The UNC System offers some of the most affordable opportunities in higher education anywhere in the nation. Still, a large percentage of students and their families seek grants and financial aid opportunities to help cover the total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, housing, textbook, and program fees.
Financial aid may come from federal, state, institutional and private sources. Broadly speaking, this assistance comes in two forms: gift aid (scholarships and grants that do not have to be repaid) and self-help funds (money that is borrowed or earned while in school). Gift aid can be awarded based on merit (e.g., academic or athletic talent) or based on need. Self-help includes loans (federal or private), and work opportunities on campus.
Institutional Scholarships
By and large, students will find most of their scholarship opportunities housed at the specific institute where they intend to study. The links below are direct portals to each institution’s scholarship information page.
Prospective students can also find scholarship opportunities funded by organizations outside the UNC System. High school counseling offices can provide valuable information regarding local and statewide scholarships. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor hosts a national scholarship search tool.