Grants and Scholarships

• Eligibility: Awarded based on academic achievement and financial need (as determined by the FAFSA).
• Renewal: Renewable by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA at North Central.
• How to Apply: Students are automatically considered by being accepted to North Central, submitting a FAFSA, and submitting all requested documents. This grant is at a first come first serve basis, so file your FAFSA early to be considered!

• Eligibility: Available to Minnesota residents who demonstrate financial need.
• Renewal: Maximum length of eligibility is 8 semesters, whether or not a student receives a state grant during a semester.
• Deadline: To meet the deadline set by the state of Minnesota, a student’s FAFSA must be received by the federal processing center within 30 days of the start of the semester.
• How to Apply: This aid is awarded to qualifying students based upon information from the FAFSA. Filing the FAFSA will determine eligibility
  • NOTE: 15 credits is considered full-time. If a student drops below 15 credits, the Minnesota State Grant will be reduced to the appropriate award amount based on the number of credits taken.

• Eligibility: This federal grant is available to undergraduate students with qualifying financial need who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree.
• How to Apply: Students are automatically considered by being accepted to North Central, submitting the FAFSA, and submitting all requested documents. A student must have submitted a FAFSA no later than the 30th calendar day of the term to be eligible

• Eligibility: This federal grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who do not have a prior bachelor’s degree.
• How to Apply: Students are automatically considered by being accepted to North Central, submitting the FAFSA, and submitting all requested documents. A student must have submitted a FAFSA no later than the 30th calendar day of the term to be eligible.

• Undocumented students can apply for state financial aid by accessing the Minnesota Dream Act Application. 
• More information on eligibility can be found here.

• The Minnesota Tuition Guarantee Scholarship will provide funds to help cover the full cost of tuition for students who may face trouble in funding their college goals.
• Find more information here.

• Requirements: GPA: 3.5 | Test scores will be considered, but are not required.
• Eligibility: One full-tuition renewable scholarship is awarded to a first-time entering freshman student each year, based on superior academic performance, references, a written essay, and active membership and regular attendance at an Assemblies of God church.
• Renewal: Renewable for up to 8 semesters by maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA at North Central.
• How to Apply: The Admissions Office will send information on applying for the Regent’s Scholarship to students who have applied for admission to North Central and who meet the GPA and test score requirements for the scholarship.
• You can also apply online here.

• Requirements: Scholarships awarded based upon GPA and test scores.
• Eligibility: Awarded to first-time entering freshmen based on academic performance.
• Renewal: Renewable each year by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA at North Central.
• How to Apply: Automatically awarded to qualifying students based on information provided during the Admissions application process.

• Requirements: Scholarships are awarded based on merit, in accordance to students’ GPA and test scores.
• Eligibility: Awarded to first-time entering freshmen based on academic performance.
• Renewal: Renewable each year by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA at North Central.
• How to Apply: Automatically awarded to qualifying students based on information provided during the Admissions application process.

• Requirements: Scholarship award amounts are dependent on students’ GPA.
• Eligibility: Awarded to transfer students based on collegiate academic performance.
• Renewal: Renewable each year by maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Automatically awarded to qualifying students based on information provided during the Admissions application process.

• Requirements: GPA-dependent
• Eligibility: Awarded to re-applicant students based on collegiate academic performance.

Contact your admissions counselor to learn more about the NCU Academic Scholarship for re-applicant students!

• Eligibility: Awarded to first-time freshman or transfer students who, by audition, show outstanding musicianship.
• Requirements: You must intend to be a Music major for eligibility of this scholarship. Requirements to obtain the scholarship will include:

–  Be enrolled as a fulltime student
–  Enroll in an ensemble & private music lesson on the auditioned instrument every semester
–  Audition and participate in Chorale and Worship Live (if chosen).

Awards are given after a student has been accepted for admission to North Central.
Deadline: Audition deadlines are April 30th to receive a scholarship for the following school year.

