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Scholarships
North Carolina scholarships: Free money for NC students
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Scholarships for North Carolina
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
Due: 4/15/26
$10,000
Dominion Energy has established a scholarship program to assist students residing in one of the eligible states, who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates or current college undergraduates. Awards of $5,000 will be granted to students pursuing 2-year programs and awards of $10,000 will be granted to students pursuing 4-year degrees. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Applicants must have demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming community where everyone feels valued and supported. Financial information will be collected from applicants; 80 percent of scholarships will be awarded on a combination of need and merit with the remaining 20 percent awarded on the basis of merit. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship was established for the purpose of encouraging talented high school seniors from the region to pursue a major in Theatre at a college or university within the SETC region. Applicants must be a high school senior who lives in the SETC region and be planning to enter an accredited undergraduate college or university within the SETC region with the intention of majoring in theatre. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship is open to undergraduate students enrolled full-time. In accordance with guidelines prescribed by the founder, the grantee institutions award scholarships based on need to Christian women who reside in one of the specified southern states. Students must reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
$1,500
This scholarship has been established to honor Col. Kathleen Swacina, USA (Ret.), and her accomplishments throughout her career and her affiliation with AFCEA. The Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship will recognize one outstanding college student who has shown the potential to excel in college studies in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Applicants must be a member of the U.S. armed forces or enrolled in a ROTC program; an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S....
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class IV
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$7,000
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class IV will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was a Prisoner of War or Missing In Action. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-A
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$7,000
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-A will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was killed or died in wartime service or died as a result of service-connected condition incurred in wartime service as defined by law. This scholarship may be used for four academic years if used within 8 years. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-B
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$2,800
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-B will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent rated by USDVA as 100 percent disabled due to wartime service as defined in the law, and currently or at time of death drawing compensation for such disability. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Jaycees Outstanding Teenager Scholarship
Due: 7/11/26
Varies
The North Carolina Jaycees will honor up to five of North Carolina's most outstanding teenagers. The purpose of this program is to create greater public interest in their accomplishments and contributions. The youth selected as the community's Outstanding Teenager will receive local recognition and awards and will become a nominee in the state competition. This form serves as the official entry form for local and state competitions. Nominees must be a high school senior during the current high school year. They must exemplify well-rounded youth in scholarship, leadership and community service. Recommendation letters from the following should be submitted with the application: a teacher, a community or church leader, and the nominee, explaining why they should be awarded this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
North Carolina Vending Association Academic Scholarships
Due: 9/1/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$1,500
In an effort to contribute to the communities that have made the industry what it is, NCVA will award the North Carolina Vending Association Academic Scholarships based on academics, character and financial need to a deserving student. The student must be affiliated with or related to a person from the vending industry and a current member of NCVA from North Carolina. Applicants must include a copy of their current transcript, class rank and SAT scores in their application. They also may attach letters of recommendation from teachers or other leaders who feel strongly that they are a worthy candidate for this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
What to know about North Carolina scholarships
- North Carolina scholarships can come from several sources including state aid, institutional scholarships, and private organizations.
- FAFSA® is a major first step. Many state and school-based aid programs in North Carolina depend on information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
- Public colleges may offer top opportunities. Students at universities and community colleges in North Carolina may have access to major statewide aid programs.
- Local awards can help close remaining gaps. County foundations, local nonprofits, and civic organizations often offer smaller scholarships you can combine with bigger awards.
- It's smart to look beyond the biggest state programs. A strong scholarship plan usually includes both broad statewide aid and smaller awards based on your school, region, or background.
If you're looking for scholarships for North Carolina students, treat the process as a layered search. Start with the best-known state and public college programs, then build out your list with local and institutional opportunities.
That approach matters because college costs are rarely covered by one award alone. Students attending schools such as University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Central Piedmont Community College often use a mix of scholarships, grants, and school-based aid to make college more affordable.
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What are North Carolina scholarships?
North Carolina scholarships are financial awards that help residents pay for college, workforce training, grad school or other forms of education. These awards can come from state programs, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and private donors.
