leadership ability and a commitment to service. Applies only to fall and spring semesters; does not apply to hours in excess of 18 in any semester. FAFSA required.

    Worth knowing

    Top of the three Chowan Scholarship Day awards. Students receive only ONE of the three Scholarship Day awards.

  7. Dean's Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)$20,000 over four years ($5,000 a year)Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Dean's Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    $20,000 over four years ($5,000 a year)

    Published award termsNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    None published to compete (must be an accepted incoming student)
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Dean's Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    Who qualifies

    Short application, essay, and on-campus interview required at Chowan Scholarship Day (select dates in November and January)

    How to keep it

    Renewable for up to three years provided the recipient is enrolled full-time, maintains a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, resides on campus and upholds the standards of the University. Applies only to fall and spring semesters; does not apply to hours in excess of 18 in any semester. FAFSA required.

    Worth knowing

    Middle of the three Scholarship Day awards; students receive only one of the three.

  8. Trustee Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)$8,000 over four years ($2,000 a year)Not automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Trustee Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    $8,000 over four years ($2,000 a year)

    Published award termsNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    None published to compete (must be an accepted incoming student)
    SAT
    Not published
    ACT
    Not published
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Trustee Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day)

    Who qualifies

    Short application, essay, and on-campus interview required at Chowan Scholarship Day (select dates in November and January)

    How to keep it

    Renewable for up to three years provided the recipient is enrolled full-time, maintains a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, resides on campus and upholds the standards of the University. Applies only to fall and spring semesters; does not apply to hours in excess of 18 in any semester. FAFSA required.

    Worth knowing

    Base tier of the three Scholarship Day awards; students receive only one of the three.

  9. Chowan Transfer Excellence ScholarshipAmount not publishedNot automaticRenewable
    Published awardOther selection criteria

    Chowan Transfer Excellence Scholarship

    Amount not published

    Published award termsNot recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules. Confirm the policy year with the school.

    GPA
    At least a 3.0 or honors
    RenewableCheck the conditions
    Open award details for Chowan Transfer Excellence Scholarship

    Who qualifies

    Transferring directly from a community or junior college with at least 15 hours earned

    How to keep it

    Renewal terms not published on the scholarships page; catalog states the number of years a merit award is renewed is based on the recipient's grade level at first enrollment.

    Worth knowing

    Distinct transfer-merit track. The page publishes eligibility but no dollar amount.

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The fine print

Renewal ruleLeadership Scholarship (Chowan Scholarship Day): renewal floor that quietly knocks awards out

Renewable for up to three years provided the recipient is enrolled full-time, maintains a cumulative 2.5 grade point average, resides on campus, upholds the standards of the University, and continues to demonstrate strong leadership ability and a commitment to service. Applies only to fall and spring semesters; does not apply to hours in excess of 18 in any semester. FAFSA required. A single rough term can end a four-year award here without warning if the GPA floor isn't met cumulatively.

Aid capHard $45,008 cost-of-attendance ceiling

Institutional aid at Chowan cannot push the package past $45,008. Big outside wins can mathematically reduce institutional grant once the ceiling is reached.

What makes Chowan different

Chowan pairs four flat-dollar merit scholarships ($5,000-$11,000/year, no published GPA/test grid) with a county-based 'Spirit Scholars' overlay for eastern NC/southeastern VA residents and an interview-based Scholarship Day competition worth up to $9,000/year.

Merit tiers9See who qualifies
Research checkedJun 2026By our research team

Selection beyond grades and scores

Start with the selection process.

These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.

  1. Read the selection rules

    Look for the school's stated criteria and whether an additional application is needed.

  2. Check the application dates

    Confirm the current admission and scholarship deadlines directly with the school.

  3. Know what happens next year

    Check renewal, credit requirements and how other aid affects the award.

The fine print / Three questions to carry forward

Before you count on it.

Does it apply to us? Confirm the entering year, residency and every eligibility condition.

Can we keep it? Check renewal GPA, credits and how long the award lasts.

Can we combine it? Ask how outside scholarships and other school awards change the offer.

Take Chowan's decision sheet

A printable research summary, source links and room for your questions.

See what could change an award

What families often miss

  1. The scholarships page states 'Chowan Spirit Scholars amounts reflect the total award across four years,' and the program is a combination of the regular merit award plus location-based funds shown as one 'Spirit Scholars Program' line on the award offer — it is not $50,000 per year and not money on top of the merit scholarship.

  2. The catalog caps total scholarships and grants 'from all sources' at direct costs plus a books/supplies allowance (or at financial-aid need when receiving federal funds), and the scholarships page warns 'Receipt of additional funding may impact your award offer.' Large outside awards can therefore trigger a reduction of Chowan-funded aid.

  3. The scholarships page says 'Approved commuters may see a reduction of up to $2000 a semester since residential fees are not applicable,' and the catalog states 'Financial aid awards that include institutionally administered funds will be reduced when a student changes from residential to commuter status.' Scholarship Day awards additionally require the recipient to reside on campus to renew.

