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Graduating in North Carolina? Congratulations on this achievement! As you plan for your college journey, you’re likely considering how to finance your education. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available for students in the Tar Heel State. While many of these scholarships require residency in North Carolina and attendance at a university within the state, they are generally open to most North Carolina students.

1. Greenhouse Scholarship

Amount: Varies per recipient

Deadline: September 1st

Eligibility: 

• Graduating high school senior planning to attend a four-year accredited academic institution
• US citizen or permanent resident and legal resident of Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, or North Carolina
• Cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
• Annual household income no greater than $70,000

Application Requirements: Complete the online application

The goal of the Greenhouse Scholars program is to ignite transformation within low-income communities by nurturing leaders and exemplary figures for these areas. Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities, resilience in challenging situations, and a deep passion for and dedication to their community. The application process comprises four stages, which entail writing essays, creating a video, and providing informative answers. Those who advance to the last stages will undergo a face-to-face interview and will receive acceptance notifications via phone and email.

2. Riding Forward Scholarship

Amount: $3,500 or $5,000

Deadline: March 31st 

Eligibility:

• Legal US resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas
• Age 13 or older
• Enrolled in 12th grade at a public, private, or home school
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Plan to attend an accredited college in the next school year

Application Requirements: Complete the online application and submit an essay

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship commemorates the advancements and triumphs of Black individuals from the Civil Rights Movement to the present day. Participants are encouraged to select a Black American figure who has served as a source of inspiration and motivation for them. In their essay, students are expected to delve into how this individual’s narrative has influenced their own lives and how their contributions have served as a source of inspiration or encouragement. The scholarship will award $5,000 to each of the 15 high school seniors selected as winners of the essay contest.

3. Jagannathan Scholarships

Amount: Amount varies

Deadline: Rolling deadline

Eligibility: 

• Resident of North Carolina
• Graduating seniors planning to enroll as a college freshman in a full-time degree program at one of the University of North Carolina system schools
• Demonstrated academic achievement
• Nominated by the financial aid office of the school they plan to attend
• Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA

Application Requirements: Complete the FAFSA and receive a nomination from the financial aid office at your university

The Jagannathan Scholarships are granted by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to students who exhibit financial need and academic excellence. To be eligible for the award, students must be nominated by their school’s financial aid office. Therefore, it’s important to reach out to the scholarship coordinator at your school for more information on the nomination process.

4. State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility:

• Senior at a North Carolina public high school accepted into one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina system
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Demonstrate financial need
• SECU member or eligible for membership through a parent/guardian who is a SECU member

Application Requirements: Complete the FAFSA and application forms

The People Helping People scholarship offers full coverage for four years of undergraduate studies for North Carolina residents. Each school district in North Carolina is guaranteed at least one of these scholarships annually. The $10,000 award is distributed across four years, equating to $1,250 per semester for the student. The Scholarship Selection Committee at each school district is responsible for nominating recipients, as individual applications are not reviewed by the Foundation. For further details on how to qualify for this scholarship, it is recommended to consult with your school counselor.

5. NC Education Lottery Scholarship

Amount: Up to $3,588

Deadline: Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st

Eligibility: 

• North Carolina resident
• Enroll for at least six credit hours per semester
• Meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements of the institution
• Admitted as an undergraduate at an eligible North Carolina institution

Application Requirements: Complete the FAFSA

Students are automatically considered for this scholarship once they have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility for the scholarship is determined by the NC Education Lottery using criteria similar to those for the Federal Pell Grant. It is crucial to submit the FAFSA promptly because the scholarship operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.

6. North Carolina Hispanic College Fund

Amount: $500-$2,500

Deadline: December 15th

Eligibility: 

• Graduated from a North Carolina high school within 2 years
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Identify as Hispanic

Application Requirements: 

• Application forms
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Official high school transcript
• 500-word personal statement

The North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals awards the NCHCF scholarship to support Hispanic students in North Carolina. Priority is given to applicants who were born outside the United States or are children of foreign-born parents. Selection criteria include family financial needs, community engagement, academic performance, volunteer work, and leadership qualities. The society disburses the scholarship funds directly to the recipient’s educational institution.

7. Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $400-$3,000

Deadline: February 7th

Eligibility: High school senior in North Carolina planning to attend college in North Carolina

Application Requirements: 

• Application form
• Essay
• Photograph related to what inspired your essay
• Transcript
• Current photograph
• Letter of recommendation
• Document detailing extracurricular activities, awards, community service, and work experience
• Document containing any additional information that may be helpful to the review committee

This scholarship commemorates Florence Kidder, the inaugural president of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in North Carolina. Annually, the society grants six scholarships: one valued at $3,000, one at $1,000, another at $800, and three at $400 each. These awards are not renewable and are exclusively applicable to colleges or universities within North Carolina. Applicants are required to submit all specified documents along with a 500-700 word essay on a predetermined topic.

8. Assistance League of the Triangle Scholarship

Amount: $1,000-$10,000

Deadline: March 1st

Eligibility: 

• Plan to enroll as a freshman at any NC post-secondary educational or technical institution
• Live in the Research Triangle area
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• US citizen or have permanent resident status

Application Requirements: 

• Application form
• 2 references
• Transcripts
• SAT/ACT scores

The mission of the Assistance League of the Triangle is to bring about positive change in the lives of women, children, and families through community initiatives and programs. Applicants for the League’s scholarships must reside in Wake, Durham, or Orange counties and ensure that all required documentation is included in their application. It’s advisable to request references promptly. The League will review applications, conduct interviews as needed, and send financial assistance directly to the recipient’s educational institution.

9. North State Law Enforcement Officers Association Scholarship

Amount: $500-$1,000

Deadline: May 15th

Eligibility: 

• Resident of North Carolina
• Younger than 24
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Major in Criminal Justice or a related field
• Active in the community
• No felony convictions or convictions of serious misdemeanors

Application Requirements: 

• Application form
• Most recent high school transcript
• 4 reference letters
• SAT/ACT score

The North State Law Enforcement Officers Association aims to uphold professionalism in law enforcement through education, training, and the lawful resolution of community issues. Their mission includes fostering positive relationships between officers and the community while also striving to eliminate instances of police brutality. The association offers this award to support students pursuing careers in the criminal justice field, with a focus on promoting the principles advocated by the association.

10. African American Network of the Carolinas

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: March 5th

Eligibility: 

• Graduating senior at a North or South Carolina high school
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Plan to attend a four-year college or university in North or South Carolina full-time
• Major in engineering, computer science, the sciences, accounting, finance, or business
• U.S. citizen
• Member of a race/ethnic category typically considered “people of color”

Application Requirements: Complete the online application and write an essay

The African American Network, which consists of African American employees of Duke Energy, administers this award. Their objective is to attract more skilled and educated individuals to the industry by encouraging college admission through this scholarship. The aim is to create opportunities for growth for students and employees of color while also serving as a business resource within the industry.