How to Apply

1.  Sign up for an audition.  Auditions are held in Mensing Hall at North Central University during all Campus Visit Days and Fine Arts Auditions Days.  Fine Audition Days also give perspective students the opportunity to meet faculty and students from the College of Fine Arts.
   If you are unable to audition on the designated visit days, other audition times can be arranged by appointment with the College of Fine Arts.
2. Audition. You’ll be notified of your assigned audition time by email, and you must confirm this with the administrative assistant by email (finearts@northcentral.edu). Check the Audition Guidelines below for details about your audition. You can expect a letter from the College of Fine Arts about your audition letting you know if you have been awarded a music scholarship. All audition requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the desired audition date.

Audition Guidelines

All incoming NCU students who are music majors or minors, and/or are interested in a music scholarship, are required to perform an audition on their primary performing instrument. Audition appointments are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and are approximately 30 minutes. Auditions include the student’s performance and an interview with faculty. A Music Theory placement exam can be done if requested. This exam determines entrance into Theory I and will be taken immediately following the audition (if desired).

Audition requirements in the various performing instruments:

Voice Requirements

Worship Leading: Prepare and lead 2 worship songs by memorization. Choose songs that show your style and range. Self-accompaniment is suggested.
Classical Voice: Prepare 2 memorized pieces in contrasting styles (baroque, classical, jazz, gospel, contemporary, etc.). You may use a track on your phone or accompany yourself on piano or guitar. We don’t have an accompanist available.

All voice auditions will be expected to sight-read a piece of music. A faculty member will give an interview asking about your career goals, performance experience, and other related questions.

Piano/Keyboard Requirements

A minimum of two pieces of contrasting styles should be prepared. One should be memorized. You’ll be expected to sight-read, perform major and/or minor scales, and chords.

An interview will ask about your career goals, performance experience and other related questions.

Guitar/Bass Requirements

You should have a prepared solo that demonstrates your best ability and play a sacred solo. One of these should be memorized. You should also demonstrate the ability to sight-read and play major and minor guitar chords in rhythm guitar/chord chart form and play scales.

Be prepared to tell us about yourself and your professional goals. Please bring your own instrument.

Percussion Requirements

Demonstration of various styles (i.e. rock, waltz, swing, funk, samba, bossa nova) on a drum set, trading “fours” in 3/4 and 4/4. On the snare drum, an etude demonstrating your present level of technical ability, rudiment, and orchestral style rolls at all dynamic levels will be required. Marimba and vibraphone are available if you wish to have these as part of your audition (must submit request to finearts@northcentral.edu).

String/Woodwind/Brass Instruments Requirements

Two pieces of contrasting styles (contrasting in style, tempo and/or historical period) should be prepared. Audition material may be taken from the State Solo & Ensemble repertoire and/or an arrangement recently performed at church. Students will be required to sight-read and to play at least 3 major and/or minor scales (two octaves). Also, please bring your own instrument.

The College of Fine Arts would like to invite auditions for a Music Participation Scholarship.

• The requirements, if offered, would include participation in an ensemble while being registered as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits).
• These scholarships could give students a maximum of 8,000 over 4 years. Music participation would be in the following ensembles: Worship Live, Choirs (Chorale or Women’s Chorus), Jazz Workshop, Rhythm Section Ensemble, and Chamber Music Ensemble. Participation in these ensembles will be dependent on the instrument you receive a scholarship for.

Criteria: Auditions done either by video or in person will include for vocalists, performance of a song and demonstration of range. For instrumentalists, (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, viola and violin) performance of a piece showcasing your talents.

If performing with a track, please bring the appropriate adaptor for your device that is compatible with an AUX cord.

How to Apply:

1. Sign up for an audition. * Note that “Voice” is an instrument *
   Auditions are held in Mensing Hall at North Central University. Auditions can be scheduled with the academic admin or arranged with admissions during a college visit.
2. Either send a video to finearts@northcentral.edu or look for your assigned in-person audition time given by the academic admin.

The Chorzempa Family Foundation Scholarship exists to impact students who wish to take their gifts and faith into the marketplace.  Recipients of the Chorzempa Family Foundation Scholarship will receive $3,000 for the academic year ($1,500 per semester).

The Chorzempa Family Foundation Scholarship is available to full-time, residential undergraduate students of any class standing who meet the following requirements:

• Have a demonstrated financial need.

