North Carolina Aid Programs
Guaranteed Amount Between Federal and State Funds. Please see below.
Until Funds Exhausted
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible before June 1 if planning to attend a UNC System Institution or before August 15 if planning to attend a North Carolina Community College.
Description
The Next NC Scholarship, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that’s easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians.
Students enrolling at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $5,000 from combined federal and state aid.
Students enrolling at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $3,000 from combined federal and state aid.
Eligibility
- Be a North Carolina resident as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual
- Enroll for at least 6 credit hours
- Be admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in matriculated status in a degree, certificate or diploma program at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina or at a North Carolina Community College
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing a UNC institution or North Carolina Community College..
Other Information
Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed. The FAFSA filing priority date* for the Next NC Scholarship is August 15 for UNC Institutions (applies to 2024-2025 Academic Year only) and August 15 for North Carolina Community Colleges. Applicants completing the FAFSA after these dates may be denied if insufficient funds are available.
*Colleges may set different priority dates to assist in awarding of financial aid other than the Next NC Scholarship. Check the priority date for your college to ensure timely FAFSA filing and access to other types of financial aid, but file your FAFSA even if the priority date for your college and/or the Next NC Scholarship priority date has passed as some funding, including Federal grants and loans, will still be available.
Up to $7,640
Until funds are exhausted
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1
Eligibility
- Be a North Carolina resident as well as a North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes, as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in at least 9 credit hours at a qualifying private North Carolina campus
- Demonstrate a certain level of financial need based on calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Meet requirements for the Federal Pell Grant (except the EFC range restrictions)
Description
Created by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, this is a need-based program for North Carolina residents attending private institutions of higher education located in North Carolina.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing at least one qualifying private North Carolina institution.
Other Information
Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed. The FAFSA opens on October 1. Applicants should meet priority deadlines established by their institution. Late applicants may be denied if insufficient funds are available.
Eligibility is based on a calculation of need, using income data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).