Next NC Scholarship: All you need to finish school debt-free

High school students touring GTCC, walking in front of the Medlin building

What is the Next NC Scholarship?

The Next NC Scholarship is designed to remove cost as a barrier to higher education for North Carolina residents by helping cover tuition and required fees at state community colleges, like GTCC.

Eligibility is based on household income, not age or recent high school graduation. The scholarship is applied after other federal and state aid is considered and can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition costs. For many students, it provides all they need to finish school debt-free and it does not need to be paid back.

Who is eligible for the Next NC Scholarship?

Next NC Scholarship

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, students must:

  • Be a North Carolina resident and eligible for in-state tuition
  • Be a high school graduate or high school equivalency completer
  • Have a household income of $80,000 or less
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Enroll in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program
  • Take at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students receive a partial award)
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress standards

Apply NowComplete FAFSA

What does the Next NC Scholarship cover?

The Next NC Scholarship provides financial support that helps pay for:

  • Tuition and required fees at any North Carolina community college
  • Many students receive at least $3,000 per academic year toward tuition and fees, enough to cover full-time community college costs

Unlike loans, this scholarship does not need to be repaid, and it can be combined with other financial aid.

About Next NC Scholarship

Adullt GTCC male and female students sitting at a classroom desk smiling at the camera

What does the Next NC Scholarship NOT cover?

GTCC student sitting at classroom table while smiling

While the Next NC Scholarship helps cover tuition and fees, it may not fully cover all educational expenses for every student. It does not guarantee coverage for:

  • Books and instructional supplies
  • Living expenses
  • Other costs not charged directly by the college 

Additional financial aid, such as Pell Grants or other scholarships, may help with these expenses.

How do you apply for the Next NC Scholarship?

You do not submit a separate application for the Next NC Scholarship. To be considered:

  1. Apply for admission to GTCC
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Once your FAFSA is processed, GTCC’s Financial Aid Office will determine whether you qualify for the Next NC Scholarship and other forms of aid.

Apply NowComplete FAFSA

How to Apply for Next NC Scholarship

How does the Next NC Scholarship work?

Two GTCC students walking and waving on Jamestown campus

After completing the FAFSA and enrolling at GTCC, your financial aid team will calculate your total award, including any federal and state aid for which you qualify. If eligible, the Next NC Scholarship will be applied toward your tuition and required fees.

Scholarship funding is subject to state guidelines and availability, and application priority is based on FAFSA filing dates.

Apply NowComplete FAFSA

Not sure if you qualify?

That’s okay, many students are eligible. When you apply and complete the FAFSA, GTCC’s Financial Aid team will help you understand your options and guide you toward the best scholarship fit. 

Complete FAFSA

Adult GTCC student sitting at classroom desk writing in notebook and smiling