• Are enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a business-related major (business administration, marketing, sports management, etc.).
• Committed to bring faith into the marketplace.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities or significant leadership potential.
  • Preference given to students who serve as student leaders at NCU.

Click here to apply for the Chorzempa Family Foundation Scholarship. Up to four recipients can be selected per academic year.

Amount: North Central will match a church donation to your education. Donations up to $1,000 per year will be matched at 100% if all criteria are met.

Requirements:

• Student must enroll for and maintain full-time status in the resident degree program during the semester(s) the scholarship is received or North Central’s match will be forfeited.
• Funds cannot come from the student, parents, relatives or from the monthly pledge a church has designated for North Central.
• Checks must be received by North Central by the deadline date in order to qualify for the NCU matching portion. The check sent by September 1 must be for both semesters.
• The NCU match portion cannot exceed $500 in one semester.
• The NCU match portion is applied to tuition costs only.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained by the student to be eligible for the NCU matching portion.
  The church check and NCU’s matching scholarship are divided equally between the fall and spring semesters.

Deadline: August 1 for new students (Fall) (available depending on review and availability after August 1)

How to apply for 2024-2025:

Church Match Scholarship Application

NCU proudly presents the Floyd Scholarship, a source of support for students dedicated to fostering social change, restorative justice, and Biblical equality. Designed to empower students with a passion for Biblical justice and community involvement, the NCU Scholarship provides a lasting resource for those driven to pursue student leadership roles at NCU that contribute to a community of belonging.

We seek applicants who bring unique perspectives and experiences, enriching the NCU community with dedication to participation within campus multicultural student organizations, advocating for Biblical principles of justice, expanding opportunities for marginalized communities, and fostering understanding across racial and ethnic lines.

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of diverse leaders who will drive positive change in our community and around the world.

Learn more and apply for the Floyd Scholarship.

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (FIG) is a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate barriers of cost for Minnesota Students who were in the foster care system. This grant may cover the cost of attendance at NCU if you are a MN Resident under age 27 and were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after your thirteenth birthday.

Access to this grant is simple:

• File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov or the Minnesota Dream Act Application.
• Funds are limited, so FAFSA or Dream Act filing is suggested prior to May 1, 2025.
• More information can be found at the MN Office of Higher Ed.

Explore minority scholarship options through the Open Education Database.

North Central University deeply values its relationship with the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM). This scholarship will provide a near full-tuition discount to dependent children of AGWM missionaries. Below are key elements of the AGWM Grant-Pennington Scholarship.

• Fully appointed active AGWM missionary dependent children (based on the FAFSA definition of dependent) will receive a near full tuition discount to attend North Central University.
• Students will be responsible for $2,000 of tuition each year ($1,000 per semester) and the remainder will be covered by the AGWM tuition discount program. NCU recommends that students use on-campus employment to cover the $2,000 gap between the AGWM scholarship and the tuition charge.
• To be eligible, all students must be admitted to NCU. Students must file a FAFSA each year and submit all required documents. Any federal or state grants will be subtracted from the cost of tuition. The remaining tuition balance (minus $2,000) will be covered by the AGWM tuition discount.
• Students are not eligible to receive any additional NCU institutional aid towards room, board, and all various fees. All room, board, and fees will be covered by federal student loans, outside funding, or personal finances. Students must live in NCU housing and participate in a meal plan.
• Students must maintain full-time status of 12 credits or more to be eligible. However, NCU will not cover tuition for any special programs outside NCU including study abroad options or Graduate Programs. Should students participate in the Bible Lands Seminar, no expenses beyond tuition will be covered by the AGWM tuition discount.
• This award is renewable up to eight semesters, not including summer school, by meeting satisfactory academic progress as specified by the Financial Aid Office. Students must remain in good standing at the university.
• Advanced standing and directed research tuition can be covered provided it is applicable to the student’s degree.

New, incoming students of NCU who are dependents of ordained and licensed AG pastors serving in full-time church ministry will be guaranteed $11,000 of institutional aid to help cover the cost of tuition. This can be a combination of NCU grant, academic scholarship, and PK scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be admitted and attending full-time at NCU in a residential program. Please reach out to your admissions counselor. 