  4. The catalog states merit awards 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan' and are renewed only if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress — a weak GPA can shrink the award, not just cancel it.

  5. Leadership Scholarship renewal requires a cumulative 2.5 GPA, full-time enrollment, residing on campus, and continued leadership/service; Dean's and Trustee require a 2.0 GPA, full-time enrollment, and residing on campus. All three apply only to fall and spring semesters and do not cover hours over 18 in a semester.

  6. The page states students attending Chowan Scholarship Day are eligible for 'one of the three scholarships' (Leadership, Dean's, or Trustee) — they do not combine.

  7. Scholarship Day recipients 'are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),' Spirit Scholars county eligibility is determined by the FAFSA mailing address, and the catalog states 'Since financial aid is not automatically renewed, a student must reapply each year.'

  8. The $1,000 Visit Scholarship ($125/semester over eight semesters) only counts for an Individual Visit (Mon-Fri 10 am/2 pm or Sat 10 am) taken between March of junior year and January 15 of senior year — CU Preview Days, Chowan Scholarship Days, SOAR Days, Athletic Recruitment Days, NCAA Official Visits and off-campus visits are excluded.

  9. The scholarships page states North Carolina residency must be determined via RDS before any state aid can be considered, with completion deadlines of July 15 for fall enrollment and December 1 for spring; applications completed more than 30 days after the start of the semester are not eligible for funding until the next semester.

See costs and school data

Who this school may work for

Students from the designated northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia counties get the best deal here via the automatic Spirit Scholars combination. Students with leadership resumes who will live on campus can add value through the interview-based Chowan Scholarship Day awards.

Published yearly cost: Approximately $45,008 for 2026-27. Source

Cost and graduation facts

Federal reporting on who actually enrolls at Chowan, what they paid after aid, and what happened next — independent of anything the school markets.

Average annual net price by family income at Chowan, academic year 2021-22
Family incomeAverage net price paid
$0–$30,000$13,726
$30,001–$48,000$10,950
$48,001–$75,000$14,549
$75,001–$110,000$14,565
$110,001+$19,713
All income levels (average)$14,086

Sticker price vs. what students actually pay

Published tuition & fees, AY 2022-23
$27,910
Average net price paid (all Title-IV aid), AY 2021-22
$14,086

That works out to roughly a 64% discount below the federal AY 2021-22 average cost of attendance of $39,027 (College Scorecard — a separate, federally reported figure, not the published cost of attendance shown above).

Outcomes for students who enrolled here

Graduation rate (150% of normal time), 2016 cohort
30%
First-year retention rate, 2021 cohort
71%
Median debt at completion, 2020–2021 completers
$29,491 (~$313/mo on a 10-yr plan)
Median earnings, 10 years after entry (measured 2020-21)
$38,412
Share of students receiving a Pell grant, AY 2021-22
58%
Share of students receiving a federal loan, AY 2021-22
57%
See other scholarships and cost examples

If your student brings another scholarship

Chowan caps total scholarships and grants from ALL sources (institutional + outside + state/federal) at direct costs plus a books-and-supplies allowance — or at financial-aid need when federal funds are received. The scholarships page also warns generally that 'receipt of additional funding may impact your award offer,' and institutional aid is reduced if a student changes from residential to commuter status. Which aid type is reduced first (loan vs. grant) is not published.

The 2025-2026 academic catalog (Finances and Financial Aid section) states recipients of university-funded scholarships/grants may not receive total scholarships and grants from all sources in excess of direct costs (tuition, room, and board when applicable, plus a books/supplies allowance), or in excess of financial-aid need when receiving federal funds. Note this is a direct-cost cap, which is tighter than a full cost-of-attendance cap. It also states institutionally administered aid is reduced when a student changes from residential to commuter status, and that financial aid is not automatically renewed — students must reapply (FAFSA) each year.

Source

Other Chowan scholarships worth checking

These awards can be harder to find. Each one has its own rules.

AmountUp to $500 a semester per organization (up to two organizations); 'Up to $1000 match from Chowan University per student'EligibilityAccepted, enrolled undergraduate (minimum 12 credit hours per term) who receives a scholarship from a faith-based organization/church; funds must come from two separate organizations to claim both matches

No separate application — awarded once the Financial Aid Office receives notice of the gift/check. 'Awards are subject to financial aid award policy limits.' The 2025-2026 catalog describes it as 'up to $1000 for the first school year.'

Source

Amount$1,000 distributed over eight semesters ($125 per semester)EligibilityVisit Chowan on an Individual Visit (Mon-Fri 10 am or 2 pm, or Saturday 10 am) between March of junior year and January 15 of the enrollment/senior year; must take the campus tour, interview with an Admissions Counselor, and apply for admission

CU Preview Days, Chowan Scholarship Days, SOAR Days, Athletic Recruitment Days, NCAA Official Visits, off-campus visits and other events are EXCLUDED from earning this scholarship.

