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Top 56 North Carolina Scholarships in March 2024

By Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Edited by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: March 3rd, 2024
Top 56 North Carolina Scholarships in March 2024

Are you a student in the great state of North Carolina? Perhaps you are from another state, but want to attend school in the Tar Heel state? If so, you should fund your college or graduate school education with some of the top North Carolina scholarships! These scholarships include awards from private organizations as well as merit scholarships from the top NC institutions of higher  education. Keep on reading to learn more about these top NC scholarships including award amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines!

56 scholarships
Sort by

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Offered by Regions Bank

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Regions Bank

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each quarter, the contest awards $8,000 to the top four (4) applicants who submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about how someone they know has (1) inspired them and (2) given them the confidence to achieve their goals. The scholarship is offered four times a year, with deadlines every March, June, September, and December. Bear in mind that applicants must also reside in a state with Regions Bank full-service branches to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Get Started

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund

Offered by Blumenthal Performing Arts

2 awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen

Offered by Blumenthal Performing Arts

Are you a Charlotte, North Carolina or Knoxville, Tennessee-area high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore planning to pursue a non-performing career in theater?…Show More

Are you a Charlotte, North Carolina or Knoxville, Tennessee-area high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore planning to pursue a non-performing career in theater?…Show More

Are you a Charlotte, North Carolina or Knoxville, Tennessee-area high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore planning to pursue a non-performing career in theater? If so, you might consider applying for the Gordon Hay Scholarship! This scholarship is open to students residing within 125 miles of Charlotte, NC or Knoxville, TN who are pursuing a non-performing career in theater and exemplify a strong pursuit of personal excellence, commitment to community engagement, artistic or technical accomplishment, and who have a record of scholarly achievement. Eligible non-performance areas of theater include (but are not limited to): playwriting, set, costume, lighting, or sound design, arts administration, stage management, production management, and technical direction. If you're a student residing near Charlotte, North Carolina or Knoxville, Tennessee, and have a passion for the non-performance areas of theater, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

2 awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship

Offered by Southern Automotive Women's Forum

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Southern Automotive Women's Forum

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM.…Show More

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM.…Show More

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM. Applicants must be attending an institution in a southern state (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas or West Virginia), and are eligible to earn between $1,000 and $5,000 to go toward their education. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more, and get a headstart on your career.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Fund

Offered by Blumenthal Arts

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Blumenthal Arts

Are you a high school senior from the Charlotte (NC) region who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g. music, dance,…Show More

Are you a high school senior from the Charlotte (NC) region who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g. music, dance,…Show More

Are you a high school senior from the Charlotte (NC) region who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g. music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, film, digital arts, studio arts, arts administration, arts education, etc.)? If so, consider applying for the Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Fund! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $10,000 to one to two students from the Charlotte Region who submit the best ~1-page responses to the question "You have now graduated college, what is your big dream?" Applicants from the following counties are eligible to apply: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, and Union in North Carolina, or Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, or York in South Carolina. If you're a high school senior from an eligible county and will be pursuing an arts degree, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship

Offered by Southeastern Theatre Conference

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Southeastern Theatre Conference

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…Show More

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…Show More

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC) region to major in theater. The SETC region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you're a college-bound student in the SETC region with a passion for theater, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Bold.org

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college education, and who serves as an inspiration to many. Her story resonates with countless young mothers who aspire to improve their lives through higher education. However, the financial burden of attending college can be overwhelming for these individuals. In honor of Vickie Drum's legacy, this scholarship aims to support female students in North Carolina who are raising a child while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must meet this criterion and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply, share your unique journey through higher education as a parent and how it has shaped your path. This scholarship is an opportunity to not only honor Vickie Drum's memory but also empower mothers to achieve their educational goals and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship

Offered by North Carolina Sheriffs' Association

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College Students

Offered by North Carolina Sheriffs' Association

The Criminal Justice Scholarship Program was established by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who…Show More

The Criminal Justice Scholarship Program was established by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who…Show More

The Criminal Justice Scholarship Program was established by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who are studying in the criminal justice field and express an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Applicants must be North Carolina residents enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours in an undergraduate degree granting criminal justice program at one of the institutions of The University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. To apply, students must receive a recommendation from their local sheriff and complete and submit an application. If you're a North Carolinian with a passion for keeping the public safe, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

PFLAG Greensboro Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship Program

Offered by PFLAG Greensboro

Multiple awards worth up to $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by PFLAG Greensboro

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual or ally who resides in Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, or Alamance County (NC) and is planning on pursuing post-secondary education? If…Show More

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual or ally who resides in Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, or Alamance County (NC) and is planning on pursuing post-secondary education? If…Show More

