Introducing the NEXT NC Scholarship; Know what you're getting. Know where you're going. Female student, seated, is using tools to work on a model vehicle.

The Next NC Scholarship helps North Carolina families earning $80,000 or less by covering up to full tuition and fees at community colleges. Eligible Blue Ridge students can receive up to $3,000 per year, which can also fund books, food, and housing – money you never have to repay.

Applying for Next NC is simple: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and enroll for the upcoming year. That’s it.

Complete the FAFSA
Apply to Blue Ridge

How It Works

Current and incoming Blue Ridge Community College students must simply complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enroll for the upcoming academic year to automatically be considered for the scholarship. This scholarship is for curriculum students enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out.

The scholarship 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. This allows a greater number of North Carolinians to pursue a degree.

Get started on your FAFSA and apply today!

Have questions? Contact us at finaid@blueridge.edu to get assistance or set up an appointment with a financial aid advisor.

Next NC Scholarship Eligibility

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, students must be:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
  • A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)
  • From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  • Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year, including all associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates requiring 16+ hours to complete.
  • Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
  • A student who has completed the FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office at the college/university you plan to attend will determine and confirm eligibility.)

Detailed eligibility requirements are available at www.nextncscholarship.org.  

Contact Us

Financial Aid Office

Henderson County Campus
180 West Campus Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28731
finaid@blueridge.edu
(828) 694-1816
School Code: 009684

View Financial Aid Office Hours