Top Scholarships in NC

Quick Highlights:

North Carolina offers a diverse range of scholarships for different fields and demographics.
Scholarships often require essays, transcripts, and recommendations, focusing on financial need, academic performance, and community involvement.
Awards cover various educational costs and are available for both traditional and non-traditional students, including those with specific life circumstances.
Opportunities include scholarships for residents pursuing careers in areas like nursing, engineering, and the arts.

Earning a college degree opens up many opportunities in life, preparing graduates intellectually and socially, for both their career and for adult life. In addition, a college degree opens more career opportunities at higher salary levels. However, for many people, a college degree may seem unattainable as they are not financially prepared for the expense of college.

For students in North Carolina, there are many options available for scholarships that may provide partial or full payment for tuition.

Featured Programs

1. African American Network – Carolinas Scholarship Fund

The African American Network is a Duke Energy employee resource group of African American employees. The Carolina chapter provides scholarships to students in the Carolinas who plan to pursue a major in engineering, math, science, computer science, accounting, finance or business administration. Awardees are chosen by the college, university or community service organization based on GPA, residence, leadership skills and financial need. Students must be graduating seniors at North or South Carolina high schools and plan to attend a four-year college or university in North or South Carolina.

2. Annie S. Alexander Memorial Scholarship

The Annie S. Alexander Memorial Scholarship provides $1,800 to a student who is a resident of Forsyth County, North Carolina and who plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing. The program is not restricted to lower income, but applicants should be able to demonstrate financial need.

3. The ANSWER Endowment Scholarship

The Andersen Nontraditional Scholarship for Women’s Education (ANSWER) provides financial support to adult women, aged 25 or older, who are raising school-aged children who want to further their education. Applicants may be enrolled in a two-year nursing, two-year CPCC Health Careers or four-year degree of their choice. Applicants must be a legal resident of Mecklenburg County or a contiguous county in North or South Carolina. Applicants who have already earned a four-year degree are not eligible.

4. Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarships

There are 17 scholarships of $12,000 offered through the Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship program. The scholarships are available to graduating seniors from a 14-county area in North Carolina. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to enroll as a full-time student at North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill or UNC-Greensboro. Students may renew the scholarship, but must maintain a 2.7 GPA or higher while attending college.

5. Carolinas-Virginias Retail Hardware

The Carolinas-Virginia Retail Hardware Scholarship provides undergraduate scholarships to children of employees of the National Retail Hardware Association. Applicants must be located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia or West Virginia. Children of employees are defined as natural-born, adopted or stepchildren, although stepchildren and wards must live in the home of the employee. Parents must be full-time employees for at least two years and the firm must be a member of the association for at least one year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

6. Carson Scholars Fund, Inc

The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc. provides a $1,000 scholarship with a minimum GPA of 3.75 who is involved in community service. The student’s school determines all other criteria for the award, although only one nominee per school is permitted.

7. Everett and Trudy Suddreth Scholarship of Excellence

The Carolinas Food Industry Council offers employees of its member companies the opportunity to apply for one of 40 scholarships worth $2,500 each. Applicants must be the spouse or dependent of a permanent, full-time employee of a CFIC Retail, Wholesale or Supplier Member company. The employee must be employed for at least one year. The scholarship is also available to students who are part-time employees for at least six months. High school seniors and undergraduates may apply.

8. The Charlotte – Mecklenburg Schools Scholarship Incentive Program

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Scholarship Program provides $1,500 scholarships to graduates of Charlotte-Mecklenburg public high schools with financial need. Applicants must be a participant in Communities in Schools ThinkCOLLEGE Program or the AVID Program. Applicants must also have a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA.

9. Claude B. Hart Memorial Scholarship

The Claude B. Hart Memorial Scholarship provides $1,000 to Elkin High School graduating seniors who intend to major in mathematics, including accounting, computer science or business administration, or mechanical, civil or chemical engineering. Applicants must demonstrate promise in academics, leadership and participation in community service. The scholarship is not limited to lower income students but applicants must demonstrate financial need.

10. Clyde and Martha Aldridge Scholarship

The Clyde and Martha Aldridge Scholarship provides one $1,000 award to a graduating senior at Reagan High School. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 and participated in school or club sports during their high school career. The scholarship is not restricted to lower income students, but applicants must demonstrate financial need.

11. Colon Furr Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Colon Furr Memorial Nursing Scholarship is available to a North Carolina resident who has been accepted or enrolled in a one-year Licensed Practical Nurse program that will lead to certification as a Registered Nurse. The school must be located in North Carolina and the applicant must be supported by an American Legion post.

