-
Colleges
-
Graduate School
- Scout Grad School Search Find and compare grad schools based on your preferences, goals and academic interests.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
- Graduate Degrees Explore graduate degree options that fit your goals.
- Paying for Graduate School Understand costs and explore ways to pay for grad school.
-
Scholarships
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our no essay $2,000 college scholarship in 2 minutes or less.
- Scholly Scholarships Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships for free.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors Explore scholarships for high school seniors and get tips on how to apply.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships Apply for up to $10,000 in scholarships each month with just one form.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
-
Financial aid
- Financial Aid Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package.
- FAFSA® Guide Learn how to answer the 2026-27 FAFSA® questions like a pro.
- Financial Aid Offers Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable schools for you and your family.
- College Grants Learn more about federal and state grants and how to apply.
- Federal Pell Grants Discover what a Pell Grant is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
- Financial Aid Resources Get expert guidance on maximizing your financial aid options to make education more affordable.
-
Pay for School
- Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- Private Student Loans Find a private student loan designed to fit your needs.
- Undergrad Student Loan For college students earning a bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Graduate Student Loans Choose the right loan for your graduate degree or post-graduate studies.
- Career Training Loan For students taking professional training or certificate courses.
- Student Loan Resources Everything you need to navigate student loans with confidence.
Scholarships
Top North Carolina scholarships for you
Find North Carolina scholarships that can help you pay for college.
Here’s a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Enter $2,000 scholarship
Here’s a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for North Carolina
Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
Due: 4/15/26
$10,000
Dominion Energy has established a scholarship program to assist students residing in one of the eligible states, who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates or current college undergraduates. Awards of $5,000 will be granted to students pursuing 2-year programs and awards of $10,000 will be granted to students pursuing 4-year degrees. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Applicants must have demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming community where everyone feels valued and supported. Financial information will be collected from applicants; 80 percent of scholarships will be awarded on a combination of need and merit with the remaining 20 percent awarded on the basis of merit. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship was established for the purpose of encouraging talented high school seniors from the region to pursue a major in Theatre at a college or university within the SETC region. Applicants must be a high school senior who lives in the SETC region and be planning to enter an accredited undergraduate college or university within the SETC region with the intention of majoring in theatre. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship is open to undergraduate students enrolled full-time. In accordance with guidelines prescribed by the founder, the grantee institutions award scholarships based on need to Christian women who reside in one of the specified southern states. Students must reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
$1,500
This scholarship has been established to honor Col. Kathleen Swacina, USA (Ret.), and her accomplishments throughout her career and her affiliation with AFCEA. The Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship will recognize one outstanding college student who has shown the potential to excel in college studies in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Applicants must be a member of the U.S. armed forces or enrolled in a ROTC program; an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S....
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class IV
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$7,000
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class IV will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was a Prisoner of War or Missing In Action. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-A
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$7,000
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-A will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent who was killed or died in wartime service or died as a result of service-connected condition incurred in wartime service as defined by law. This scholarship may be used for four academic years if used within 8 years. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-B
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$2,800
The North Carolina Veterans Scholarships Class I-B will be awarded to a student with a veteran parent rated by USDVA as 100 percent disabled due to wartime service as defined in the law, and currently or at time of death drawing compensation for such disability. A transcript of high school grades through junior year is required if the applicant is a senior in high school and doesn't have senior grades. If the applicant graduated high school, they must provide a complete transcript of high school grades. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate showing the name of their veteran parent must also be submitted. A copy of the applicant's veteran parent's DD 214 is also required. Two completed NCDMVA-23B(3) forms or recommendation forms must be submitted. At least one recommendation must be from a teacher, guidance counselor, professor or academic counselor. Some of the required materials must be submitted if it meets the certain criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for more information.
North Carolina Jaycees Outstanding Teenager Scholarship
Due: 7/11/26
Varies
The North Carolina Jaycees will honor up to five of North Carolina's most outstanding teenagers. The purpose of this program is to create greater public interest in their accomplishments and contributions. The youth selected as the community's Outstanding Teenager will receive local recognition and awards and will become a nominee in the state competition. This form serves as the official entry form for local and state competitions. Nominees must be a high school senior during the current high school year. They must exemplify well-rounded youth in scholarship, leadership and community service. Recommendation letters from the following should be submitted with the application: a teacher, a community or church leader, and the nominee, explaining why they should be awarded this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
North Carolina Vending Association Academic Scholarships
Due: 9/1/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$1,500
In an effort to contribute to the communities that have made the industry what it is, NCVA will award the North Carolina Vending Association Academic Scholarships based on academics, character and financial need to a deserving student. The student must be affiliated with or related to a person from the vending industry and a current member of NCVA from North Carolina. Applicants must include a copy of their current transcript, class rank and SAT scores in their application. They also may attach letters of recommendation from teachers or other leaders who feel strongly that they are a worthy candidate for this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
What are North Carolina scholarships?
