Education is the key to success in today’s world, and obtaining a degree or diploma from a reputable institution is an essential step toward a brighter future. However, higher education can be quite costly, and many students struggle to fund their studies. Fortunately, the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS) provides financial assistance to needy North Carolina residents attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina. In this article, we will discuss the NC Education Lottery Scholarship, including its eligibility requirements, the application process, and other important information.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NC Education Lottery Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
Residency: Students must be North Carolina residents for tuition purposes.
Enrollment: Students must enroll for at least six credit hours per semester in a curriculum program.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Students must meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements of the institution.
Admission: Students must be admitted, enrolled, and classified as undergraduate students in matriculated status in a degree, certificate, or diploma program at an eligible North Carolina institution. Eligible institutions include UNC campuses and North Carolina Community College campuses.
Federal Pell Grant Requirements: Students must meet the requirements for the Federal Pell Grant, except the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range used for Federal Pell Grant awards.
Amount and Awards: The NC Education Lottery Scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $3,768 to eligible North Carolina residents attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina. Awards are available until funds are exhausted.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the NC Education Lottery Scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed. The FAFSA opens on October 1. Applicants should meet priority deadlines established by their institution. Late applicants may be denied if insufficient funds are available.
Other Important Information
Eligibility is based on a calculation of need, using data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA form allows students to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. However, since aid is limited, students must meet the deadlines. Federal deadlines for the 2023-24 academic year require the FAFSA form to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2024, with any corrections or updates to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2024. College deadlines may vary, and students should check with the college(s) they are interested in attending. Additionally, each state has its own deadline.
Conclusion
The NC Education Lottery Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for North Carolina residents to obtain financial assistance to pursue their higher education dreams. By meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the FAFSA, students can be considered for this scholarship, which can help them pay for their education. Students should be aware of the deadlines and requirements and stay informed about changes to the scholarship program. With the NC Education Lottery Scholarship, students can take a step closer to achieving their goals and securing a brighter future.