Next NC Scholarship
Next NC combines federal Pell with North Carolina state aid to make tuition and fees more predictable for residents. For 2026–27, the UNC System lists at least $5,000 a year for eligible public-university students, while the community-college amount is calculated through FAFSA and may cover tuition and fees. It is not a separate scholarship with one uniform check; the result depends on need, campus, and cost.
About Next NC Scholarship
Next NC combines federal Pell with North Carolina state aid to make tuition and fees more predictable for residents. For 2026–27, the UNC System lists at least $5,000 a year for eligible public-university students, while the community-college amount is calculated through FAFSA and may cover tuition and fees. It is not a separate scholarship with one uniform check; the result depends on need, campus, and cost.
Published criteria include North Carolina residency for in-state tuition, a high-school diploma or equivalent, household adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, a FAFSA SAI of 7,500 or below, and at least six credits per term. Students must also meet their school’s satisfactory-progress policy. Part-time students may receive a partial award, so course load matters when comparing the offer with a personal budget.
The application runs through FAFSA; students do not need a separate Next NC form, but should list a participating school and complete campus requirements. The financial-aid office determines the combined award and final eligibility. Older guides listing 2024 or 2025 priority dates are no longer useful for 2026–27; check the current college deadline and file early to reduce processing delays or the risk of exhausted funds.
At the four NC Promise universities—Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, and Western Carolina—the state minimum can cover tuition and fees, while housing, meal plans, transportation, and supplies may remain. North Carolina also has 58 community colleges. Request a written offer separating cost of attendance, Pell, Next NC, and other scholarships; the word “Scholarship” does not mean the entire degree is automatically free.
Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.
College scholarship and financial-aid program