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Aspiring Eagles Academy FAQs

Who Is Eligible?

Entering NCCU freshmen students may be eligible to participate in the Aspiring Eagles Academy (AEA). Responses will be sent out after the participant’s interview.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Step 1: 

  • Qualify for either in-state residency (meet North Carolina residency requirements) or out-of-state residency
  • Have graduated from an accredited or university-approved high school with a diploma or GED certificate
  • Be admitted into NCCU as a full-time student and paid enrollment fee
  • Complete the Housing Application and pay the application fee
  • Exhibit leadership and service opportunities, evidenced by participation in scholastic, community and civic organizations

Step 2:

Step 3:

  • Submit a final high school transcript to the NCCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions
  • Provide a non-refundable seat deposit of $600 (in-state and out-of-state) upon notification of acceptance
  • All medical forms must be submitted
  • Pay the SOAR registration enrollment fee
  • Submit the Summer Housing Application and Fee
  • Sign the FERPA document
  • Complete the Acceptance Package

Contact

For more information or questions, please contact Alston DeVega or Amaiya Nesmith.

DeVega,

DeVega, Alston

Director of Student Transition and Engagement

University College

location icon Alexander-Dunn Building, Room 108

email icon [email protected]

phone icon 919-530-6973


Nesmith,

Nesmith, Amaiya

Coordinator of Student Transition and Engagement

University College

location icon Alexander-Dunn Building, Room 102

email icon [email protected]

phone icon 919-530-5535


Non-Refundable Seat Deposit Fee

Initial AEA Seat Deposit$600.00

The purpose of the (non-refundable) AEA seat deposit is to secure your spot within Aspiring Eagles Academy. This fee does not contribute to your tuition and fees.

Aspiring Eagles Academy is primarily designed to strengthen the participant’s writing proficiency, study habits, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and time management capabilities. This exclusive experience not only provides a grounding for initiating their educational foundation, but a long-lasting sense of belonging as an Eagle at North Carolina Central University.

North Carolina Central University does not offer any scholarships for summer program enrollment. However, any students who complete the 2026–2027 and the 2027–2028 FAFSA, if they are eligible, may receive Pell Grant support and may be eligible for Federal Student Loan support (Subsidized and Unsubsidized). 

The purpose of submitting the 2026–2027 FAFSA is to receive summer financial assistance. Completing the 2027–2028 FAFSA is needed for the 2027–2028 academic year. For information about Financial Aid, please go to https://www.nccu.edu/admissions/financial-aid. 

Pell Grant Eligibility

note:

The Pell Grant, a vital financial aid program offered by the U.S. Department of Education, is awarded to eligible undergraduate students based on the information provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is important to recognize that not all students who complete the FAFSA will automatically qualify for a Pell Grant. Eligibility hinges on factors such as financial need, enrollment status, and the overall cost of attendance. Hence, the Pell Grant is not guaranteed for all participants. Students are advised to diligently adhere to the eligibility criteria outlined by the Department of Education, stay informed about their application status, and explore additional financial aid options as needed. This disclaimer underscores the necessity for accurate and timely FAFSA submissions and to proactively seek information from their financial aid office for comprehensive guidance.

Tentative Total Cost of Participation

Aspiring Eagles AcademyUndergraduate NC ResidentUndergraduate Non-resident
Pell (if applicable)$2,773.00$2,773.00
Program Seat Deposit$600.00 $600.00 
Room (Chidley)$1,500.00 $1,500.00 
8 Credit Hours$1,495.29$4,407.29
Meal Plan$800.00$800.00
Total for Summer  '25 (with Pell Grant)$1,622.29$4,534.29
Total for Summer '25 (No Financial Aid)$4,395.29$7,307.29

 

FAQs

The Aspiring Eagles Academy allows incoming NCCU freshmen students to take three college courses and adjust to campus life during the summer following their high school graduation. Participants also attend a weekly workshop series that addresses issues related to campus life and the educational process. The summer bridge program will be a hybrid structure to provide students a realistic experience as they start their academic careers at NCCU.

Entering NCCU freshmen students may be eligible to participate in the Aspiring Eagles Academy. Responses will be sent out after the participant’s interview.

If you participate in the Aspiring Eagles Academy, you will cultivate friendships with peers in your freshman class that may last throughout your college career. In addition, you will have the opportunity to “jump start” your academic career and gain the skills necessary to excel in your chosen major.

Students will enroll in two courses that will be offered in the summer. All these intensive courses emphasize the development of the fundamental learning strategies and critical thinking skills that are essential for success as you transition into your college career.

Note: Students who have taken college English, Math and Freshmen Seminar courses will not be eligible for the program. The English course is hybrid.

The online classes offered are as follows:

  • ENG 1100: This class provides intensive instruction and practice in the writing process. It focuses upon the formal conventions and conceptual expectations of college writing, with emphasis upon the grammatical, stylistic and rhetorical techniques required in successful writing.
  • MATH 1100 (College Algebra and Trigonometry): Topics include fractional expressions, exponents and radicals, equations and inequalities of linear and quadratic types, functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, and the binomial theorem.

The Summer Bridge program is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2027, and will end on July 24, 2027. 

No, you cannot. Living Learning Communities provide a distinct setting where students learn to bridge their academic, social and institutional experiences. Using the outcomes of student learning, Living-Learning Communities design intentional learning experiences to help students connect various campus experiences into their everyday lives.

You will live in Chidley Hall Residential Hall near the center of campus to help you make a successful transition to NCCU.

Participants are required to pay a non-refundable entry fee of $600.00. This fee is separate from tuition and university costs. All participants must complete two years of the FAFSA, which includes the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 FAFSA. Please refer to the Tentative Total Cost of Participation section.

The 2026–2027 and 2027-2028 FAFSA is available now, and you should do it immediately to be considered for AEA. 

Students are invited to participate in the Aspiring Eagles Academy on a first-come, first-served basis by submitting the online application. If the student meets the qualifications, we will invite the student to an interview with the AEA committee. Students who choose to participate must complete and return an Aspiring Eagles Academy acceptance package and submit a copy of proof of medical records.

Timeline and Deadlines

Timeline and Deadlines

DatesDescription
November 9, 2026 

Application Opens

AEA application

Submit/pay the following:
Fall Housing and Enrollment Fee
FAFSA submission and completion for the years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 

February 2027-May 2027Notification of Acceptance
April 30, 2027

Seat deposit due to secure spot in the program.
Non-refundable Seat Deposit Fee: $600.00
Note: Acceptance package due for finalist.
Submit/pay the following:

  • All medical forms must be submitted with the acceptance package
  • Paid SOAR registration enrollment fee
  • Summer Housing Application and Fee
  • FERPA Document

Projected Cost Breakdown Chart

May 2027Town Hall Meetings Begin
June 20, 2027

First day of AEA

Move-in to Chidley Residence Hall

Opening Ceremony*

June 20, 2027SOAR
June 24, 2027Classes begin!
July 22–23, 2027Final Exams
July 23, 2027

Closing Ceremony

Chidley Residence Hall Closes

July 23, 2027Summer Session II Tuition and Fees Due