SCHOLARSHIPS IN NORTH CAROLINA

As the tenth most populous state in the United States packed full of 75 public and 48 private institutions of higher education, scholarships in North Carolina provide endless educational opportunities for covering the expenses of obtaining a college degree.

Since North Carolina is well-known for being home to the nation's first public university at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, it is no surprise that the "Tar Heel State" takes higher learning very seriously. If you are a native North Carolinian or a student seeking to enroll in one of the dozens of excellent universities within its borders, the following are 25 of the best scholarships that can make attending college more affordable in North Carolina.

1. Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship

Deadline: February 2nd

Sponsored by the North Carolina Community Foundation, the Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship is a statewide program that provides $2,000 to graduating seniors of North Carolina high schools who will be pursuing a degree at a higher learning institution. Qualified applicants must have a weighted GPA from 2.5 to 3.5 and a combined SAT score in the range of 1344 to 1560 or an ACT composite score between 20 and 24.

Contact

Alpha Delta Kappa Student Achievement Scholarship
4601 Six Forks Rd. Suite 524
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 828-4387

2. Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarships

Deadline: January 31st

Administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), the Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarships are designed to cover one-half the cost of a full-time undergraduate education at North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, or the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. Eligible high school seniors with financial need must permanently reside in Alamance, Bertie, Caswell, Durham, Forsyth, Granville, Guilford, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Swain, or Warren County.

Contact

Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarships
P.O. Box 13663
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(919) 248-4650

Scholarship Link

3. Betsy Y. Justus Founders Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

Named in honor of a remarkable businesswoman and a technological pioneer for entrepreneurial growth in the state, the Betsy Y. Justus Founders Scholarship Program is hosted by the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) to provide $1,000 to young women who are pursuing a STEM major with an emphasis in technology and engineering. Applicants must be rising female college freshmen or transfer students at an accredited North Carolina institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Contact

Betsy Y. Justus NCTA Scholarship Program
4020 Westchase Blvd. Suite 350
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 856-0393

4. Carol Ann Beerstecher Nursing Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

In honor of a beloved nurse who dedicated her career to working with terminally ill patients before losing her battle with a brain tumor at the youthful age of 29, the Carol Ann Beerstecher Nursing Scholarship is granted by the North Carolina Nurses Association for $5,000 to an undergraduate nursing student from Chatham, Durham, Orange, Wake, or Person County. Candidates must be enrolled full-time in a public state institution, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need.

Contact

Carol Ann Beerstecher Nursing Scholarship
103 Enterprise St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 821-4250

5. Crumley Roberts Next Step North Carolina Scholarships

Deadline: February 14th

Each spring, Crumley Roberts awards the Next Step North Carolina Scholarships for $2,500 to assist state community college students who will be transferring to an accredited four-year college or university in North Carolina in the upcoming fall term. Applicants must provide a written 1,000 essay sharing their passion for preventing distracted driving, an official college transcript, an acceptance letter, and two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Crumley Roberts Next Step North Carolina Scholarships
2400 Freeman Mill Rd. Suite 300
Greensboro, NC 27406
(866) 336-4547

6. Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st

Established by the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women in honor of the First Lady's work with youth, the Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund offers an annual $1,000 award to an outstanding full-time undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in an accredited education degree program in North Carolina. Eligible candidates must show financial need, exhibit a commitment to cultivating a true love of learning in young people, and submit a typed one-page essay on career goals in teaching.

Contact

Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund
4413 Driftwood Drive
Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 766-0067

7. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Created by the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) in 1992, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is granted annually for varying amounts to minority students in North Carolina who are enrolled in a public high school and are planning to continue their education at a post-secondary institution. Selection is based on moral character, involvement in community service, scholastic achievement, commitment to education, and leadership potential.

Contact

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
P.O. Box 27347
Raleigh, NC 27611
(800) 662-7924

Scholarship Link

8. Gertrude B. Elion Medical Student Research Award

Deadline: March 15th

Annually, the Triangle Community Foundation seeks to advance the medial sciences by providing the Gertrude B. Elion Medical Student Research Award for $10,000 to one female medical student in North Carolina who is interested in pursuing a health-related research project in their graduate studies. Qualified applicants must be permanent U.S. residents, be enrolled full-time in at least their second year of medical school, and submit a complete research plan.

