Norfolk State University (NSU) is committed to providing its students with the financial support they need to succeed academically. Through a wide range of scholarships, NSU helps students overcome financial barriers and focus on their studies.

Scholarship Opportunities at Norfolk State University
NSU offers a diverse portfolio of scholarships to support students from all backgrounds. These scholarships are based on various criteria, including academic merit, financial need, and specific areas of study.
Academic Merit Scholarships:
- Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to incoming freshmen with exceptional academic records and high SAT/ACT scores.
- Honors College Scholarship: Available to students admitted to the NSU Honors College based on academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Dean’s List Scholarship: Granted to students who maintain a high GPA and are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.
Financial Need Scholarships:
- Federal Pell Grant: Provides financial aid to low-income undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG): Available to eligible Virginia residents who demonstrate financial hardship.
- NSU Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to students with significant financial need based on FAFSA application data.
Specific Area Scholarships:
- Nursing Scholarship: Supports undergraduate students pursuing a nursing degree at NSU.
- Engineering Scholarship: Recognizes students with outstanding academic performance in engineering disciplines.
- Business Scholarship: Available to students enrolled in the NSU School of Business.
Benefits of Norfolk State Scholarships
Receiving a scholarship from NSU comes with several significant benefits:
- Reduced Financial Burden: Scholarships help alleviate the financial strain associated with college costs, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about tuition and fees.
- Increased Graduation Rates: Research shows that students who receive scholarships are more likely to graduate and complete their degrees.
- Improved Academic Performance: By reducing financial stress, scholarships enable students to fully engage in their coursework and improve their academic performance.
- Enhanced Career Prospects: NSU scholarships recognize students’ academic excellence and potential, which can enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
How to Apply for Norfolk State Scholarships
To apply for Norfolk State scholarships, students must:
- Complete the FAFSA: All students applying for financial aid, including scholarships, must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Meet Eligibility Criteria: Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, which students should carefully review.
- Submit Application: Students can apply for scholarships through the NSU Scholarship Application Portal.
- Provide Supporting Documents: As part of the application, students may need to submit additional documents, such as transcripts, personal statements, or letters of recommendation.
Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential
To increase their chances of receiving scholarships, students can adopt the following strategies:
- Maintain a High GPA: Academic merit scholarships typically prioritize students with strong academic records.
- Demonstrate Financial Need: Submitting a complete FAFSA allows students to qualify for need-based scholarships.
- Explore Specific Areas: Research and apply for scholarships that align with your academic interests and goals.
- Seek Guidance: Reach out to the NSU Financial Aid Office or Academic Advising Center for guidance and support throughout the scholarship application process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid common pitfalls when applying for scholarships, students should:
- Missing Deadlines: Pay attention to scholarship deadlines and submit applications on time.
- Incomplete Applications: Ensure that all required documents are included in your application.
- Inaccurate Information: Be truthful and accurate on all scholarship applications.
- Not Proofreading: Proofread your applications carefully before submitting them to eliminate any errors.
Conclusion
Norfolk State University is dedicated to providing students with a wide range of scholarship opportunities to support their academic endeavors. By leveraging the resources and strategies outlined in this article, students can increase their chances of receiving scholarships and unlocking their full academic potential. Remember, every scholarship you receive can make a meaningful difference in your educational journey.