Federal Pell Grants assist undergraduates in paying for their education after they complete high school or earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal student aid program, and provides a foundation to which other assistance may be added.

Unlike loans, grants aren’t paid back unless you don’t complete the term of enrollment.

To apply for a Pell Grant, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the student must not already have a baccalaureate degree and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). The amount of awards will be determined upon FAFSA results, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Year-Round Pell Grants and Summer Aid

The FSEOG is a grant from the government for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. To apply for FSEOG, students need to complete the FAFSA. The student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in an eligible program. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the student must not already have a baccalaureate degree and must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Funding is limited and the minimum award is $100. Priority is given to students who apply early.

FWS provides part-time jobs for enrolled students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for this need based financial assistance. Students must have unmet need as determined by the FAFSA and also be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The Longleaf Commitment is a grant program for 2022 North Carolina high school graduates who will attend one of our state’s “Great 58” community colleges starting in the Fall 2022 semester. High school students may be eligible to receive this grant – not a loan – for tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit. Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per year, for a total of two years. Less than full-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant Program ends at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester.
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This program provides funding for North Carolina students pursuing programs leading to careers in areas with critical need, including nursing, teaching, allied health fields and medicine.

To receive funds through this program, you’ll be asked to sign a promissory note agreeing to work in North Carolina after graduation, in an approved position, for one year per academic year of funding. Students who don’t perform the required service will need to repay the loans in cash, with interest.

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CFNC

COA no longer participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan program.