College Application Updates
Students have a new way to apply to many North Carolina Institutions. NC College Connect is a program that provides a simpler and faster way to get admitted to college in North Carolina. The NC College Connect program offers North Carolina public high school students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 and above who meet NC College Connect requirements direct admission to select colleges and universities participating in the NC College Connect program. (Click the link to learn more and see a complete list of participating institutions)
FAFSA applications are now open:
Completing the form makes current and prospective college students eligible for need-based financial aid, including federal Pell Grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Anticipated in July 2026, Pell Grants can also be used to cover tuition, fees, and other expenses for short-term workforce training programs.
Many states, including North Carolina, also use the FAFSA to award state grants, and colleges use the FAFSA to award their own scholarships. In North Carolina, submitting the FAFSA is a prerequisite for receiving the Next NC Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees for all North Carolina community colleges and more than half the cost for public universities for most families making $80,000 a year or less.
College Search Resources:
College Search & Application Help Resources
Virtual College Fairs and Connections
Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Campus Tours
North Carolina College Admissions Deadlines and Visit Information for Fall 2026
College and Career Planning
College Foundation of NC (CFNC)
CFNC Resources for Federal Student Aid Assistance (FAFSA)
Start your FAFSA application here
CSS Profile Step by Step Guide
NC Residency Determination Service
List of Scholarships to Scholarship Search
Test Optional Schools (ACT and SAT not required for admissions)
Links to North Carolina Colleges