Source

AmountAmount not publishedEligibilityFamilies with more than one student attending Chowan; a request must be completed for EACH student attending

Records are reviewed after the request form is submitted via the Sibling Grant Application page.

Source

AmountAmount not published ('Amount varies according to ability' per catalog)EligibilityAudition required (contact Dr. Mary Hellmann); must be accepted for admission before the audition; open to all areas of music performance, may audition in more than one medium

Catalog: 'Music scholarships are offered to students who are selected by the Chowan University Music Department after an audition. Amount varies according to ability.'

Source

Amount$2,000 ($250 per semester for up to eight semesters of continuous enrollment)EligibilityIncoming first-time freshmen nominated by their high school counselor; submission window September 1 - January 15 of the student's senior year

Counselor (not the student) submits the nomination. Page uses placeholder year '20XX' in its example.

Source

AmountAmount not published ('Annual need-based funding')EligibilityWomen who reside in eligible Southern states, identify as Christian, demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required), and maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA

Need-based cohort program (not merit) hosted at Chowan; includes private room in the Lettie Pate Cohort residence space and career-services perks.

Source

AmountUp to $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters (Chowan matches Nucor's contribution up to $1,000 per semester; spouses up to $500 per semester)EligibilityFirst-time, full-time unmarried dependent children under 25 of Nucor Steel-Hertford County (Cofield, NC) employees; complete Nucor Tuition Certificate, admission, and FAFSA prior to March 1

Matching agreement — Chowan only pays if Nucor funds its half and Nucor's requirements are completed first.

Source

AmountAmount not publishedEligibilityDependents of full-time employees at participating Tuition Exchange institutions; must be admissible under regular standards and comply with host institution aid policies; must maintain good academic/social standing and satisfactory academic progress

Application via Chowan's TEP page; employees should contact their home institution's TEP liaison.

Source

AmountAmounts not publishedEligibilityVaries by fund (many require 3.0 GPA to earn and retain; many have county, church, or major preferences)

Catalog: 'Endowed scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office. No separate application is required. Awards are intended to be a means to fund institutional awards that appear in the award package' — i.e., they typically fund (not add to) the existing institutional award.

Source

Chowan merit aid FAQ

  • What is the scholarship deadline at Chowan?

    There is no single published merit deadline — admitted students are automatically considered for the merit scholarships. For Chowan Scholarship Day (Leadership/Dean's/Trustee), interviews are held on select dates in November and January and your completed application is your registration. The High School Counselor Scholarship must be submitted between September 1 and January 15 of the student's senior year, and the Visit Scholarship requires an Individual Visit by January 15 of the senior/enrollment year.

  • Do I need a specific GPA or test score for the Presidential, Alumni, University, or Founder's Scholarship?

    Chowan does not publish a GPA/test grid. The website says new accepted students are 'automatically considered,' and the academic catalog says the award amount 'is based upon the combined SAT score and grade point average for new students.' Ask the aid office which stats earn each tier.

  • Can I keep my Chowan merit scholarship if my outside scholarships cover everything?

    Not necessarily. The catalog caps total scholarships and grants from all sources at direct costs plus a books/supplies allowance (or at financial-aid need when receiving federal funds), and the scholarships page warns that 'receipt of additional funding may impact your award offer.'

  • Is the Spirit Scholars award extra money on top of my merit scholarship?

    No. Chowan states the Spirit Scholars Program 'is funded through a combination of merit-based awards offered by Admissions and Chowan's location-based scholarships,' and eligible students see one combined 'Spirit Scholars Program' line in the award offer. The advertised amounts (up to $50,000) are totals across four years.

  • What does Chowan cost for 2026-27?

    Tuition is $14,500 per semester ($29,000/year) plus a $100/semester activity fee. The official 2026-27 on-campus cost of attendance totals $45,008 before PLUS loan fees ($45,394 with PLUS fees), including living expenses, books, transportation and miscellaneous costs.

  • Are the merit scholarships renewable?

    Yes — per the catalog, awards 'are renewed annually if the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress,' but they 'can be increased/reduced in accordance with the students GPA while enrolled at Chowan,' and financial aid is not automatically renewed: you must refile the FAFSA each year. Scholarship Day awards have explicit GPA floors (2.5 Leadership; 2.0 Dean's/Trustee) plus full-time enrollment and on-campus residency requirements.

See sources and other schools

How Chowan compares

  • 235 of 749 verified schools in our dataset use cost-of-attendance cap displacement.

    Chowan is in a recognizable cluster (235 schools share this category). That framing matters when comparing peer schools that may publish the policy differently or not at all.

  • 665 of 749 verified schools publish at least one four-year renewable merit award.

    Chowan is one of them. The cohort minority (84 schools) only awards one-year scholarships, which means the four-year value families assume on a brochure quote isn't guaranteed at every school.

Sources used on this page

Every claim is checked against Chowan’s own published materials. Below is the full reference set.

Compare with similar schools

Keep exploring Chowan merit aid

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