The Best Scholarships in North Carolina

North Carolina students, this is your comprehensive guide to finding North Carolina scholarships. With over 30,000 North Carolina students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2020, scholarships are more competitive than ever. Considering the average cost of a North Carolina school is $3,343 a year, with prices of some colleges rising to over $55,000, most students require some type of financial assistance. Take a look at our list of scholarships for North Carolina students to find the perfect scholarship for you. In this post, we’ll detail the best scholarships in North Carolina.

The best way to receive a scholarship as a North Carolina student is to find scholarships that are a great fit. This list not only tells you about the best state scholarships such as the North Carolina Lottery Scholarship, but also scholarships specific to your major or industry, such as scholarships for North Carolina nursing students or teaching scholarships in North Carolina. You can also find scholarships for minority students in North Carolina, as well as popular North Carolina University Scholarships.  Wherever your studies are taking you as a North Carolina student, you can find help for funding your education.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in North Carolina for High Achieving Students

1. State Employees Association of North Carolina Academic Merit Scholarship

• Description: The State Employees Association of North Carolina offers scholarships for North Carolina students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and commitment to the community. Students should be planning to attend a college, university, or technical school in North Carolina.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal North Carolina resident entering or attending a North Carolina educational institution. By the end of junior year of high school, students must have achieved at least a 1200 SAT, 3.5 GPA, and rank in the top six percent of their class, OR have achieved at least a 1400 SAT and 4.0 GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the SEANC Application, including a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation by the April 15th deadline. The application can be found on the SEANC website.

2. Crumley Roberts Chairman Scholarship

• Description:  The Roberts Center for Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Development provides a scholarship for high achieving North Carolina students who have demonstrated academic achievement, commitment to community, and leadership.  The Roberts Center’s mission is to help students achieve their dreams at a college or university.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be a legal North Carolina resident entering or attending a South Carolina educational institution. Students must graduate high school with a 3.2 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation by the February 1st deadline. Application materials and more information can be found on the Roberts Center website.

3. The Carolinas Stadium Scholarship Awards

• Description: Managed by the Foundation for the Carolinas, the Carolinas Stadium Scholarship Award is available for North Carolina college athletes who have excelled academically and hope to pursue graduate education. Award preference is given to those who have shown exceptional leadership and commitment to community
• Amount: Varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal North Carolina resident entering or attending a North Carolina graduate educational institution. Students must have played as a varsity athlete at their undergraduate institution. Students must have graduated college with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must be nominated by their current Athletic Director and submit materials by March 1st. More information can be found on the Foundation for the Carolinas website.

4. University of North Carolina James M. Johnston Award

• Description: This renewable scholarship funded by the James M. Johnston Trust is awarded to incoming first-year students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in high school.  The scholarship is intended to help with tuition as well as study abroad opportunities.
• Amount: $1,000 or more
• Requirements: Students must be a legal U.S. Citizen attending a University of North Carolina school, as award amount is determined by FAFSA submission. There is no GPA or test score minimum, but students should have demonstrated excellent grades and community involvement to be a competitive candidate. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit their FAFSA and complete their College Board CSS profile by March 1st. More information can be found on the University of North Carolina website.

5. Roberts Scholars Leadership Program

• Description: Founded by a multimillion-dollar grant from North Carolinian Julian Robertson, the Roberts Scholars Leadership Program provides funding, extra-curricular opportunities, and professional development opportunities to award recipients. This prestigious award is available to students attending a University of North Carolina campus or Duke University.
• Amount: Cost of attendance for eight semesters
• Requirements: Students must be North Carolina residents attending the University of North Carolina or Duke University. While there are no GPA or test score requirements, students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academics, community, and leadership.
• How to Apply: Students must nominate themselves or be nominated by a school counselor by September 30th. Students then must complete the application, including submission of letters of recommendation, by the mid-November deadline. The application and more details can be found on the Roberts Scholars website.

The Best Scholarships in North Carolina for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. African American Network: Carolinas Scholarship

• Description: The African American Network Carolinas Scholarship is a merit and need-based award for students planning to major in engineering, math, science, computer science, accounting, finance, or business administration. Its goal is to provide opportunities for diverse students and increase diversity in the workforce.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal North Carolina resident entering or attending a North or South Carolina four-year institution. Students are encouraged to major in a STEM, business, or finance field.
• How to Apply: Applications are due March 1st, Application and more information can be found on their website.

