Apply for a Libraries Student Scholarship
Each year, the Libraries award a number of partial scholarships to recognize our exceptional student colleagues. This year (2026-27), we’re proud to support 34 outstanding students with a total of $195,000 in scholarships.
Questions? Contact David Tully at dltully@ncsu.edu
How can I apply for a scholarship?
Eligibility requirements
Some scholarships have additional requirements, but all applicants for Libraries student scholarships must:
- be currently employed at the NC State University Libraries
- be an undergraduate student at NC State University
- demonstrate financial need through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- be enrolled in the current academic semester for at least 12 credit hours
- be in good academic standing with the University
How to apply
All Libraries student scholarships are applied to through PACK ASSIST, NC State's scholarship application portal. Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit PACK ASSIST
- Select the red Sign In button in the upper right hand corner.
- Log in using your Unity ID and password.
- Select the My Applications tab and complete the General Application.
In Question 12: Student Employment, include your current Libraries employment information.
Completing the General Application will automatically match you to Libraries scholarships. To complete your application:
- Select the Recommended Opportunities tab, then select Libraries Student Scholarship.
- Answer all three Libraries-specific questions to become eligible for consideration for all Libraries scholarships.
If you are selected for a Libraries scholarship, you'll receive a notification through PACK ASSIST, and we'll also follow up via your NC State email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
- When does the General Application window open and close?
The General Application window opens on December 1 and remains open until August 1.
- Will I be notified when the window to apply to scholarships opens?
Yes, all Libraries student employees will receive direct emails from David Tully, Principal Librarian for Student Affordability, informing them that the scholarship application window is now open. Additionally, student supervisors will share the same information with their teams.
- If I miss the February 15 priority deadline, should I still apply?
Yes—the Libraries does not give priority to applicants who submit by the February 15 deadline; however, other awards outside the Libraries do prioritize applications received by that date.
- What are auto-match scholarships?
Auto-match scholarships are awards that students automatically qualify for based on existing criteria in their application or academic records, without needing to submit a separate, specific, application. Essentially, the scholarship system “matches” students to scholarships they’re eligible for behind the scenes to simplify and streamline the awarding process.
Eligibility
- I am an incoming undergraduate student—am I eligible for scholarship awards?
Unfortunately no. As our scholarship awards are made prior to the current academic year, only currently enrolled students are eligible to take part.
- I work for an affiliate of the Libraries, am I eligible for Libraries’ awards?
Only NC State University Libraries student employees are eligible to receive scholarship awards.
- Do the Libraries offer scholarships to graduate students?
At this time the Libraries only offers scholarships to undergraduate students.
- I am graduating in the fall semester—am I eligible to receive awards?
Yes, you are eligible to receive awards.
- I have received a Libraries award previously—am I eligible to apply again?
Yes, you remain eligible to receive awards, but you must reapply during the yearly application cycle.
- Do some scholarship awards have preferences for their applicant?
Some scholarships give preference to certain background details in your application—like your hometown, college, major, or career goals. These factors can help match you with awards that align closely with your profile.
- If I am no longer employed at the Libraries after receiving an award, will I lose the scholarship?
No, if you depart the Libraries but remain enrolled at NC State, you will retain your scholarship award.
Financial Eligibility
- I do not qualify for financial aid, am I eligible to receive a scholarship?
All of our scholarships are need-based, so if you’ve been determined not to have financial need, you won’t be eligible for a Libraries award. However, by completing the general application in PACK ASSIST, you’ll still be considered for all auto-match scholarships across the university, including merit-based. So even if you’re not eligible for Libraries-specific awards, it’s still worth applying.
- Do the Libraries offer any merit-based scholarships?
At the moment all Libraries awards are needs-based, meaning you must show financial need in order to qualify. While not scholarships, the Libraries Student Assistant Program Committee offers annual merit-based awards to all Libraries employees.
- I only have a small amount of financial aid—should I still apply for Libraries awards?
Yes, you should definitely apply. In addition to being considered for all non-Libraries scholarships within PACK ASSIST, you may closely align with the preferences of certain Libraries awards—making you more likely to be selected for funding, despite a lower amount of financial need.
Application Details
- How can I make my application more competitive?
Reviewers of Libraries scholarships carefully consider the overall thoughtfulness of your general application, as well as your responses to the Libraries-specific questions—such as the personal and academic impact of working at the Libraries.
- Who determines who receives Libraries awards?
The Libraries has a six-member scholarship review committee. Each member independently reviews and scores every application using an in-house rubric for determining awards. These scores are then used as a guide to help with the awarding process.
Recipient Experience
- What should I expect as a Libraries scholarship recipient?
Libraries scholarship recipients join a cohort of fellow student awardees and are invited to participate in a variety of meaningful opportunities. As a recipient, you can expect to attend events like our annual Donors & Scholars celebration, connect with your scholarship donor, be featured in Libraries news stories, and represent the Libraries at events or in communications efforts throughout the year.
- Does receiving a scholarship come with additional opportunities?
Scholarship recipients often have opportunities to represent the Libraries at public events, take part in communications activities, connect with current or prospective donors, and much more.
- If I receive an award, am I required to connect with donors?
You are not required to engage with donors. However, engagement with donors is strongly encouraged. Connecting with donors can bring many things including friendships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.