Next NC Scholarship
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) / College Foundation of North Carolina
Guaranteed aid for NC residents from households earning $80,000 or less: at least $5,000/yr at a UNC System university or $3,000/yr at an NC community college (federal Pell + state aid combined).
- How much
- At 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)
- Who qualifies
- NC resident eligible for in-state tuition (per Residency Determination Service); high school graduate or equivalency completer; enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program at a UNC System university or NC community college; at least 6 credit hours per semester; FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 and household AGI of $80,000 or less for the guaranteed amounts; satisfactory academic progress; not in default on a state loan or grant.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, adults going back to school
- Must meet federal Title IV (Pell) eligibility
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; priority date June 1 for UNC System universities and NC community colleges. After June 1, FAFSAs are reviewed in the order received and funded as available.
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA listing an NC public university or community college
- No separate application
- The college's financial aid office confirms eligibility
- File by June 1 for the maximum award
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (cfnc.org), page 2, page 3, page 4 and page 5
The details
The Next NC Scholarship (since 2024-25) combines the federal Pell Grant with North Carolina's state-funded need-based aid for public colleges (the NC Need-Based Scholarship for Public Colleges and Universities, G.S. 116-209.80 et seq., often called the NC Scholarship). Students at one of the 16 UNC System universities get a minimum of $5,000 per year; community college students get at least $3,000 per year; students with the greatest need may receive more. Pell is part of the total, not a separate award. Money can cover tuition, fees, books, food and housing. Part-time students (at least 6 credit hours) get a partial award. Semester limits: 6 FTE semesters for a two-year program, 10 for a four-year program, 12 for a five-year program. Renewable each year with a new FAFSA and satisfactory academic progress.
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
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.