Federal Pell Grants: Students attending Blue Ridge Community College may be eligible for Federal Pell Grant assistance, paying up to one half a student's educational expenses. Eligibility is based on financial need, as determined by a formula developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate to be eligible. Students are ineligible if they have a bachelor's degree. Students with exceptional financial need may be eligible for further aid through the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program.

Academic Competitiveness Grants: These federal grants are awarded to recent high school graduates who completed a rigorous high school program. Students must be Pell-eligible and enrolled at least  half-time (6 credits).

Federal Work Study Program: Blue Ridge Community College participates in the Federal Work Study Program, which provides on-campus work and community service opportunities for students needing financial assistance to attend school. Work is available for qualified students to assist in the library, faculty and administrative offices, bookstore, and shops. Students working under this program are paid each month for the work performed. There is limited funding for the program.

Federal Loans: Student loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. BRCC participates in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFELP) Program. Stafford Subsidized Loans to Students (need-based) and PLUS loans to parents are available. The amount of subsidized loans varies depending on the student's year in college and financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in an eligible program and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students need to complete a FAFSA application to determine eligibility. Students may obtain a loan through any approved lender.

Local Scholarships: Some local scholarship funds provided by interested citizens and civic organizations are available. Requirements for local scholarships vary. Information is available from the Financial Aid Office.

BRCC Educational Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships are provided each year for Blue Ridge Community College students through the fund-raising efforts of BRCC Educational Foundation, Inc. Annual awards are made by the College's Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee. Payments are distributed each semester. Students must maintain a yearly 2.00 grade point average in order to be eligible for renewed scholarship assistance from the Foundation. The 2010-2011 Scholarship Applications are now available.  Deadline is March 1.

Emergency Grants and Loans: Emergency grants and loans are available to enable a student to begin or continue a program of study by alleviating a short-term lack of funds or providing temporary assistance until a permanent financial aid program can be established. Preference for emergency grants and loans is given to currently enrolled students who have attended BRCC for at least one semester and are in good standing.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grants/North Carolina Community College Grants/ North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships: The North Carolina Student Incentive Grant program (NCSIG), North Carolina Community College System Grant (NCCCG), and the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarships (NCELS) are administered by College Foundation of North Carolina to provide assistance to North Carolina residents demonstrating financial need. Students receiving the NCCCS or NCLES must be enrolled at least half-time  (6 credits). Application is made through the FAFSA form. Deadline for application for the NCSIG is March 15 prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Childcare Funds:  The State of North Carolina provides limited funds to assist curriculum students with childcare.  A student must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) code on the FAFSA or provide the Financial Aid Office with a signed copy of the most recent Federal tax return.  Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office on July 1 of each year.