North Carolina’s Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) finances students preparing for occupations with critical shortages in the state. Despite “forgivable” in its name, it is a loan with a promissory note, not a scholarship: approved employment can cancel the balance under program rules. If the job does not qualify or service is incomplete, interest accrues from disbursement and the loan must be repaid.
Students must enroll at least part time under the institution’s policy in an approved program and college leading to an eligible occupation. Lists change, and some required internships or residency positions before licensure do not count as service. Juniors and seniors receive priority for bachelor’s awards; rural primary-care and psychiatry programs have separate rules. The 2026–27 deadline was March 1, 2026 and has passed.
The program lists annual limits up to $7,000 for certificate/licensure, associate, and bachelor’s study, and $14,000 for master’s or doctoral study, with actual amounts varying by degree, class year, and enrollment. A year of loan may generally be forgiven for each year of qualifying full-time employment; 7% interest accrues from each disbursement. Aggregate loan limits vary by level, so funding is not a grant until forgiveness is earned.
Before applying, download the FELS rules and compare your program and expected job with the approved lists. Submit through CFNC during the annual window; 2026–27 is closed. Current borrowers can reach NCSEAA repayment services at 800-700-1775, extension 4654. Keep the note and employment evidence and request forgiveness through the required process; it does not happen automatically at graduation.
This remains debt until service is completed: required pre-licensure placements may not count, even within the same profession. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service — College for North Carolina / NCSEAA.
FELS Approved Education Programs 2026–27 — North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.
FELS Rules — College Foundation of North Carolina.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
This remains debt until service is completed: required pre-licensure placements may not count, even within the same profession.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
Education loan: up to $7,000 yearly at undergraduate levels and $14,000 graduate; forgiven only after qualifying service.
Public student financial-aid program
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority — FELS
The authority determines whether the program, occupation, institution, and job meet the cycle’s shortage lists.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College for North Carolina / NCSEAA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
College Foundation of North Carolina · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
College for North Carolina / NCSEAA · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) ↗
Primary source
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority — FELS ↗
Primary source
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority — FELS ↗
Primary source
College Foundation of North Carolina · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.