Did you know that you could have college paid for?

Career Specific Scholarship Loans offered by the College Foundation:

Respiratory is an identified need healthcare area, so you can get loan to pay for school that is repaid in a very unique way. These are loans that are repaid with a service obligation.

How does that work? Generally, the State of North Carolina issues a loan to pay for your education. That loan is then forgiven as you work in your selected (and might we add, needed) field within North Carolina.

It can be the best of all possible worlds! You get a free education in a field you would like to study, and North Carolina benefits from your needed expertise!

What happens if I do not finish the degree in my chosen field, or do not intend to work in North Carolina for any length of time after graduating?

You should be serious about your selected field. If you do not complete your degree program, you will be responsible for the amount of any loans accumulated, along with the interest. Also, you usually are required to work in that field in North Carolina for the same number of years as your degree program. Since these programs are designed to fill critical needs within the state, if you leave the state before your service obligation period ends, you will be required to repay any outstanding loan balances. These programs are for those serious students who know what they want to do, and those who want to do it for a time in the Tar Heel State! Go to www.cfnc.org to find out about this program!

Non-Discriminatory Policy
All student financial assistance is awarded on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or age (with the exception that borrowers must be at least 17 to enter into loan contracts under North Carolina law).

Other funding opportunities

Every college in NC has Pell grants, college loans as well as scholarships available, so please see your financial aide representative at your local college. You should also speak with the respiratory care department at the college you are attending, since many hospitals offer scholarships specifically for respiratory care. The faculty can also give you information regarding the scholarships available through the American Respiratory Care Foundation and the American Association for Respiratory Care: click here for more information: http://www.arcfoundation.org

Remember: If you desire to become a therapist, there is money available to help you through college. Do not hesitate to ask you advisor or faculty contact about these opportunities.