North Carolina Financial Aid & Scholarships

Discover how North Carolina's commitment to affordability makes world-class education accessible for all families.

North Carolina Need-Based Financial Aid

UNC Need-Based Grant

Largest State Grant Program

The UNC Need-Based Grant provides substantial financial assistance to North Carolina residents attending UNC system universities based on demonstrated financial need.

Program Details:

  • • Up to $8,500 per academic year
  • • Based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
  • • Available for undergraduate students
  • • Renewable with satisfactory academic progress
  • • Funds disbursed directly to universities
Priority Deadline: Submit FAFSA by March 15 for maximum consideration.
Carolina Covenant Program

UNC Chapel Hill Debt-Free Promise

UNC Chapel Hill's groundbreaking program ensures that low-income students can graduate debt-free through grants that eliminate the need for loans.

Coverage:

  • • Families earning under $60,000: Full cost coverage
  • • No loans required in financial aid package
  • • Covers tuition, fees, room, board, and books
  • • Work-study opportunities available
  • • Academic and community service requirements
Education Lottery Scholarship

Merit-based scholarship funded by the North Carolina Education Lottery for students attending UNC system universities.

Requirements:

  • • 3.5 GPA or higher
  • • North Carolina resident
  • • Enroll in UNC system school
  • • Up to $7,000 per year
Federal Student Aid

North Carolina students are eligible for all federal financial aid programs through FAFSA completion.

Federal Programs:

  • • Pell Grant (up to $7,345)
  • • Federal Supplemental Grant
  • • Work-Study programs
  • • Direct subsidized/unsubsidized loans
Private & Institutional Aid

North Carolina's private universities offer generous merit and need-based scholarships with excellent financial aid policies.

Notable Programs:

  • • Duke University: Need-blind admissions
  • • Wake Forest: No-loan policy
  • • Davidson: Need-blind admissions
  • • Elon: Merit scholarship programs

North Carolina Financial Aid Timeline

October 1 - FAFSA Opens

Submit your FAFSA as early as possible for federal and state aid consideration. North Carolina processes applications throughout the year.

Recommended Action:Submit by December 1 for early financial aid estimates

March 15 - State Aid Priority Deadline

Priority deadline for North Carolina need-based grants and lottery scholarships. Applications submitted after this date considered as funds are available.

Critical Deadline:FAFSA must be completed by this date for maximum state aid

Spring Semester - Award Notifications

Receive financial aid award letters from colleges detailing grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan offers for the upcoming academic year.

Action Required:Compare aid packages and accept awards by May 1

Maximizing Your North Carolina Education Value

Community College Transfer Strategy

Start at a North Carolina community college and transfer to a UNC system university to save significantly on your bachelor's degree cost.

Potential Savings:

  • • Save $15,000+ with 2-year transfer path
  • • Guaranteed transfer under CAA
  • • Same degree from prestigious university
  • • Smaller class sizes for foundational courses
  • • Strong academic support services
In-State Residency Benefits

North Carolina residents enjoy some of the nation's best in-state tuition rates at world-class universities with exceptional academic quality.

Value Comparison:

  • • UNC Chapel Hill: $7,019 in-state vs $37,552 out-of-state
  • • NC State: $9,101 in-state vs $29,916 out-of-state
  • • World-class education at state school prices
  • • Strong post-graduation employment rates
  • • Excellent return on investment

Continue Your North Carolina College Planning Journey

With funding secured, now learn about the application process

Back: Explore Your Options

Return to explore North Carolina colleges and universities

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Step 3: College Applications

Navigate UNC system and Common App applications with expert guidance

Learn About Applications

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