Grants
Eligibility
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have financial need;
- Have a high school diploma from a regionally accredited high school, a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or a passing mark on an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education;
- Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree, diploma, or approved certificate in an eligible program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Have a valid Social Security Number;
- Make satisfactory academic progress.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to those who need it. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined on the basis of your and your family’s financial resources and the expected family contribution as provided by your FAFSA.
The Federal Pell Grant Award is a grant and does not have to be repaid as long as students maintain eligibility requirements for federally supported programs and attend classes through the 60% point of the semester.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant is for students with exceptional financial need who, without the grants, would be unable to continue their education. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Next NC Scholarship/Grant
The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue a higher education, by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.
It combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand and makes education more affordable so a greater number of North Carolinians can pursue a degree.
North Carolina Community College Childcare Grant
Gaston College receives child care funds through the North Carolina Community College System to help defray costs for parents who are continuing their education. This state-funded grant is available to parents who are day students pursuing a diploma or associate degree at Gaston College. Students who already have two (2) diplomas or an associate degree or higher are ineligible. Child care funds serve student parents with demonstrated need for child care. All students must complete the free FAFSA application before applying for this grant. For more information, please see the Gaston College Childcare Grant Guidelines. You may also contact Misty Helms in the Financial Aid Office at 704-922-2453 or helms.misty@gaston.edu.
North Carolina Scholarship Grant – Awards Available Until Funds Exhausted
The North Carolina Scholarship Grant works with federal aid to provide a guaranteed amount of financial assistance with additional state funding provided to students with exceptional need.
Students enrolling at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less and an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $5,000 from combined federal and state aid. Students enrolling at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less and an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $2,800 from combined federal and state aid.
To be eligible, students must be a North Carolina resident as defined by the North Carolina Residency Manual; must enroll in at least 6 credit hours; must be admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in matriculated status in a degree, certificate or diploma program at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina or at a North Carolina Community College. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students with a bachelor’s degree are ineligible. NC Community College Grants/Scholarships are not available for summer sessions.
North Carolina Community College Less Than Half Time Grant
The State Board of Community Colleges allocates funds yearly to each college to provide need-based assistance to students enrolled less than half time in diploma or associate degree programs. You must be enrolled less than half time and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by your FAFSA between 801 through 4000 to be eligible for these funds.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
This forgivable-loan was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011, and provides financial assistance to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina in fields designated as critical employment shortage areas. Students must be a legal North Carolina resident and NC resident for tuition purposes, present a minimum GPA of 2.80 (at the time of application), register with selective service; if required, must not be in default (or does not owe a refund) under any federal or state loan or grant program, must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (according to the enrolling policy of the institution), and be willing to work in NC in a designated critical employment area. To apply, visit www.cfnc.org/FELS.