Federal & State ProgramsFinancial Aid

Federal Pell Grants assist undergraduates in paying for their education after they complete high school or earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal student aid program, and provides a foundation to which other assistance may be added.

Unlike loans, grants aren’t paid back unless you don’t complete the term of enrollment.

To apply for a Pell Grant, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the student must not already have a baccalaureate degree and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The amount of awards will be determined upon FAFSA results, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Year-Round Pell Grants and Summer Aid

The FSEOG is a grant from the government for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. To apply for FSEOG, students need to complete the FAFSA. The student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the student must not already have a baccalaureate degree and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Funding is limited and the minimum award is $100. Priority is given to students who apply early.

FWS provides part-time jobs for enrolled students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for this need based financial assistance. Students must have unmet need as determined by the FAFSA and also be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The NCCCG is a grant offered by the state to residents of North Carolina. All students who complete the FAFSA are screened for eligibility. Award amounts are determined by the state based upon FAFSA results and enrollment status. Students must be residents of North Carolina for tuition purposes, enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester as an undergraduate student in an eligible degree, certificate, or diploma program, and must not have a baccalaureate degree. Students must also be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Funds are not available for the summer semester. The NCCCG requires students to be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours to qualify for the full amount of their award each semester.

The NCELS is available for students who:

1. Are North Carolina residents for tuition purposes;
2. Meet all eligibility requirements for a Federal Pell grant, except the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) requirement; and
3. Are enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester as an undergraduate student in an eligible degree, certificate or diploma program.

Students who have already earned a baccalaureate (four-year) college degree are not eligible. Students must also be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Funds are not available for the summer semester. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to be considered for this need based financial assistance.

This program provides funding for North Carolina students pursuing programs leading to careers in areas with critical need, including nursing, teaching, allied health fields and medicine.

To receive funds through this program, you’ll be asked to sign a promissory note agreeing to work in North Carolina after graduation, in an approved position, for one year per academic year of funding. Students who don’t perform the required service will need to repay the loans in cash, with interest.

Apply

CFNC.org/FELS

COA no longer participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan program.