ECSU Gives Free Book Rental Credits to Students

As part of Elizabeth City State University’s ongoing efforts to relieve financial burden from students and their families, the university will give free book rental credit to all degree-seeking students for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

“We recognize that relieving financial burdened gives students more flexibility to concentrate on what’s important, their academic work,” said Lisa McClinton, vice chancellor for business and finance. 

The free book rental credit is equal to $360 per semester, said Ms. McClinton. Also, students who won free book rental credit as a COVID-19 vaccination incentive will receive an additional $360 voucher for the fall semester that can be used to purchase any items sold in the campus bookstore. 

The free book rental credit is a part of ECSU’s VikingPlus program. Through VikingPlus, students are able to access a number of initiatives designed to aid them financially as they concentrate on the important work of becoming educated. 

As part of the program, nearly $300,000 of student debt was forgiven earlier this spring. VikingPlus provides a number of opportunities, including making the first six credits of summer school free. More than 700 ECSU students have received an award totaling $837,095 in free tuition for the summer 2021 term.

ECSU students will also receive $1,500 towards their housing and meal plan if they live on campus for the fall 2021 semester.  ECSU expects to award $1.5 million for the 1,023 students projected to live on campus this fall.  

ECSU awarded more than $2.1 million in emergency grants to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are awarded on an ongoing basis, and do not impact financial aid eligibility.  

The university offers a $150 to $4,000 grant if a student withdrew temporarily and re-enrolled at a later date.  ECSU has provided more than $50,000 since the launch of the program last year, with additional grants to be awarded this summer.

“ECSU is working tirelessly to provide access to an affordable quality education and to give our students every opportunity to succeed,” said Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon. “All of the VikingPlus initiatives are incredible opportunities to make significant impacts and reduce student debt.”