Earlier this year, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor launched an investigation into North Carolina A&T State University after an internal audit at the HBCU found some students who had personal connections to university employees received financial aid without evidence of merit or need-based criteria. Recently, state auditors released official findings from their investigation, which revealed that $747,649 was awarded to 196 students without documented criteria during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, according to a report from Fox 8 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“Students got an advantage because of who they knew and who they were connected to, not because of the merit or the need they exhibited to the university to receive aid,” North Carolina State Auditor David Boliek told Fox 8. “Money that otherwise could have benefited a different program or student who qualified and was in need instead went to those who had the right connection.”
Chancellor James R. Martin added, “NCAT identified this problem through our own internal audit process, and I personally contacted State Auditor Boliek because full transparency demands nothing less. I am grateful to auditor Boliek and his team for the thoroughness and professionalism of their review. Our students deserve to know that every dollar they pay is managed with integrity, and the corrective actions we have taken reflect that commitment. We welcomed the office of the state auditor’s review; we support the referral to the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office and State Bureau of Investigation, and we will continue to cooperate fully.”
None of the staff members involved with improperly awarding these funds are employed by the university. Going forward, Chancellor Martin says the HBCU will establish new independent audit reviews and create new policies for the operating and reporting procedures regarding the awarding of student financial aid.
