Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state. The scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that's easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians. It's an opportunity to pursue the degree you need for the career you want – and the future you choose. Students attending a community college will receive at least $3,000, which covers more than the cost of full-time tuition, while those attending a public university in North Carolina will get a minimum of $5,000. Students with the greatest need for financial aid could qualify for even more funding to help make paying for college more manageable. The money awarded can be used to cover expenses beyond tuition including fees, books, food, and housing at any of the 58 community colleges or 16 UNC System universities across the state.