12. Elmer and Rosa Lee Collins Scholarship

The Elmer and Rosa Lee Collins Scholarship provides $3,000 to Forsyth County graduates who will attend a four-year college or university. Applicants must reside in the Winston-Salem Foundation service area and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Applicants must provide an official transcript and demonstrate financial need, although the scholarship is not limited to lower income students. The applicant must demonstrate character and purpose as evidenced by school, community, church and work activities.

13. F.A. and Charlotte Blount Scholarship

The F.A. and Charlotte Blount Scholarship is for Forsyth County High School Seniors who plan to pursue a four-year degree program at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be African-American or Hispanic and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship is not limited to lower income, but applicants must demonstrate financial need. The award is $3,000 and may be applied to the cost of tuition, fees, room and board or other college-related expenses. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts that include the first semester of 12th grade, a signed copy of both the student and parent federal tax returns as well as one letter of recommendation.

14. Foundation for the Carolinas Scholarship

Provided by the Spirit Square Center for the Arts and Education Scholarship Fund, undergraduate students with demonstrated aptitude for a career in the arts may apply for funding of up to $4,000. Applicants must be a college junior or senior in good academic standing who has declared a major that contributes to the arts.

15. Jagannathan Scholarships

Administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, in order to apply for the Jagannathan Scholarship, students must be a graduating senior who plans to enroll full-time as a freshman at one of the institutions of the University of North Carolina system. Applicants must meet the requirements to be considered a North Carolina resident under tuition guidelines and have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and financial need. Applicants must be nominated by the financial aid office of the university they plan to attend or by a high school counselor. Applicants must take the SAT and complete the FAFSA.

16. Korean-American Scholarship Foundation – Eastern Regional Chapter

The Korean-American Scholarship Foundation offers funding to Korean-American students who are seeking higher education who demonstrate academic and personal achievement. Applicants must be of Korean heritage who plan to study in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. Applicants must plan to attend full-time in an Eastern region state, which includes North Carolina and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also demonstrate the need for financial assistance.

17. Lloyd E. and Rachel S. Collins Scholarship

The Lloyd E. and Rachel S. Collins Scholarship provides a $2,000 award to a graduating senior from North Stokes, South Stokes or West Stokes High School. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and their transcript must indicate a challenging course selection. Applicants must be able to demonstrate good character as well as service to the school and community. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need, but the award is not restricted to lower income students.

18. Marcus Raper Zimmerman Fund

Students who are handicapped or who plan to enter a career working with the handicapped are eligible to apply for the Marcus Raper Zimmerman Fund. Applicants must be residents of Forsyth County and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester during the academic year in a program that will lead to a two- or four-year degree at an accredited institution of higher learning. The college or university must participate in the federal student aid program. Applicants must be a United States citizen.

19. NCAE Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

The North Carolina Association of Educators offers educational assistance to North Carolina residents enrolled in a public high school during their senior year who demonstrate character, community involvement and scholastic achievement. Applicants must submit a completed application form, resume of accomplishments and documentation that they understand the philosophies of Dr. King. An essay that describes why the applicant deserves the scholarship, an official transcript and two letters of recommendation are also required. One letter of recommendation must be from school personnel and the other from a community member.

20. NCRMA Retail Scholarship

The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association offers 48 scholarships of $2,500 to North and South Carolina residents who are members of the association or the Carolinas Food Industry Council. The scholarships can be used for tuition expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants are chosen based on their academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, student employment, career path and the recommendations provided. Recommendations are not required as part of the application but are considered when they are included.

21. NIADA Foundation Region II Scholarship

Four scholarships are available from the NIADA Foundation, one for each region covered by the organization. Region II includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Applicants must be a high school senior residing in Region II and have maintained outstanding academic achievement based on their official transcript. Applicants must also demonstrate an aptitude for college-level work based on SAT or ACT scores.

22. North Carolina Home Builders Association Scholarship

The North Carolina Home Builders Education & Charitable Foundation awards scholarships based on a combination of need and merit for students entering their junior or senior year of high school, or technical students entering their second year, who have declared their major in a construction-related field of study. Applicants must be nominated by a firm who is a member of the NCHBA and must be immediate family members of the organization who are related by blood, such as children, stepchildren or grandchildren. Students related by marriage, such as son-in-law or daughter-in-law, are not eligible. Immediate family members of any current trustee of the NCHB Education & Charitable Foundation are also not eligible to apply. Awards are for one year but may be renewed as long as the recipient is making satisfactory progress. Applicants must attend full-time, taking a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

23. North Carolina League for Nursing Academic Scholarship Fund

North Carolina League for Nursing offers a $2,000 scholarship to a graduate student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Applicants must be a legal resident of North Carolina and completed a minimum of six semester hours of course work. Applicants must be granted unconditional admission to a graduate program in nursing or related discipline. The program must be located in North Carolina although doctoral programs may be outside North Carolina.

