Admissions

What is the First Choice Program?

The First Choice Program is an exclusive Financial Assistance program open to all incoming Freshman, who are U.S. citizens and who are accepted to Carson-Newman prior to the December 1st deadline.  The First Choice Program offers students an opportunity to receive their C-N Financial Award Letter within 2 weeks after acceptance.  Also, students will have the opportunity to receive additional First Choice based on academic qualifications.  Scholarships in the First Choice Program are based on a First-Come, First-Served basis. 

 

The First Choice application process for 2011-2012 is now open!

First Choice Benefits:

- Students pay the Enrollment Fee well before the December 1st Priority Deadline.  This allows First Choice students to indicate their housing preference before other freshman are placed.

- Students receive additional scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of attending C-N by an average of 63%.

- Students can finish their college search early and enjoy their senior year.

- Parents can begin to prepare any financing needed to cover the balance.  Carson-Newman offers special, interest-free payment options that help families better accommodate any balance remaining.

 

 

First Choice Steps:

Students who are interested in the First Choice Scholarships must complete the following steps:

Step #1 - Gain Acceptance to Carson-Newman prior to December 1st, 2010.

Step #2 - Complete the C-N 4caster

Step #3 - Receive your C-N Early Award Letter

Step #4 - Commit!  Return the following forms: Enrollment Fee, C-N Early Award Letter, and Residence Hall Form

 

*Only students who complete all 4 steps above before the scholarships are expended are guaranteed the award amount.

 

 

NEW First Choice Scholarships for 2011-2012:

 

 

Total Number1	Scholarship	Amount2	Requirements	Restrictions and limitations	Scholarships Available for Fall 2011
Limited	Presidential Excellence First Choice Scholarship	Full Tuition	3.75 GPA and 32 ACT or 1420 SAT*; Highly selective scholarship;students should also submit a personal statement, 250 words or less, describing why a Carson-Newman degree is your First Choice and how you will help to contribute to our mission of having educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders; not all students that qualify will be offered this scholarship.	If you selected as a recipient, you will not be eligible for other First Choice Scholarships. Recipients must enroll full-time and live on campus; and file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1st.	Yes
20	Provost First Choice Scholarship	Varies	Reside in a state other than TN; 3.75 GPA; 26 ACT or 1190 SAT*	A student may receive this scholarship in addition to the Fite, Maddox, or Fincher Scholarships, but not the Presidential Excellence Scholarship; recipients must enroll full-time and live on campus.	Yes
20	Fite Scholarship	$3,000 per year	3.5 GPA and 24 ACT or 1100 SAT*	A student may only receive one First Choice Scholarship from either the Fite, Maddox, or Fincher Scholarships; recipients must enroll full-time and live on campus.	Yes
50	Maddox Scholarship	$2,000 per year	3.25 GPA and 22 ACT or 1020 SAT*		Yes
40	Fincher Scholarship	$1,000 per year	3.0 GPA and 20 ACT or 1000 SAT*		Yes

¹ Number available subject to change

² All Carson-Newman awards, including First Choice Scholarship awards must be applied toward tuition, fees, room, and board charges. All other financial aid including federal, state, outside scholarships and institutional grants will be credited to the students account first with the academic awards picking up the balance of the student's instituitional aid eligibility. No cash refunds will be made. Presidential Excellence awards will increase in subsequent years if tuition increases. All other Carson-Newman Awards will not increase.

First Choice Scholarship Renewal Requirements: Students must maintain full-time enrollment and continue to live on campus. Additional renewal requirements, such as GPA, will be listed on your First Choice Award Letter and Intent Form.

* Based on Critical Reading and Math Scores

Fite Scholarships are given to the first 20¹ students and the Maddox Scholarships are given to the first 50¹ students who apply in the fall of their senior year, meet the above criteria, live on campus, and complete the First Choice process.  Fincher Scholarships are given after the Fite and Maddox Scholarships have been awarded.  After acceptance is complete, additional paperwork must be completed in order to make the scholarship award official. However, completion of all First Choice Steps does not guarantee a First Choice Scholarship as they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Scholarships may also be expended before the December 1st deadline.

If you have any questions concerning the First Choice Program, the Provost Scholarship, or any other scholarships please contact the Office of Financial Assistance.