Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Wilson College of Textiles is able to provide financial assistance to students due to the support of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF). The NCTF was established in December 1942 to aid and promote all types of textile education and research at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.
One of the most important forms of support provided for the Wilson College of Textiles by the foundation is through scholarships. Established by the board of directors in 1980, the program originally had three levels of funding: Centennial Scholars Program, NCTF Distinguished Merit and Prestige Scholarships. The Textile Pioneer Scholars Program and transfer scholarships were added in 2018. The W. Duke Kimbrell Scholarship Program was added in 2022.
Incoming First-Year Scholarships
Centennial Scholarship
The Centennial Scholarship was introduced by the NCTF in 1999 as a part of the Wilson College of Textiles’ Centennial Celebration. Centennial scholarships provide a minimum of $15,000 per year for four years and $7,500 in enrichment grants to incoming first-year students on the basis of academic achievement in high school, proven and potential leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and unique life experiences. Up to 10 new scholars are awarded yearly with the highest valued at $95,500 over four years.
ITT Centennial Scholarship
$22,000 yearly for four years
1 awarded per year
Awarded to a student majoring in polymer and color chemistry, textile engineering or textile technology
Kimbrell Centennial Scholarship
$20,000 yearly for four years
1 awarded per year
Centennial Scholarship
$15,000 yearly for four years
Up to 8 awarded per year
Enrichment Grants
All Centennial Scholarship recipients will have access of up to $7,500 in enrichment grants that can be used for study abroad, leadership programs, career and professional development opportunities or other approved enrichment activities.
2028 Class of Centennial Scholars
Textile Pioneer Scholarship
The Textile Pioneer Scholarship is the Wilson College of Textiles first need-based scholarship program, established in 2018. In alignment to fulfill NC State’s land-grant mission and to diversify our student body while maintaining the excellence to continue providing educational innovation, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship was established and the first class began Fall 2020. The Textile Pioneer Scholarship provides funding for students from non-metropolitan North Carolina areas who have an interest in the textile industry. The Textile Pioneer scholarship provides a $14,000 annual scholarship for four years and $4,000 in enrichment grants to up to 4 incoming first-year students.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must complete the Free Application For Federal and Student Aid (FAFSA) by Jan. 31, 2025.
2028 Class of Textile Pioneer Scholars
W. Duke Kimbrell Scholarship
The Kimbrell Scholarship Fund was created by distinguished Wilson College of Textiles alumnus W. Duke Kimbrell ’49, who is ranked the second most influential textile executive in the 20th century by Textile World Magazine. The scholarship supports the education of students from North Carolina with preference given to residents of Gaston County and students with financial need. The W. Duke Kimbrell Scholarship provides a $22,500 annual scholarship for four years.
NCTF Distinguished Merit and Prestige Scholarships
Named donor scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students. Each is awarded for four years and ranges in value from $2,500 to $5,000 per year.
Eligibility for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
To be eligible for any incoming first-year scholarship (Centennial, Textile Pioneer, NCTF or Prestige), the candidate must:
- Apply for fall, first-year admission into a baccalaureate program at NC State by the Early Action deadline, Nov. 1.
- Majority of the scholarships awarded are merit-based awards and a select amount of need-based scholarships are available. To be considered for any need-based scholarships, applicants must complete the Free Application For Federal and Student Aid (FAFSA) by Jan. 31, 2025.
At every stage of the selection process, the Wilson College of Textiles Scholarship Advisory Board evaluates candidates on the following criteria: academic achievement throughout high school, proven and potential leadership qualities, active participation in extracurricular activities, unique experiences and a passion for the textile industry.
All students who receive a scholarship from the Wilson College of Textiles must major in one of our five undergraduate programs.
Endorsement Process for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
Any student who applies for admission by the Early Action deadline, Nov. 1, and has selected a textiles baccalaureate undergraduate degree program for their first major choice will be endorsed and receive access to the scholarship application. Students who are interested in applying for the Textiles Scholarship Program and have applied for a different degree program outside of the Wilson College of Textiles, must be endorsed. A teacher or counselor can endorse student(s) or students can endorse themselves. All endorsements must be submitted between Oct. 1-Nov. 10.
There is only one application for all scholarships for incoming first-year students. By being endorsed, students are eligible to apply for the Centennial, Textile Pioneer, NCTF Distinguished Merit and Prestige Scholarship.
Apply for Incoming First-Year Scholarships
Transfer Student Scholarships
Transfer Student Scholarships
5-6 scholarships are awarded each fall to incoming external transfer students ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per academic year.
Academic performance at the previous institution(s), engagement outside of the classroom, interest in textiles and Think and Do philosophy are considered in the application review.
Only transfer students who have selected a Wilson College of Textiles major are eligible to receive this scholarship. The scholarship application is open from Feb. 1-March 31. Click here to apply.