Next NC Scholarship Toolkit & User Guide
Includes all the resources and materials you need to share about the Next NC Scholarship with your network – around campus or in your community, on social media, during info sessions and more!
Looking for tips on how to best use the toolkit resources? This guide is filled with suggested Next NC Scholarship language and best practices that will help you make the most of the toolkit!
The Fine Print
Eligibility Requirements
Full-time students receive at least $3,000 at a community college and $5,000 at a UNC System institution in combined aid from the state Next NC Scholarship and the federal Pell Grant if they have a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or less than 7,500 and an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) equal to or less than $80,000. Additional support is available based upon need—check out the Federal Student Aid estimator to get a sense of what you qualify for.
To receive the Next NC Scholarship, a student must:
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 1 for UNC System universities and by August 15 for NC community colleges.
- Note: Funds are awarded in the state grant system based on FAFSA completion date. FAFSA forms completed after the established priority dates will be reviewed in the order received and students will be awarded, if program funding allows.
- Be a North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition (per the Residency Determination Service).
- Enroll as an undergraduate student in an approved degree, diploma, or certificate program with no prior bachelor’s degree.
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours.
- Meet Pell eligibility criteria: Is eligible to receive financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
- 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; and
- 12 semesters (FTE) for a five-year degree program;
- Not be in default on any State loan or grant program.
- Meet the standards by which the college or university measures a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Final eligibility will be determined and confirmed by the financial aid office at the student’s college or university.
Additional notes:
- “Tuition and fees” refer to fees that are required to attend a college or university. The college may have additional fees that are optional, such as parking fees, that are not included.
- Students must remain enrolled for the term they are receiving the Next NC Scholarship. Students may be required to return Next NC Scholarship funds if:
- The student completely withdraws from all classes in any given semester;
- Funds were awarded and paid but the student never attends the college.
