Cheatham-White Scholarship FAQs

Q: Who is eligible for the Cheatham-White Scholarship?

A: To be eligible, candidates must be US citizens or permanent residents and be applying for fall, first-year admission into a baccalaureate program at NCCU.

Q: Can a student be considered for the Cheatham-White Scholarship even if they are not nominated by their high school?

A: Yes. If a student meets the selection criteria but is not nominated by a school official, they may self-nominate.  Additionally, self-nominations are required to provide a subsequent letter of recommendation.

Q: Are there minimum scores, ranks, or averages that students must have in order to apply?

A: Yes, Applicants must have a cumulative (weighted or unweighted) grade point average of 4.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.  Additionally, applicants are required to have an SAT score of at least 1280 or an ACT score of at least 28.  Superscores are accepted. (Note: ACT and SAT scores are required for those seeking the Cheatham-White Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year.)

Q: Can a student reschedule a finalist interview if they have a conflict?

A: Unfortunately, we are not able to reschedule interviews.  The interview date is announced a year in advance, and candidates are notified of their selection as a finalist a month prior to the interview.  Please see Important Dates for the current selection and interview dates. 

Q: When are Cheatham-White Scholars selected?

A: We will notify Cheatham-White Scholarship recipients in early March. Finalists will have until mid-April to notify the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program of their acceptance, and the new class is then announced in early May.

Q: Will the evaluation process be altered due to COVID-19?

A: Candidates for the Cheatham-White Scholarship will be selected based on academic merit, honorable character, outstanding leadership potential, and commitment to service. While the impacts of COVID-19 will be considered, applicants are expected to satisfy all eligibility criteria for consideration. Test score submissions are required for consideration for those students wishing to enter NCCU in Fall 2025.

Q: Do Cheatham-White Scholars automatically receive an invitation to the University Honors Program?

A: Students recognized as Cheatham-White Scholars will automatically be enrolled in the University Honors Program.

Q: If chosen for Cheatham-White, do students have to attend North Carolina Central University?

A: No, the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program is a non-binding entity.  Finalists will have until mid-April to notify the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program of their acceptance, and the new class is then announced in early May.   

Q: Is Cheatham-White a full-ride scholarship?

A: Cheatham-White is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship. The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop, travel and select personal expenses. If a student completes their undergraduate degree prior to the traditional four-year timeline, the scholarship cycle is complete.

Q: Are Cheatham-White Scholars authorized to receive additional scholarships?

A: Yes, outside scholarships will not impact the student’s eligibility to fully qualify for the Cheatham-White Scholarship.  Additionally, federal Pell Grants are considered an entitlement, and thus, the Cheatham-White Scholarship would not be adjusted.

Q: What is required of Cheatham-White Scholars to maintain academic eligibility?

A: Scholarships will be renewed annually contingent upon the recipient meeting all of the following criteria:

• Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA
• Enroll full time each semester and earn a minimum of 30 credit hours each academic year
• Maintain membership and active participation in the Honors Program

Q: Are Cheatham-White Scholars able to apply for additional funding?

A: Cheatham-White Scholars may apply for enrichment grants to support academic pursuits (conferences, study abroad, workshops, research projects, service activities, internships, etc.) extending beyond the classroom experience. 

Q: What are the benefits of the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program?

A: Cheatham-White provides an exceptional educational experience for students who are well-rounded individuals with a broad range of interests by delivering a fully funded scholastic experience and intellectually challenging enrichment opportunities.

Highlights of the program include the Laptop Checkout Program, Faculty Mentor Program, Enrichment Grant Funding, and the Summer Study Abroad.

Q: How often do Cheatham-White Scholars meet?

A: Cheatham-White Scholars meet once a week, on Monday evenings, with their respective cohort as part of a formative seminar series.  Additionally, students meet with academic advising staff monthly to track academic progress. Scholars may periodically meet for community service initiatives throughout the semester as well.

Q: Where do Cheatham-White Scholars live?

A: Residing in one of the newest facilities on campus, Cheatham-White Scholars live in Alston Avenue Apartments.  Cheatham-White Scholars reside in a living-learning community (LLC), which provides a distinct setting where students learn to bridge their academic, social, and institutional experiences with their everyday lives.