The Ross & Olive Kerr Memorial Scholarship exists to simultaenously impact NCU students and the elderly in NCU’s community. Recipients of the Ross & Olive Kerr Memorial Scholarship will receive a $2,000 scholarship per semester ($4,000 per academic year) contingent on their completion of six hours of documented elderly ministry per semester.

The Ross & Olive Kerr scholarship is available to full-time, residential undergraduate students of any class standing who meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have a demonstrated financial need.
• Commit to six hours of ministry to the elderly per semester.

Ministry to the elderly can consist of, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Performing musical worship or hymn-sings in a nursing home.
• Hosting Bible studies in conjuction with a church’s elderly ministry.
• Volunteering for various activities in a retirement complex.

Click here to apply for the Ross & Olive Kerr Memorial Scholarship. Up to three recipients can be selected per academic year.

Here at North Central University, we believe kingdom unity is an essential value, not just concept. Our scholarship isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a chance to celebrate the unique stories each student brings to our community. At NCU, unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We love embracing individuality, and creating an environment where varied backgrounds, walks of faith, and histories come together harmoniously.

Inspired by Revelation 7:9, our goal is to reflect kingdom unity, much like the vision of a Church where people from every tribe, nation, and tongue worship together.

If you’re excited about being part of our institution that values unity, this scholarship is your chance to contribute and thrive in a community that holds these values dear.

Learn more about the Kingdom Unity Scholarship.

The William Kassis Arab World Ministries Scholarship exists to impact NCU students who are committed to serving an Arab language nation full-time after graduating. Recipients of the Wm. Kassis Arab World Ministries Scholarship will receive a $2,500 scholarship per semester ($5,000 per academic year).

The Wm. Kassis Arab World Ministries scholarship is available to full-time, residential undergraduate students of junior or senior class standing who meet the following requirements:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have a demonstrated financial need.
• Are committed to serving an Arab language nation after graduation.
• Preference given to students enrolled in the Global Studies major.

Click here to apply for the Wm. Kassis Arab World Ministries Scholarship. Up to four recipients can be selected per academic year.

The Women in Ministry Scholarship exists to impact the next generation of women serving in ministry leadership. Recipients of the Women in Ministry Scholarship will receive a $1,500 scholarship per semester ($3,000 per academic year).

The Women in Ministry Scholarship is available to full-time, female residential undergraduate students of any class standing who meet the following requirements:

• Female.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Currently enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a church leadership major (Biblical and Theological Studies, Pastoral Studies, Church Leadership, etc.).
• Are committed to enrolling in the Women in Ministry mentor program.
• Are committed to credentialing through the Assemblies of God during senior year of study.

Click here to apply for the Women in Ministry Scholarship. Up to four recipients can be selected per academic year. Reapplication is required every academic year to receive this scholarship.

The Minnesota Student Teacher Grants provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Minnesota teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience. There are two grants available based on eligibility:

• Minnesota Student Teachers in Shortage Area grant
  • The Minnesota Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students who intend to teach in a license shortage area or rural school district after graduating and receiving their teaching license.
• Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher grant
  • The Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible Minnesota college or university in an eligible teacher preparation program that requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching;
• Be meeting satisfactory academic progress;
• Demonstrate financial need; and
• Meet one or more of the following requirements:
  • Intend to teach in a designated rural school district in Minnesota.
  • Intend to teach in an identified license shortage area.
  • Belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce

A student must submit a complete application to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for the term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience.

Complete applications must include the following:

• Student Section including all the required information that is signed and dated;
• College or University Section completed by an authorized representative at the college or university you attend that includes all of the required information; and
• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application

More information can be found on the State’s Website.

Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to become teachers, have demonstrated financial need, and belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled at an eligible institution located in Minnesota in a:
  • Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) approved teacher preparation program seeking initial licensure; or
  • Two-year program specifically designed to prepare early childhood educators;
• Be a person of color or American Indian;
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements as defined by the institution;
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MN Dream Act application for aid year; and
• Demonstrate financial need.

More information can be found on the State’s Website.