NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA)
Apply any timeRenews each year
Need-based state grant for NC residents attending an eligible private, nonprofit NC college.
- How much
- Amount varies
- Who qualifies
- NC resident and NC resident for tuition purposes; undergraduate enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at a qualifying private NC campus; no previous bachelor's degree; SAI of 15,000 or less.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, adults going back to school
- Must be Title IV eligible and meet Federal Pell Grant requirements (except the Pell SAI range)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; file as soon as possible and meet the college's priority deadline. Late applicants may be denied if funds are insufficient.
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA listing at least one qualifying private NC institution
- Consideration is automatic
- Meet your college's priority deadline
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (cfnc.org), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Created by the 2011 General Assembly. Need-based aid for North Carolina residents enrolled as undergraduates (at least 6 credit hours) at a participating private NC college or university. Students with a FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) of 15,000 or less are eligible. Awards are made until funds run out, and you're considered automatically once you file the FAFSA.
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)
- 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.