The Next NC Scholarship = FREE COLLEGE

Know what you’re getting. Know where you’re going.
Certain eligibility criteria apply.

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households earning $80,000 or less pursue higher education. It fully covers tuition and fees at any community college—or more than half, and in some cases all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state. The best part? It’s money that may not have to be repaid.

It combines the federal Pell Grant with state-funded financial aid to create a simplified, predictable scholarship award. It’s easier to understand, more affordable, and ensures more North Carolinians can pursue a degree.

The scholarship is available to students enrolling at Lenoir Community College or any North Carolina public institution (2-year or 4-year). Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000 per academic year to help cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, living expenses, and more.

Check Eligibility | CFNC

View the estimated Next NC Scholarship funding available to you.

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, students must be:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition

  • A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)

  • From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less

  • Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year

  • Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)

  • A student who has completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office at the college/university you plan to attend will determine and confirm eligibility)

Staff
Staff

Staff

Office of Financial Aid

(252) 527-6223, ext. 371

Email Financial Aid Staff

The first step for all financial aid for students is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students who plan to attend Lenoir Community College should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible in order to receive all of the Next NC Scholarship funds for which they are eligible. Your qualifying Next NC funds will be included in your financial aid award. For more information and complete details on the Next NC Scholarship opportunity, visit CFNC – Next NC Scholarship.

Ready to get started?

Don’t let finances be a barrier to your educational goals.