Overview of North Carolina Scholarships & Grants

North Carolina offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in North Carolina more affordable.

NC Need-Based Scholarship and the NC Promise tuition program are excellent options.

How to Get a Grant for College in North Carolina?

To secure a grant for college in North Carolina, follow these steps:

Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for most federal and state grants. Submit it as early as possible.
Apply for State-Specific Grants: Programs like the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship (NCNBS) and the UNC Need-Based Grant are available to residents.
Contact Your Institution: Many colleges and universities in North Carolina offer additional grants and scholarships.

Visit the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website for more details about state programs.

What Is the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship (NCNBS)?

The North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship (NCNBS) provides financial assistance to North Carolina residents attending private colleges and universities in the state. Key eligibility requirements include:

Being a North Carolina resident.
Completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.
Enrolling at least half-time in an eligible private institution.

Award amounts vary based on the student’s financial need and the cost of attendance at their chosen institution.

What Is the UNC Need-Based Grant?

The UNC Need-Based Grant provides financial aid to students attending one of the 16 institutions in the University of North Carolina system. Eligibility includes:

Being a North Carolina resident.
Completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.
Enrolling at least half-time in a UNC system school.

Grant amounts vary depending on financial need and funding availability.

Does North Carolina Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, North Carolina offers several full-ride scholarships. Examples include:

Morehead-Cain Scholarship: A full-ride merit-based scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Park Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship at North Carolina State University for exceptional students.

These scholarships are highly competitive and typically require strong academics, leadership, and community service.

Scholarships in North Carolina for High School Seniors

High school seniors in North Carolina can apply for scholarships such as:

Golden LEAF Scholarship: Awards for students from rural or economically distressed areas in North Carolina.
North Carolina Community Foundation Scholarships: Various scholarships for students across the state.
North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program: For students pursuing a teaching career in high-need subject areas.

Check with your high school counselor for additional regional opportunities.

Scholarships in North Carolina for Adults

Adults returning to college in North Carolina can benefit from programs like:

Finish Line Grant: Provides funding for students nearing the completion of their degree or certificate program who face financial emergencies.
North Carolina Community College System Grants: Supports adults pursuing technical and vocational training.

These programs aim to help non-traditional students achieve their educational and career goals.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Scholarships

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers several scholarships, including:

Morehead-Cain Scholarship: A prestigious full-ride award for exceptional students.
Carolina Covenant: Provides a debt-free path to graduation for low-income students.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

Visit UNC’s financial aid portal for application deadlines and details.

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Scholarships

North Carolina State University offers scholarships such as:

Park Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship for top-performing students with strong leadership potential.
Goodnight Scholars Program: Provides full funding for STEM-focused students from middle-income families.
Departmental Scholarships: Awards based on academic major or field of study.

Visit the NCSU scholarship portal for more information and application details.

What Is the Golden LEAF Scholarship?

The Golden LEAF Scholarship provides funding for students from rural or economically distressed areas in North Carolina. Eligibility includes:

Being a North Carolina resident.
Attending a North Carolina college, university, or community college.
Demonstrating financial need through the FAFSA.

Scholarships range from $1,250 to $2,500 per semester, depending on the type of institution attended.

Grants for College in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several grants to help students afford college, including:

North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship (NCNBS): Financial aid for residents attending private institutions.
UNC Need-Based Grant: Supports students attending UNC system schools.
Federal Pell Grant: A federal need-based grant available to students completing the FAFSA.

These grants ensure access to higher education for North Carolina residents.

How to Apply for North Carolina Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in North Carolina:

Complete the FAFSA: This is the first step for most state and federal financial aid programs.
Explore State Programs: Research opportunities like NCNBS, the UNC Need-Based Grant, and the Golden LEAF Scholarship.
Contact Your Institution: Reach out to your college’s financial aid office for additional scholarships and grants.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025 Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.