Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at Isothermal Community College. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid. As a student of Isothermal Community College you could receive up to $3,000 depending upon eligibility. The scholarship award can be used for things beyond tuition, including things like fees, books, food, and housing. Students with the greatest need for financial aid could qualify for additional funding to help make paying for college more manageable.

Who is eligible to receive the Next NC Scholarship?

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, you must be:

• A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
• A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)
• From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
• Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the current academic year
• Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
• Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of Isothermal Community College
• A student who has completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office will determine and confirm eligibility.) 

How do I apply for the Next NC Scholarship?

Applying is simple. Just submit the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship.

Start your FAFSA

The fine print

Full-time students could receive at least $3,000 at a community college and $5,000 at a UNC System institution in combined aid from the state Next NC Scholarship and the federal Pell Grant if they have a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or less than 7,500 and an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) equal to or less than $80,000.

For additional information, visit nextncscholarship.org or reach out to the Financial Aid team using the contact information below.