Are you an LGBTQ+ individual or ally who resides in Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, or Alamance County (NC) and is planning on pursuing post-secondary education? If so, you might want to consider applying for the PFLAG Greensboro Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship! Dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ students and allies pay for educational expenses, the scholarship awards up to $2,000 to multiple students each year. In addition to their identity as an LGBTQ+ individual or ally, applicants must also demonstrate that they have previously served or intend to serve the LGBTQ+ community. If you fit this description and are passionate about LGBTQ+ activism, we encourage you to apply for the PFLAG Greensboro Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship!Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Business and Professional Women of the Triangle Scholarships

Offered by Business and Professional Women/Triangle

2 awards worth up to $1,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Business and Professional Women/Triangle

The Business and Professional Women of the Triangle Scholarships are open to North Carolina women currently enrolled (full- or part-time) at an accredited college, university,…Show More

The Business and Professional Women of the Triangle Scholarships are open to North Carolina women currently enrolled (full- or part-time) at an accredited college, university,…Show More

The Business and Professional Women of the Triangle Scholarships are open to North Carolina women currently enrolled (full- or part-time) at an accredited college, university, or institution of higher education within the United States. Applicants should have a permanent address in North Carolina counties of Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham or Johnston, but may attend school outside these areas. If you're a North Carolinian woman passionate about pursuing your higher education, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

2 awards worth up to $1,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Sunshine Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Godbold Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $6,250
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Godbold Foundation

The Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships offered by the Godbold Foundation are intended to help high-achieving students with financial need to afford to pay for college. The…Show More

The Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships offered by the Godbold Foundation are intended to help high-achieving students with financial need to afford to pay for college. The…Show More

The Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships offered by the Godbold Foundation are intended to help high-achieving students with financial need to afford to pay for college. The scholarship is awarded to up to 10 students per year and is worth $25,000 over four years of in-state undergraduate studies at public universities in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, must have overcome significant obstacles in life and must attend public or private high schools in specific geographic areas of Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina: the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco in the Tampa Bay area of Florida; the cities of Florence and Marion in South Carolina, and the county of Avery in North Carolina. To maintain the scholarship, undergraduates must be enrolled full-time and remain in good academic standing. The application cycle runs from December 1 to March 2nd every year. If you fit these eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Note from the scholarship provider: The deadline to apply has been extended to March 8 because of the FAFSA delays. If you do not have your Student Aid Index, you have these two options: Report 2022 Adjusted Gross Income and 2022 Federal income taxes (as a PDF) OR use the free Federal Student Aid Estimator, save the results and upload as a PDF. If you have questions, email Nancy Waclawek at [email protected]. Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $6,250
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Triangle Scholarship Fund

Offered by Triangle Community Foundation

2 awards worth $10,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Freshmen

Offered by Triangle Community Foundation

The Triangle Scholarship Fund will award one high school senior and one adult learner who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to improving their community through volunteer…Show More

The Triangle Scholarship Fund will award one high school senior and one adult learner who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to improving their community through volunteer…Show More

The Triangle Scholarship Fund will award one high school senior and one adult learner who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to improving their community through volunteer work, work experience, and/or future aspirations and plans. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

2 awards worth $10,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Freshmen
Get Started

Shaver-Hitchings Scholarship

Offered by Triangle Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Triangle Community Foundation

The Shaver-Hitchings Scholarship is available to any graduate student, physician's assistant, or medical student in the Triangle area of North Carolina who has worked (preferably…Show More

The Shaver-Hitchings Scholarship is available to any graduate student, physician's assistant, or medical student in the Triangle area of North Carolina who has worked (preferably…Show More

The Shaver-Hitchings Scholarship is available to any graduate student, physician's assistant, or medical student in the Triangle area of North Carolina who has worked (preferably as a volunteer) to help others with alcoholism, drug abuse, and addictive disorder treatment, or with preventive education on the subject of addiction. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Chatham, Durham, Orange, or Wake County (North Carolina). The fund is designed to recognize the recipient for his or her work or volunteer activity and to provide financial aid. The scholarship may be used towards any need listed under the school’s total cost of attendance. If you're a graduate student, physician's assistant, or medical student in the Triangle area with a passion for helping others out of drug addiction, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started
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How to win North Carolina scholarships

North Carolina scholarships are sought after due to the countless prestigious universities and colleges that call North Carolina home. In order to get a leg up on the competition to win North Carolina scholarships, you should focus on what you’re passionate about while connecting back to your North Carolina roots. 

For example, if you want to pursue a career in agriculture, you can discuss your fond memories of attending the local Charlotte farmer’s market and learning about the fresh raspberries from the farmers themselves. This not only ties in with your passions, but also relates back to how appealing North Carolina is as a state.

Scholarship application resources for  North Carolina scholarships

As mentioned before, North Carolina scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself which could be 250 words to 500 words. Luckily. Scholarships360 has all the resources you could need to win North Carolina scholarships! Be sure to check out our guides and well as read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships. Best of luck on your writing endeavors!

