The money awarded through the Next NC Scholarship can be used to cover expenses at any of the 58 community colleges or 16 UNC System universities across the state. That funding goes beyond tuition to include things like fees, books, food, and housing. 

Thousands! Enough to potentially earn a tuition-free degree. Find out what funding you can expect using the Next NC Scholarship Calculator.

Students with the greatest need for financial aid could qualify for even more funding to help make paying for college more manageable.

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, you must be:

• A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition (per the Residency Determination Service).
• A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)
• Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program
• Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
• A student who has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office at the college/university you plan to attend will determine and confirm eligibility)
• From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
• Meet Pell eligibility criteria: Is eligible to receive financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
• Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the college or university you plan to attend
• Not be in default on any State loan or grant program.
• Not exceed the semester limits for state grants, currently as follows:
  • 6 semesters (FTE) for a two-year degree program
  • 10 semesters (FTE) for a four-year degree program
  • 12 semesters (FTE) for a five-year degree program
    
    

*Additional support is available based upon need—check out the Federal Student Aid estimator to get a sense of what you qualify for.

That’s great, too. The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private Colleges and Universities could help cover the cost of attendance.

Applying is simple. Just complete the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out.

Submit the FAFSA form by the priority dates to ensure you qualify for your maximum award — that’s June 1 for UNC System universities and August 15 for NC community colleges. After those dates, FAFSA forms are reviewed in the order received and funding will be awarded as available. Learn more about the FAFSA.

The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with North Carolina’s state-funded financial aid for public colleges and universities. Pell grant is not a separate award. Rather it is a part of the total Next NC award. 

Find financial aid help near you. Financial aid offices at local community colleges and universities are happy to help you, even if you’re not a student there.