New statewide scholarship could mean free college for qualifying local students

By STAFF REPORTS Feb 2, 2024

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) along with The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) has announced the new Next NC Scholarship, which could potentially cover the full cost of tuition and fees for qualifying students planning to enroll at CCC&TI or any of the state’s other public 2-year and 4-year institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to a press release from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

The scholarship, which was approved in late 2023, is available to students who plan to enroll at any North Carolina public institution (either two-year or four-year) and provides $3,000 to $5,000 per academic year to help students cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and living or other expenses. The scholarship is awarded to those who qualify after completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) with eligible community college students receiving at least $3,000 per year.

“For qualifying local students, this new scholarship initiative will make it more affordable than ever to pursue post-secondary education and training. In fact, for many students, it will cover 100% of tuition and fees, essentially making college free for those who qualify,” said CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch. “That’s a great incentive and could be a true gamechanger for students and families across the state. To read the full story click here.