NCSSM and UNCSA Tuition Grant (UNC Tuition Grant Program)
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA)
Full in-state tuition at any UNC System university for graduates of the NC School of Science and Mathematics or the UNC School of the Arts high school.
- How much
- Grant equal to the cost of tuition (no fees) at a UNC System institution
- Who qualifies
- Graduate of the NC School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) or the UNC School of the Arts (UNCSA) high school
- NC resident for in-state tuition (verified by RDS); enroll full-time (12+ credit hours) as an undergraduate at a UNC System institution in the fall and/or spring right after graduation (limited hardship exceptions); 2026-27 ISIR with a calculated SAI on file.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Must have Title IV (federal aid) eligibility confirmed on the ISIR
- When to apply
- Opens later One-time application on NCSEAA MyPortal, open March to June 30 of the senior (graduation) year
- How to apply
- Submit the Tuition Grant application on the NCSEAA MyPortal (window March through June 30 of the graduation year), complete the FAFSA, and confirm NC residency through the Residency Determination Service
- Apply once
- You don't reapply each year
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ncseaa.edu), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Graduates of NCSSM or the UNCSA high school program who enroll full-time at one of the 16 UNC System universities in the school year right after graduation get a grant equal to tuition (not fees, books or housing). Renewable for up to eight full-time-equivalent terms with continuous full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. Summer terms can be funded within the lifetime maximum. Grants are reduced if total tuition-specific aid would exceed tuition (or total aid exceeds cost of attendance), and they are prorated if state money falls short.
More money from North Carolina
- Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities ScholarshipUp to $14,000 ($3,500 per school year for up to 4 years; transfers $3,500/yr for up to 3 years)
- Golden LEAF Community Colleges ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per school year (curriculum students); up to $1,850 per year (occupational/continuing education programs)
- NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College StudentsAmount varies
- Next NC ScholarshipAt least $5,000 per year at a UNC System university; at least $3,000 per year at an NC community college (federal Pell + state funds combined)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.