24. North Carolina Sheriffs Association Scholarships

The North Carolina Sheriffs Association offers 12 scholarships of $2,000 to full-time North Carolina resident undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice. One award is provided for each institution offering criminal justice programs. First priority is given to the child or stepchild of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff. Second priority is given to children and stepchildren of a North Carolina law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Third priority is given to the child or stepchild of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who is deceased or retired. Fourth priority is given to an academically eligible North Carolina criminal justice student with demonstrated financial need.

25. North Carolina Student Incentive Grant

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority provides a $700 grant to needy North Carolina residents based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Only North Carolina residents are eligible and the student must be planning to attend eligible colleges or universities within the state of North Carolina.

26. Oliver Joel & Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship

The Oliver Joel & Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship provides a $3,000 award to North Carolina residents seeking a first-time associate or bachelor’s degree, certificate or diploma in a healthcare field. Preference is given to residents of Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin Counties. Applicants must attend an accredited North Carolina school pursuing a healthcare degree including, but not limited to, registered nursing, licensed practical nursing, nuclear medicine, radiography and respiratory therapy. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 or higher and must provide an acceptance letter for the program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need but do not need to be lower income.

27. Ray S. Church Memorial Scholarship

The Ray S. Church Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award for an Elkin High School student who plans to attend an accredited college or university. Applicants must demonstrate strong character and a dedication to academics. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 through the first semester of 12th grade and demonstrate financial need although the award is not restricted to lower income students.

28. Sam L. Booke, Sr. Scholarship

The Sam L. Booke Sr. Scholarship is a $1,500 award for high school seniors in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System who plan to major in mathematics. Students majoring in accounting, computer science or engineering are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in mathematics in both course selection and grades. They must pursue an undergraduate degree in mathematics, which may include statistics or actuarial science, and demonstrate potential to succeed in their career choice. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of scholarship and must rank within the top 15 percent of their class. Applicants must also provide evidence that they are already showing an interest in being a contributing member of society through community and school activities.

29. Scholarship Program for a Better Life

The Scholarship Program for a Better Life provides three scholarships of $1,000 to Hispanic students residing in the Winston-Salem/Greensboro area and surrounding counties. Applicants must be 22 years old or younger and be fully bilingual. Applicants must have obtained a high school diploma from a North Carolina high school or obtained a GED. They must be residents of Alamance, Caswell Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry or Yadkin Counties. Applicants must have to pay out-of-state tuition due to their immigration status.

30. SHEro Inc. NC Motherless Daughters Scholarship

Two scholarships of $16,000 are available through the SHEro Inc. NC Motherless Daughters Scholarship. The award is available to North Carolina women who have lost their mother. Applicants must be a full-time high school senior who will graduate at the end of the academic year. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to attend a four-year university as a full-time student. An essay and letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher or community mentor are required.

31. The Roothbert Fund Scholarship

The Roothbert Fund provides scholarships to applicants whose permanent residence is in one of 12 states, including North Carolina. Although the scholarship does not emphasize any particular religious practice or worship, preference is given to those who are motivated by spiritual values. There is no restriction on the type of degree program applicants may enter, but all applicants must satisfy high scholastic requirements and are considering a career in education.

32. Stella B. Johnson Scholarship Fund

The Stella B. Johnson Scholarship Fund offers awards to residents of Forsyth County who have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and have a family adjusted gross income of up to 300 percent above Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester at a college or university that participates in the federal student aid program.

33. Tien Bul Memorial Scholarship

The Tien Bul Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to a Forsyth Counth high school student who resides in the Foundation service area and who plans to attend North Carolina University’s College of Engineering. Applicants must have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 with a challenging course selection and score high on either the SAT or ACT. The scholarship is not limited to lower income students, but applicants must demonstrate financial need.

34. Virginia Elizabeth and Alma Vane Taylor Student Nurse Fund

North Carolina residents seeking associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing are eligible to apply for the Virginia Elizabeth and Alma Vane Taylor Student Nurse Fund. Consideration is also given to students in graduate nursing degree programs on a limited basis. Preference is given to residents of Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin Counties. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in a North Carolina school of nursing program and demonstrate financial need, although the scholarship is not limited to low-income students.