North Carolina Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

North Carolina has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in North Carolina, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of North Carolina can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

North Carolina Student Loan Programs

North Carolina has a unique student loan program called North Carolina Assist. The NC Student Assist Loan is a student loan that helps bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and other financial aid.

The loan is available to students who are North Carolina residents and students who reside outside of North Carolina but are attending an eligible non-profit Title IV institution in North Carolina.

The loan is available for both students and parents (although we don't recommend parents borrow to pay for their children's education). Learn more here.

Remember, all North Carolina students are also eligible for Federal student loans.

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

North Carolina Scholarship Programs

North Carolina has one of the most robust scholarship programs in the United States. We highlight several of the state-based scholarships below, but be sure to check out this list of scholarships.

Education Lottery Scholarship

The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS) was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina resident students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina.

The value per grant will vary according to information generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). you can get up to $3,768 per year.

Learn more about the Education Lottery Scholarship.

Need-Based Scholarship

The North Carolina Need Based Scholarship is a need-based program for NC residents attending private institutions of higher education located in North Carolina.

The value per grant will vary according to information generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The maximum amount is $7,640 (or 12 credit units).

Learn more about the Need Based Scholarship.

North Carolina Grant Programs

North Carolina also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to North Carolina residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

North Carolina Community College Grant

Grants are available to North Carolina residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at North Carolina community colleges.

The value per grant will vary according to information generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can earn up to $2,200 (or 12 credit units) until all funds are exhausted.

You can learn more about the Community College Grant.

The University of North Carolina Need Based Grant

Grants available for eligible students attending one of the 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina. The value of the grant will vary.

You can get $500 to $4,200, until all funds are exhausted.

You can learn more about the University of North Carolina Need Based Grant.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a North Carolina resident, check out our North Carolina Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to North Carolina residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in North Carolina, check out our North Carolina 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.