Unlike student loans, scholarships don't need to be repaid. Some focus on academic achievement, but many also look at financial need, leadership, service, local ties, or intended field of study.
- North Carolina residency
- FAFSA® completion or aid eligibility
- Academic achievement
- Enrollment at an eligible college
- Financial need
- Leadership or community service
- Regional or county ties
What scholarships are available for North Carolina students?
North Carolina students can find scholarships through statewide affordability programs, college financial aid offices, private foundations, and local organizations. Some awards are broad and intended for many residents, while others are more specific to income level, county, major, or campus.
Scholly Scholarships can help you search for scholarships based on your profile, including your background, field of study, and career interests.
Next NC Scholarship
The Next NC Scholarship is one of the biggest affordability programs for eligible North Carolina students attending public universities and community colleges. It's designed to simplify college funding and help cover a large share of costs for qualifying students. For students planning to stay in-state, this is one of the best programs to review because it can serious lower your college costs.
Institutional scholarships
Many North Carolina colleges offer their own scholarships based on merit, financial need, leadership, academic departments, or transfer status. Some awards are granted automatically through the admissions process, while others require a separate scholarship application. These programs can be an important part of your overall financial aid package, especially if you apply early and meet priority deadlines.
Students comparing schools should review scholarship opportunities and campus deadlines at institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Central Piedmont Community College, along with any other colleges on their list.
Community foundation and local scholarships
County and community-based scholarships can be especially helpful for students because they often have smaller applicant pools and more specific eligibility requirements. These awards may come from local foundations, nonprofits, businesses, civic organizations, school districts, and employers. They can be a strong option for students with ties to a particular city, county, school district, or rural community in North Carolina.
Additional financial aid resources
UNC need-based grant
The UNC Need-Based Grant is part of the broader aid landscape for students attending institutions in the UNC System. While it's not a scholarship in the traditional sense, it can be an important form of financial support for students with demonstrated need.
Scholly Scholarships
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How to apply for North Carolina scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, including your transcript, resume, activity list, and recommendation contacts.
- Build a scholarship list that includes state, institutional, and local opportunities.
- Complete applications in small batches so you can stay organized and reuse materials like your essay or personal statement wisely.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and campus aid.
- Track priority dates and deadlines with a checklist or spreadsheet.
- Proofread each application before you submit it.
You can also use Scholly Scholarships to keep finding outside scholarships while you work through your state and school-based applications.
What are the eligibility requirements for NC scholarships?
Eligibility varies, but many North Carolina scholarships focus on similar things:
- North Carolina residency
- FAFSA® completion
- Enrollment at an eligible college
- Academic progress or GPA
- Financial need for some awards
- Leadership, service, or extracurricular involvement
- Program-specific or local criteria
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Start with major state programs. They can form the foundation of your aid package.
- Don't skip local awards. County and community scholarships may be easier to win than large statewide competitions.
- Apply early when possible. Some colleges use priority deadlines for scholarship consideration.
- Keep your application materials organized. A strong resume and essay draft can save time on future applications.
- Search by county and school name. That can help uncover smaller scholarships that don't show up in broad searches.
More scholarship resources
North Carolina students can expand their search with resources like these:
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students
Your next steps
North Carolina students can build a strong scholarship plan by starting with statewide aid and then adding school-based and local opportunities. That layered approach gives you more ways to reduce costs and avoid relying on one award.
To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time. And use Scholly Scholarships to search for opportunities based on your state, background, interests, or major.
FAQs about North Carolina scholarships
What scholarships are available for North Carolina students?
Students can explore statewide programs such as the Next NC Scholarship, institutional scholarships from colleges, and local awards from county foundations and community organizations.
Do North Carolina scholarships require FAFSA®?
Many do. FAFSA® is a key step for need-based aid and some broader state and institutional programs.
Do North Carolina colleges offer scholarships?
Yes. Schools such as UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, and Central Piedmont Community College offer institutional scholarships.
Are there local scholarships in North Carolina?
Yes. Students may find local awards through county foundations, school districts, employers, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.


