Financial Aid in North Carolina (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, North Carolina's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
North Carolina FAFSA deadline for state aid
June 1, 2026 for UNC System schools; August 15, 2026 for community colleges; as soon as possible for private institutions.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
North Carolina grant programs
Next NC Scholarship
Guarantees at least $3,000 at community colleges and $5,000 at UNC System schools for resident families earning $80,000 or less.
Administered by College Foundation of North Carolina. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for North Carolina students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches North Carolinastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in North Carolina?
For 2026–27 state aid: June 1, 2026 for UNC System schools; August 15, 2026 for community colleges; as soon as possible for private institutions. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does North Carolina offer?
Next NC Scholarship: Guarantees at least $3,000 at community colleges and $5,000 at UNC System schools for resident families earning $80,000 or less. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a North Carolina resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in North Carolina?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how College Foundation of North Carolina determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.