Contact

Gertrude B. Elion Medical Student Research Award
324 Blackwell St. Suite 1220
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 474-8370

9. Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship Programs

Deadline: March 1st

The Golden LEAF Foundation sponsors two scholarship programs that award over 215 scholarships each year for up to $3,000 apiece for graduating high school seniors or community college transfer students who are planning to enroll in any of the participating institutions in the University of North Carolina system. Qualified candidates must reside in a qualifying county of North Carolina, exhibit financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to working in one of the state's rural areas that are economically distressed.

Contact

Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship Programs
301 North Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 442-7474

10. Harold McKnight Memorial Scholarship in Engineering

Deadline: April 18th

Through the Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC), the Harold McKnight Memorial Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to one high school senior from Mecklenburg, Anson, Stanly, Lincoln, Cleveland, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, or Montgomery County who plans to pursue a degree in engineering from an accredited institution in North Carolina. Applicants must submit a current resume, official transcript, proof of acceptance, 500-word personal essay, and at least one letter of recommendation.

Contact

Harold McKnight Memorial Scholarship in Engineering
4421 Stuart Andrew Blvd. Suite 307
Charlotte, NC 28217
(919) 834-1144

11. Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

In honor of his commitment to educational opportunities for young people in Western North Carolina before his untimely death in an aircraft accident in 1987, the Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship is offered for $2,000 to graduating seniors from any public high school within the 29-county Western North Carolina region. Eligible candidates must be accepted for enrollment at a North Carolina four-year university, demonstrate financial need, and be involved in significant community service and/or work experience.

Contact

Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship
4 Vanderbilt Park Drive Suite 300
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 254-4960

12. Jason Christopher James Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 8th

In memory of a Grimsley High School graduate who served as a Naval Officer in France and volunteered for numerous international rights organizations, the Jason Christopher James Memorial Scholarship is granted through the Greater Greensboro Community Foundation (GGCF) for $1,000 to seniors graduating from Guilford County high schools. Students must have a demonstrated special interest in foreign affairs, international relations, military service, and/or working abroad.

Contact

Jason Christopher James Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 20444
Greensboro, NC 27420
(336) 379-9100

13. Kid's Chance of North Carolina Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

For up to $5,000 in funding for covering tuition expenses at a technical school, community college, or university in the state, the Kid's Chance of North Carolina Scholarship is available for students between the ages of 16 and 25 whose parent's on-the-job death or injury has caused a significant decline in family income. Along with the application, candidates must attach a high school transcript, letter of recommendation, current medical/rehabilitation reports, brief description of parent's accident, and a one-page letter on educational plans.

Contact

Kid's Chance of North Carolina Scholarship
P.O. Box 13756
Greensboro, NC 27415
(336) 404-5069

Scholarship Link

14. Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 1st

Sponsored by the Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC), the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation Scholarship Fund provides annual awards for up to $2,000 to outstanding high school seniors from Guilford, Davidson, Randolph, and Moore County who have achieved a weighted GPA of at least 4.0 and an SAT composite score of 1800 or higher. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment with 12 credits each semester of funding and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Contact

Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation Scholarship Fund
202 North Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 973-4535

15. Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 24th

Since its inception in 2003, the Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program has provided the chance for graduating high school or home-schooled seniors in North Carolina to write an essay on how the community could help curb underage drinking and driving to win a scholarship of $2,500 for their college education. In order to participate in the writing contest, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted for full-time enrollment at any accredited four-year university in the United States.

Contact

Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program
1211 East Morehead St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 343-4644

16. North Carolina American Indian Fund Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

As a collaborative effort of the state American Indian tribes to address the gaps in funding for education needs in Indian communities, the North Carolina American Indian Fund Scholarship presents $1,000 to individuals enrolled in a state-recognized tribe who are pursuing a post-secondary education full-time in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must demonstrate sustained involvement in the American Indian community, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and exhibit financial need for tuition assistance.

Contact

North Carolina American Indian Fund Scholarship
324 Blackwell St. Suite 1220
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 474-8370

17. North Carolina Baptist College Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

For full-time undergraduate students attending Campbell University, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, Mars Hill University, and Wingate University, the North Carolina Baptist Convention will award renewable scholarships for up to $2,000 each year. Qualified students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be a member in good standing of a Baptist church, write two brief 300-word essays, and submit a letter of recommendation from their pastor on church letterhead.