North Carolina scholarships are financial aid for college created specifically for students living in North Carolina or looking to go to school in North Carolina. North Carolina scholarships can help students attain higher education opportunities that otherwise may be out of reach due to financial reasons. All scholarships are free money for college that you don’t have to pay back.
Eligibility requirements for North Carolina scholarships
Before you apply for North Carolina scholarships, make sure you check the eligibility requirements. To qualify for North Carolina scholarships, you’ll most likely need to prove you’re a resident or you’re attending school in that state. Some other common eligibility requirements may include your GPA, community service, citizenship, plan to attend an accredited program, leadership potential, and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Scholarship eligibility requirements vary, so don’t assume you won’t qualify. Check them out!
Are North Carolina scholarships worth my time?
Some scholarships are quick and easy to apply for. Others require time and effort. Typically, fewer students apply to scholarships that require work which means you could have better odds of winning.
Pro tip: Don’t skip over North Carolina scholarships with smaller award amounts ($). There’s typically less competition for them—and they add up!
How do I find North Carolina scholarships?
There are many resources to help you find North Carolina scholarships.
Scholarship resources
- The financial aid office at a college or career school
- Organizations (such as professional associations) related to your field of interest
- Federal agencies
- Free scholarship search tools like Scholly Scholarships
- Local libraries, businesses, or associations
Your high school guidance office is a great place to start when looking for local scholarships. You could also try doing a search for your city’s name and “community foundation,” or the county you live in and “foundation.”
Scholly Scholarships
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
What types of scholarships are available for students?
Need-based scholarships
These are scholarships for students who have demonstrated a financial need. There’s no universal number or set income level that tells you if you qualify. How each scholarship defines what financial need means varies. The federal government as well as specific organizations, corporations, and colleges/universities/schools offer need-based scholarships.
Merit scholarships
Merit scholarships are for students who have shown high academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement over their high school careers. Not all schools/colleges offer merit-aid—highly selective schools typically don’t. The process for applying for merit scholarships varies. For merit scholarships offered through colleges and universities, you generally don’t have to do anything other than complete the application to the school itself. For some schools, you need to submit the FAFSA® to be eligible.
Career-specific grants or scholarships
These are awarded to students who know they want a career in a specific industry. Maybe they know they want to be a teacher, a nurse, or an engineer. To be eligible for grants, students must submit the FAFSA®. To find career-specific scholarships, try searching for your major and “association.”
Community or nonprofit scholarships
Nonprofit and community organizations often receive funding from donors to create scholarship programs for students who need them.
Tips for successful scholarship applications
- Pull together everything you need for the application including transcripts, so you can submit a complete scholarship application.
- You may need a recommendation letter or letters for a scholarship. Ask a teacher, employer, or someone else who knows you to write one for you—and be sure to give them enough time to do it.
- If you’re writing a scholarship essay, follow the prompt, answer the essay question completely, and write from your experience. A few well-written essays that you can reuse for different scholarship applications can really pay off.
- Highlight your strengths and achievements in your application.
- Talk about your financial need and what you would use the scholarship money for if you won. How would it help?
- Have to interview for a scholarship? Dress to impress in a professional outfit. And do your research! Look into how/why the scholarship was created. Try to bring up why it’s meaningful to you. Also, don’t forget to send a thank-you note afterwards.
- Keep track of all the deadlines for the scholarships you’re applying to. If you miss one, they may not extend the due date.
- Apply for scholarships year after year, all through college. As you continue your studies, gain more experience, and try new extracurricular activities in college, you might be eligible for more scholarships you weren’t originally qualified for.
Here are more tips that can help you understand all there is to know about scholarships and up your chances of winning.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for North Carolina scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
More resources to explore
Tips for writing scholarship essays
Get tips for writing scholarship essays. Learn what makes a good scholarship essay.
Find scholarship resources
Explore our scholarship resources, articles, and guide to get all the tips and tricks to help pay for college.
Fill out the FAFSA®
Learn when and how to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your chances of getting federal student financial aid. Get tips now.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.