North Carolina has a strong need-based grant program and one of the most affordable community college systems in the Southeast. If you live in North Carolina and want to go back to school, here is what is available in 2026.

North Carolina Need Based Scholarship

The North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS) provides grants for North Carolina residents with financial need who attend eligible private colleges and universities in North Carolina. Awards range from $100 to $3,300 per year depending on need and enrollment status.

You apply by filing the FAFSA. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) processes your eligibility automatically. The priority deadline is March 1.

Note: This scholarship is specifically for private NC institutions. Students at NC public universities and community colleges access different state aid programs through their schools.

NC Community College System: Exceptional Value

North Carolina community colleges charge some of the lowest tuition in the country. In-state tuition is around $76 per credit hour. A full associate degree (65 credits) costs about $4,940 before financial aid. With a Pell Grant covering up to $7,395 per year, most North Carolina women can attend community college for free or very close to it.

The NC Community College System also has curriculum programs in healthcare, business, information technology, trades, and public services across 58 community colleges statewide.

NC Works Workforce Development

NC Works is North Carolina's workforce development system. It connects women to WIOA-funded training, career counseling, and job placement. Find your nearest NC Works Career Center at ncworks.gov.

North Carolina also has the NC Job Ready initiative, which funds short-term workforce training in high-demand fields. These programs are often offered through community colleges and are designed to lead to employment within six months.

NC Public University Aid

Students at UNC System schools (Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington, and others) access need-based grants through their school's financial aid office. The UNC System has need-based grant programs that supplement Pell Grant and federal aid for eligible North Carolina residents.

Ask the financial aid office at any UNC System school about their institutional grants for returning adult students. Several schools have specific programs for students who have been out of school for five or more years.

Find Out What You Qualify For in North Carolina

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Federal Grants Available in North Carolina

Private Grants for North Carolina Women

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Available through North Carolina Soroptimist chapters. Awards up to $16,000. Find your chapter at soroptimist.org.

State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) Scholarship: For state employees and their dependents pursuing higher education in North Carolina.

Triangle Community Foundation: Supports students in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area. Check trianglecf.org for current scholarship offerings.

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: Open to women 35 and older nationwide. Awards up to $2,000. Apply at rankinfoundation.org.

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation: Supports education and workforce development for North Carolinians, particularly in underserved communities.

Last reviewed: July 2026. Sources: NCSEAA (ncseaa.edu), ncworks.gov, NC Community College System (nccommunitycolleges.edu), studentaid.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the NC Need Based Scholarship at a community college?

The NC Need Based Scholarship is specifically for students at eligible private NC institutions. Community college students access aid through Pell Grant, SEOG, and institutional grants at their specific school. NC community college tuition is so low that Pell Grant often covers it entirely.

What is the income limit for NC state grants?

Eligibility is based on your Student Aid Index from the FAFSA. There is no published hard cutoff. Independent adults with incomes under $35,000 to $40,000 generally receive the most meaningful state aid. File early to maximize your position.

Does North Carolina have free community college?

Not universally free, but at $76 per credit hour, North Carolina community colleges are among the most affordable in the country. With a Pell Grant, most low to moderate income women can attend at no out of pocket cost.

Are there grants for women in rural North Carolina?

Yes. NC Works has a strong presence in rural counties, and WIOA funding is available across the state. Several NC community colleges in rural areas also have foundation scholarships and emergency aid funds. Contact your nearest community college financial aid office directly.