2. NACME Scholars Program

• Description: The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) funds a block grant program with the mission of increasing minority representation in STEM fields. Students should be considering an engineering degree program or another STEM field upon entering a four-year institution.
• Amount: Up to $12,500
• Requirements: Applicants should identify as a racial minority and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.  Students must be accepted to a four-year North Carolina institution.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application on the NACME website by February 1st.

3. North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority Golden LEAF Scholarship

• Description: This scholarship from the Golden LEAF encourages post-secondary education for students in historically underrepresented counties. Managed by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, this scholarship is available for North Carolina students planning to attend or transfer to North Carolina four-year institutions
• Amount: $3,000 per year
• Requirements: Students must demonstrate residency in an economically distressed area. Students must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 at their institution of choice to renew the scholarship each year. Students must be U.S. citizens, as funds are contingent upon FAFSA completion.
• How to Apply: Submit the online application and FASA by March 1st. Application materials and more information can be found on their website.

4. Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success WNC College Scholarship

• Description: This scholarship fund supports Latinx DACA status or undocumented students in Western North Carolina attending a college or university. Priority is given to undocumented students who do not qualify for Pell grants.
• Amount: $600
• Requirements: Students must be high school seniors residing in North Carolina attending a North Carolina institution. Students either are not eligible for in-state tuition due to lack of residency or are attending a private institution.  Applications can be submitted in Spanish or English.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package found on the Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success website by the July 1st deadline. Students are notified of their award status by July 15th.

5. North Carolina Reach Scholarship

• Description: North Carolina Reach is an organization that supports North Carolina foster youth and those who have been adopted out of foster care after their twelfth birthday. Students must be attending or plan to attend a North Carolina institution of higher learning.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be high school seniors or current college/technical school students residing in North Carolina.  Students must be under the age of twenty-six (26) and provide documentation that they are a foster youth aging out of foster care or were a foster youth adopted after the age of twelve (12).
• How to Apply: Submit the application package to North Carolina Reach AFTER the student’s high school diploma is conferred. Students must resubmit their application each year to renew.  Application materials and more information can be found on the North Carolina Reach website.

The Best In State Scholarships and Grants for North Carolina Colleges

1. North Carolina Community College Grant Program

• Description: The North Carolina Community College Grant Program is administered by the North Carolina General Assembly. It serves to meet financial need for North Carolina Students attending a North Carolina Community College.
• Amount: Award varies.
• Requirements: Students must be a North Carolina resident attending an eligible North Carolina Community College. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits each semester and are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA and will be notified of their eligibility by their institution’s financial aid office. More information can be found on the College Foundation for North Carolina website.

2. Morehead-Cain Scholars Program

• Description: The Morehead-Cain Scholars Program is a unique scholarship opportunity for North Carolina students planning to attend the University of North Carolina. Program participation includes not only four-year tuition, but fully funded summer study abroad experiences.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the community. Students must reside in North Carolina and be a qualified application to the University of North Carolina.
• How to Apply: Applications open August 15th and are due by October 15th. Semi-finalists are notified by December 20th, and participate in video interviews. Finalists are notified by January 17th, and attend a final selection interview in late February. Application and more information can be found on the Morehead Cain website.

3. State Employees Association of North Carolina Financial Need Scholarship

• Description: The State Employees Association of North Carolina offers scholarships for North Carolina students who demonstrate financial need and are attending a college, university, or technical school in North Carolina.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be residents of North Carolina with demonstrated unmet financial need. Students should have demonstrated commitment through the community through school, volunteer, and/or work activities.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the SEANC Application, including a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial documentation by the April 15th deadline. The application can be found on the SEANC website.

4. North Carolina Educational Lottery Scholarship

• Description: The North Carolina General Assembly manages the North Carolina Educational Lottery Scholarship. North Carolina students with demonstrated financial need are eligible for the award. Students must attend an eligible North Carolina State or Community institution.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be North Carolina residents attending or planning to attend eligible North Carolina institutions. Students must plan to enroll in at least six credits. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and are notified by their institution’s financial aid office of their eligibility. More information can be found on the College Foundation of North Carolina website.

5. Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarships

• Description: The Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, assisting North Carolina students who demonstrate unmet financial need.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be U.S. citizens and legal North Carolina residents. Students must be attending an eligible North Carolina institution. To be considered for scholarship renewal, students must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA as well as an online application, including a personal statement, additional financial documentation, and letters of recommendation by the January 31st deadline. The application can be found on the College Foundation of North Carolina website.

The Best North Carolina Field-Specific Scholarships

1. Jane Graham McKay and Katherine Hill McKay Scholarship Endowment Fund

• Description: The Jane Graham McKay and Katherine Hill McKay Scholarship is for North Carolina students interested in pursuing a career in education.  Students must plan to attend a North Carolina institution, and preference will be given to students interested in early childhood or elementary education.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of North Carolina accepted at a North Caroline college or university. Students must intend to declare an education major and enroll full-time, considered twelve (12) credit hours. Students must have achieved a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and demonstrate financial need
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including personal statement and documentation by the March 1st deadline. Application information can be found on the Foundation for the Carolinas website.

2. North Carolina League for Nursing Academic Scholarship Fund

• Description: The North Carolina League for Nursing provides funds for North Carolina students pursuing a nursing degree.  Graduate programs will be considered for eligibility, including Ph.D. programs outside of North Carolina.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of North Carolina studying nursing. There are no GPA requirements; however, students must have completed at least six (6) credit hours. Master’s programs must be in North Carolina, doctoral programs outside of North Carolina will be considered.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including personal statement and documentation by the March 1st deadline. Application information can be found on the Foundation for the Carolinas website.

3. Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship of University of North Carolina

• Description: Funded by the W.H. Stroud, Jr. and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Endowment, this scholarship provides the opportunity for North Carolina students attending the University of North Carolina interested in law enforcement or a related field.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of North Carolina accepted to the University of North Carolina with a demonstrated interest in law enforcement. Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including a personal statement of interest in law enforcement, to the University of North Carolina Office of Financial Aid. More information can be found on the University of North Carolina website.

4. Kenan Music Scholarship

• Description: Awarded by the University of North Carolina to four incoming students each year, the Kenan Music Scholarship funds full tuition for four years as well as provides additional support for extra-curricular music opportunities.  Award recipients are also paired with a faculty advisor and participate in workshops with world-renowned musicians.
• Amount: Cost of tuition up to eight semesters
• Requirements: Students must be a resident of South Carolina and have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must submit an application to the University of North Carolina by the admissions deadline. Students must schedule an audition with the Department of Music or submit a recorded audition. More information can be found on the University of North Carolina Department of Music website.

5. North Carolina Teaching Fellows

• Description: Awarded to students pursuing a career in education, the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program supports future teachers for all four years of undergraduate study.  The Fellows program offers extra-curricular enrichment opportunities to award recipients.
• Amount: $4,125 per semester up to eight semesters
• Requirements: Students must be a North Carolina resident attending a Teaching Fellows partner institution. Students must have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school, and a 24 on the ACT OR 1100 on the SAT.  Students must intend on pursuing a career in education.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the online application by the mid-January deadline. Students will be notified of their award by April 1st. The application and more information can be found on the North Carolina Teaching Fellows website.

Now that you have had a chance to consider some of the best scholarships in North Carolina available, it’s time to get those application materials together, write those essays, and apply! Wherever you attend school, there is a North Carolina scholarship for you.

Whether you are applying for a state scholarship like North Carolina Lottery Scholarship, a scholarship for your academic achievement like the State Employee Association of North Carolina Merit Scholarship, a North Carolina University scholarship, or a North Carolina scholarship for minorities such as the North Carolina Reach Scholarship, you can start to fund your education.

Scholarships for North Carolina students may be competitive, but with a little work and the right fit, you can find a scholarship (or two!) that’s right for you.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

If you need more scholarship opportunities, sign up for a few scholarship sites. We go over the best scholarship databases here.

> The Best Scholarships in South Carolina

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> The Best Scholarships in Kentucky