North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship

Name: North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies based on financial need; up to $4,000 annually

Information And Eligibility:
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS) is a state-funded, need-based financial aid program created to help North Carolina residents afford the cost of higher education. Funded through proceeds from the North Carolina Education Lottery, this scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers for students attending eligible public colleges and universities within the state. The program plays a critical role in expanding access to postsecondary education for students from low- and moderate-income households.

NCELS is available to undergraduate students enrolled at North Carolina public institutions, including the University of North Carolina System schools and the North Carolina Community College System. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree, diploma, or certificate program. Award amounts vary each year depending on available state funding, the student’s level of financial need, enrollment intensity, and cost of attendance at the institution.

Financial need is determined using information submitted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship is typically awarded to students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) within a specified range established by the state for each academic year. Because funding is limited, priority is often given to students who submit their FAFSA early and demonstrate the greatest financial need.

NCELS funds may be applied toward a variety of educational expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and other costs associated with attendance. In many cases, the scholarship is combined with other forms of state, federal, and institutional aid to create a comprehensive financial aid package. While the maximum award can reach up to $4,000 per academic year, most students receive an amount tailored to their individual financial circumstances.

To remain eligible for continued funding, recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by their institution and remain enrolled at least half-time. Students must also reapply each year by submitting a new FAFSA, as eligibility is reassessed annually. Changes in income, enrollment status, or academic performance can affect the award amount or continued eligibility.

The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship is particularly valuable for students attending community colleges, first-generation college students, and those balancing school with work or family responsibilities. By offsetting education costs, the program helps students stay enrolled, reduce reliance on student loans, and complete their degrees more efficiently.

Students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible each year, as late submissions may result in reduced funding or ineligibility due to exhausted state allocations. Because eligibility requirements and award amounts can change annually based on legislative decisions and budget availability, applicants should regularly review updated guidance through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a legal resident of North Carolina.
• Must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible undergraduate program.
• Must attend a North Carolina public college or university.
• Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Application Requirements:

• Complete and submit the FAFSA by the state priority deadline.
• Enroll in an eligible North Carolina public institution.
• Provide proof of residency or enrollment if requested.

Additional Details:

• Award amounts vary annually based on state funding levels.
• Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other approved education-related expenses.
• Students must reapply each year to remain eligible.

Deadline: FAFSA deadline (varies by academic year)

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