North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship

The North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship is a need-based program for North Carolina residents attending private institutions of higher education located in North Carolina. The 2011 North Carolina General Assembly created the program.¹

The State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) administers the program through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).

Who is eligible for the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship?

A student must meet all of the following requirements:¹

1. Be a North Carolina resident and a North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes, as defined by the North Carolina Residency Manual.
2. Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in at least 6 credit hours at a qualifying private North Carolina campus.
3. Not have a previous bachelor’s degree.
4. Demonstrate financial need based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students with an SAI of 15,000 or less are eligible.
5. Meet the requirements for the Federal Pell Grant, except the SAI range used for Federal Pell Grant awards.
6. Be eligible for federal student aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

How much is the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship?

The scholarship does not have a fixed award amount; the amount varies by recipient. Funding is limited, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award if funds have been exhausted.¹

How to apply for the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship?

An applicant completes the FAFSA and lists at least one qualifying private North Carolina institution. No separate application applies, and consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed.¹

CFNC advises completing the FAFSA as soon as possible. Applicants should meet the priority deadlines established by the institution. A late applicant may be denied if funds are insufficient.

North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)
(866) 866-2362