Former Chancellor Kenneth Peacock used donations to a memorial fund for his mother as the basis for the ACCESS endowment. As a first-generation college student himself, Chancellor Peacock knew just how important both financial and academic support can be when attending college.

   

The ACCESS Scholarship Program offers qualifying students from low-income families in North Carolina a four-year university education at Appalachian debt-free. Specifically, the ACCESS Scholarship Program supplements federal financial aid grants, state financial aid grants and scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance with sufficient funds to cover the cost of institutional charges (tuition, fees, room, board) and, for those who qualify, an on-campus job for personal expenses for up to four years (eight semesters).  

 

Along with the financial assistance for students, a comprehensive program of academic and personal support is a part of Appalachian’s ACCESS Scholarship Program. The "Disco" Student Learning Center, the ACCESS Scholarship Program, and Student Support Services (SSS), in conjunction with other support areas of the University, coordinate and provide an individualized support program for each ACCESS scholar.

 

To be considered for funding under the ACCESS Scholarship Program, a student must:

• Be admitted as a first-time freshman enrolled in a first undergraduate degree program

• Be a North Carolina resident

• Attend Appalachian State University as a full-time student

• Meet an adjusted gross income for the prior tax year of or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines

• Demonstrate financial need under Federal Methodology (FM) resulting in an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of zero after Verification of the student's filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year

•  Meet all eligibility criteria for federal student financial aid programs

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the ASU Office of Student Financial Aid (see Policies section)

• Participate in the academic and personal support programs offered to ACCESS Students