Financing tertiary education is a major concern in developing nations, such as Jamaica. The cost of tuition, books, boarding, and other fees contribute to the burden that students endure.  While students at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) are no exception - particularly because it is a private run institution - NCU is comparatively affordable to its public run counterparts. Many tertiary institutions in Jamaica rely heavily on subsidies and government funding to keep operational costs and student fees low.  NCU is a privately owned and operated Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) institution that is funded by the Jamaica Union Conference and Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of the SDA Church. Students and their sponsors find financial relief through Grants, Scholarships, Work and Study Programmes, and Loans. .

·     Grants are set at an amount that can be used either to assist in paying fees or to cover other costs and are available in specialized areas or as general                 bursaries.

•    Scholarships are offered every year to students doing tertiary studies. Scholarships are normally from different agencies - private or non private and other stakeholders. Students can apply for these scholarships when application dates are open. Dates are always published on the University’s electronic or non electronic media and forms can be access at the University’s Scholarship & Student Aid Department.

Students who have done well academically pose with financial grants from the Byron Robinson Foundation 

When applying for scholarships and grants it is advised that students are aware of the requirements. Without knowing the requirements it is impossible to know if you are eligible and will provide guidelines for the application process. Failure to follow the application requirements correctly when you apply will result in denial of the scholarships or grant. Therefore, you absolutely must read all of the requirements and guidelines when you apply for scholarships.

NCU assists students with internal scholarships as well. These are: The SDA High Schools, the President’s Award for Excellence, and the Incentive Award. The President’s award of excellence, which covers tuition and boarding for a four year degree, is given to the student who obtains exceptional passes in CSEC or GCE exams. Incentive Awards are given to well-rounded students, both in academic and co-curricular activities. NCU also offers SDA scholarships for students who perform credibly in their scholarly pursuits at a SDA run High School.

The Work and  Study Programme has helped many students to advance their scholastic career. Since its inception in 1907 the programme has allowed students to work in junior positions on campus in various departments. These students are paid for hours worked and the funds go to their student account. The Programme also serves to get students the hands-on training they need to aid in their preparation for the world of work.