North Carolina student debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, in total, North Carolina residents owe $49.2 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $37,721 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 52.3% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!

Keep on reading to learn more about top scholarships in North Carolina, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in North Carolina!

Merit scholarships at North Carolina colleges and universities

Davidson College

  • Eligibility: High academic achievers with experiences that reflect a varied range of interests, talents and achievements and some scholarships require a nomination
  • Amount: Up to full cost of attendance
  • Deadline: Admission deadline

Duke University

  • Eligibility: All applicants are automatically considered for Duke merit scholarships by virtue of their admissions application
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Admission deadline

Elon University

  • Eligibility:Students are automatically considered when they apply and are selected based on their high school academic record and application essay
  • Amount: $3,000 up to $13,500
  • Deadline: Mid-January

North Carolina A&T State University

  • Eligibility: The National Alumni Scholarship and the Louis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarships recognize exceptional academic talent and ability
  • Amount: Up to full tuition and room and board 
  • Deadline: Mid-January 

North Carolina State University

  • Eligibility: Awarded on the basis of outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character
  • Amount: Up to full cost of attending
  • Deadline: November 1

Salem College

  • Eligibility: All admitted students are considered for scholarships and amount awarded is based on high school GPA
  • Amount: $14,000 up to $20,000
  • Deadline: Varies based on program

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Eligibility: Applicants are automatically considered and must have impressive academic and extracurricular achievements and show promise of engagement in the life of the University
  • Amount: Up to the full cost of attending
  • Deadline: Admission deadline

University of North Carolina at Asheville

  • Eligibility: Academic excellence, as demonstrated by a high grade point average/scores on the SAT or ACT, interest in or passion for an academic program, extracurricular engagement
  • Amount: Up to full tuition
  • Deadline: Admission deadline

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

  • Eligibility: When you are accepted to both UNCW and the Honors College, you are automatically considered for competitive Honors College Merit Scholarships
  • Amount: $500 up to full tuition 
  • Deadline: November 1st to be considered for Early Action, and February 1st to be considered for Regular Decision

Wake Forest University

  • Eligibility: Students with extraordinary achievement, leadership, and talent
  • Amount: Up to the full cost of attending
  • Deadline: Mid-November

Warren Wilson College

  • Eligibility: Students who excel in academics, work, service and are admitted to the college
  • Amount: $4,000 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: Admission deadline

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition provides students with a lower cost compared to out-of-state tuition rates. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known North Carolina universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

North Carolina State University

  • In-state tuition: $9,105
  • Out-of-state tuition: $31,977

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

  • In-state tuition: $7,020
  • Out-of-state tuition: $37,360

How do you get in-state tuition? 

You are probably wondering how to get in-state tuition for North Carolina schools since it significantly reduces the cost of tuition! In order to receive in-state tuition, you will need to have established legal residence in North Carolina and maintained this status for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the semester. Some ways to establish legal residence include obtaining a North Carolina driver’s license, registering your vehicle in North Carolina, and becoming employed in the state of North Carolina. Be sure to double check with your intended North Carolina institution what they require students to do in order to obtain in-state tuition! 

Does North Carolina have tuition reciprocity? 

Yes, but this benefit is only for graduate students. North Carolina is a barely-participating member of the Academic Common Market, which is a regional reciprocity agreement among Southern states. However, North Carolina only participates through their graduate school programs meaning undergraduate students will not benefit. 

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Additional North Carolina resources

College Foundation of North Carolina

This one-stop shopping website offers planning tools, timelines, test prep resources and financial literacy guidance are everything you need to set a course for college. Along with lots of scholarships that are easy to search for!

Community College Student Resources

Important resources for students planning to/or attending community college, including course library, curriculum, licensure/certifications, and high school equivalency information.

Golden Door Scholars

For DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and Undocumented students. Applicants must be currently in high school or have graduated from a United States high school or obtained a GED (General Education Development) certificate from a United States GED Program. They also must be applying to or attend one of the Golden Door Scholars Partner Schools.

Frequently asked questions about North Carolina scholarships

What type of scholarships does North Carolina offer?

North Carolina offers an abundance of different types of scholarships both for North Carolina residents and out-of-state students. These scholarships may include need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and scholarships specific to a certain demographic.

Are there scholarships available for graduate students in North Carolina?

Yes! There are many scholarships offered for graduate students in North Carolina. Graduate scholarships may be offered by universities, professional organizations, foundations, and other entities. In addition, North Carolina offers tuition reciprocity for graduate studies as well.
 

Can out-of-state students receive scholarships in North Carolina?

Yes, out-of-state students can receive scholarships in North Carolina. Some scholarships may prioritize North Carolina residents, but there are also scholarships available to students from outside the state.

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