Scholarships & Financial Aid

There are a few main options. Scholarships and grants are the big ones because you don’t usually have to pay them back. Work-study is another, which means earning money through a part-time job while in school. Then there are loans, which do need to be repaid with interest, so it’s important to borrow carefully.

Scholarships are offered by a wide range of groups—schools, local businesses, community organizations, and even national companies. Some are large and competitive, others are smaller and more specific. A student might get one for strong grades, athletics, art, leadership, or even something quirky like writing an essay on a unique topic. They add up, so applying to many is worth the time.

College for North Carolina is a great tool that helps you to plan, apply, and pay for college. There are also online databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Big Future. Those are good starting points, but don’t ignore local opportunities. Employers, clubs, and community foundations often offer scholarships that are less publicized but can be easier to win.

Yes. Never pay a fee to apply—that’s a red flag. Start early, keep a running list of deadlines, and apply to more than you think you need. If something looks questionable, check with your counselor before you spend time on it.

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s basically the form that opens the door to most types of financial help, including grants, loans, and work-study. Many colleges also use it to award their own aid, so even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, you should still fill it out.

As soon as it opens for your student’s graduating year. Funds can run out, and earlier applications tend to get more options.

Yes. Loans are borrowed money plus interest. They can help bridge the gap if scholarships and grants aren’t enough, but it’s smart to borrow only what you really need.

Your school counselor is the best place to start. They can explain the process, suggest scholarship resources, and walk you through FAFSA if it feels overwhelming.