Contact

North Carolina Baptist College Scholarships
205 Convention Drive
Cary, NC 27512
(800) 395-5102

Scholarship Link

18. North Carolina Sheriffs' Association Scholarships

Deadline: July 21st

The North Carolina Sheriffs' Association offers annual scholarships for $2,000 to state residents who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program with a major in criminal justice at one of the campuses in the University of North Carolina system. While first priority is given to the sons and daughters of a sheriff killed in the line of duty, preference is also given to children of any sheriff who is deceased, retired, or an active member of North Carolina law enforcement.

Contact

North Carolina Sheriffs' Association Scholarships
323 West Jones St. Suite 505
Raleigh, NC 27619
(919) 743-7433

19. Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship

Deadline: August 15th

Within the Winston-Salem Foundation, the Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship is granted for up to $3,000 to North Carolina residents who are seeking their first-time associate's or bachelor's degree in a healthcare field, including nursing, nuclear medicine, radiography, respiratory therapy, and dental hygiene, at an accredited state institution. Preference will be given to applicants with critical financial need who reside in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties.

Contact

Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship
860 West Fifth St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 714-3445

20. Outstanding Minority Accounting Student Scholarship

Deadline: March 22nd

The North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) bestows the Outstanding Minority Accounting Student Scholarship for up to $2,000 to recognize the extraordinary achievement, talent, and leadership of the state's top minority accounting students each year. Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited North Carolina college, have completed at least four university-level accounting courses, and have completed at least 36 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better.

Contact

Outstanding Minority Accounting Student Scholarship
3100 Gateway Centre Blvd.
Morrisville, NC 27560
(919) 469-1040

Scholarship Link

21. Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship

Deadline: July 11th

Each year, the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) awards the Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship for $1,500 to a deserving individual who has worked in the field of public health for at least five years and is pursuing graduate-level training that would fulfill qualification requirements for a leadership position in public health. Applicants must provide a current resume, one-page statement on leadership goals, proof of acceptance to a North Carolina institution, and two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship
3000 Industrial Drive Suite 140
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 828-6205

22. Ruth Moss Easterling Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Sponsored by the North Carolina Business and Professional Women's Foundation in honor of the House of Representatives member who served 13 terms until the age of 92, the Ruth Moss Easterling Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 for a deserving female undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited university in the state. Qualified applicants must require financial assistance to obtain professional goals and have a definite career plan in law, public administration, or political science..

Contact

Ruth Moss Easterling Scholarship
175 BPW Club Rd.
Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 578-2790

23. Ted Fowler Scholarship for the Pursuit of Restaurant Excellence

Deadline: March 31st

Created by the president and CEO of the North Carolina-based grill-buffet chain known as Golden Corral, the Ted Fowler Scholarship for the Pursuit of Restaurant Excellence is granted through the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) for $1,500. Eligible residents must be pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree program in culinary arts, hospital management, or tourism at an accredited two or four-year school in North Carolina.

Contact

Ted Fowler Scholarship for the Pursuit of Restaurant Excellence
6036 Six Forks Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 844-0098

24. Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 31st

Through the North Carolina Lacrosse Officials Association (NCLOA), the Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund awards $1,000 annually to male graduating high school seniors who have been selected to play lacrosse at the varsity level at any four-year college or university within the state of North Carolina. Along with covering the expected tuition costs associated with earning a college degree, the scholarship may be used to fund textbooks, room and board, and/or other sport-related expenses.

Contact

Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund
4101 Tecumseh St.
High Point, NC 27265
(336) 880-1822

25. Virginia Elizabeth and Alma Vane Taylor Nursing Scholarship

Deadline: August 15th

Originally established by the Winston-Salem Foundation in 1966, the Virginia Elizabeth and Alma Vane Taylor Nursing Scholarship is offered annually to North Carolina residents from Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties who are pursuing their first-time associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be accepted full-time into an accredited North Carolina nursing program.

Contact

Virginia Elizabeth and Alma Vane Taylor Nursing Scholarship
860 West Fifth St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 714-3445

Scholarship Link

While there is likely no way to get around the rapidly rising expenses associated with earning a post-secondary degree today, there are plenty of tuition assistance resources available to lessen the financial burden of attending college in the "Tar Heel State." Along with these 25 great scholarships in North Carolina, be sure to contact your school's financial aid office to find even more opportunities for covering your academic expenses and opening professional doors in your career path of choice.