Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is an award made to undergraduate students to help pay for their education after high school. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Federal Pell Grant awards range from $639 to $6,345 a year based on financial need. The Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be completed at www.fafsa.gov and received by the college’s Financial Aid Office before consideration can be made for this grant. Does not require repayment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal SEOG is an award to help undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Application is made by completing the FAFSA. SEOG is given to students with an expected family contribution of $0.

North Carolina Community College Grant

This is a need-based grant established by the NC Legislature to provide funds to help meet the education costs of North Carolina residents attending community colleges. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by the published deadline. Applicants must be North Carolina residents and enroll for at least half-time (minimum of six credit hours) in an eligible curriculum program. For the 2020-2021 academic year, awards range from $100 to $3,588. Does not require repayment.

North Carolina Education Lottery Grant (ELS)

To receive this grant, students must be North Carolina residents and show substantial financial need. Recipients cannot have a baccalaureate degree and must be enrolled at least half-time. Application is made directly by the completion of the FAFSA. For the 2020-2021 academic year, awards range from $100 to $3,000.

SCC Foundation Grant

Through the non-profit SCC Foundation, Inc., this grant provides assistance to both full- and part-time students having financial needs that cannot be met by other sources of financial aid. Awards vary, depending on need and available funds. Does not require repayment.

Employment

Federal College Work-Study Program (FCWS)

This federally funded program provides on-campus work opportunities for students with limited financial resources. Students are paid an hourly wage. An effort is made to assign students to jobs related to their major field of study or to utilize their specific skills and interests. Does not require repayment.

Forgivable Education Loans for Service Programs (FELS)

The 2011 North Carolina General Assembly established the Forgiveable Education Loans Service Program. The first loans were available for the 2012-2013 academic year. The loan provides financial assistance to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina in fields designated as critical employment shortage areas. Loan recipients must sign a promissory note that will require them to seek loan forgiveness through employment in an approved position or repay the loan in cash. Loan forgiveness is described in the FELS rules. Generally, a loan for one academic year will be forgiven for one year of full-time employment. FELS program details are available at CFNC.org/FELS.

Other Sources of Aid

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid covering fees, books, and supplies through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Further information can be found in the telephone book under the State of North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Veterans

Veterans Administration funds may be available to those who have served in the armed forces, as well as to dependents of deceased veterans or disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. Interested persons should contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office, 251 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27155.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Eligible students may qualify for training assistance through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other available programs. They may contact the Columbus County NcWorks Career Center, located in A-Building, for further information. (910) 788-6261

NC Army National Guard

The NC Army National Guard offers educational benefits that include part-time employment, a student loan repayment plan, the NC State Tuition Assistance program, and the GI Bill®. They may be contacted at the following address: NC Army National Guard, Company D(-), 1-20th Inf. Bn., Whiteville, NC 28472-9299.