Future Proof your college education. Tuition Free; one male, one female smiling students with books and backpacks
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Future proof your career with a Brighter Futures scholarship, now available through Fall ’23.

Blue Ridge Community College is committed to opening doors to workforce opportunities and breaking down barriers to a high quality education. That’s why we’ve officially extended the popular Brighter Futures ‘free college’ scholarship program covering tuition, fees, and book expenses through the summer and fall semesters of 2023!

At Blue Ridge, you’ll find a clear and affordable path to your career goals, now free of financial burden. We’ll help you prepare for a high-demand career, keep your skills current, or save tens of thousands of dollars through our transfer pathways to four-year institutions. It’s time to make the decision to invest in your future.

Who is eligible?

All full-time and part-time students may receive a Brighter Futures scholarship if they:

Also:

  • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and undocumented students are eligible, but should work closely with the Financial Aid office.
  • Assistance may be available for students taking eligible continuing education workforce training courses.

What does it cover?

When we say “free,” we mean it. Our Brighter Futures scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books.

Where do I buy books?
If students wish to have their book expenses covered using the Brighter Futures scholarship, they will need to utilize the College Bookstore on the College’s Henderson County Campus or Transylvania County Campus. Students who choose to purchase books from a vendor other than the Blue Ridge Community College bookstore will not be reimbursed the cost of books from the Brighter Future scholarship.

I have additional needs.
Students with financial need (determined by completion of the FAFSA) may be eligible for additional aid to help pay for expenses such as child care, supplies and transportation.

Where Do I Begin?

New Students:

  • Complete steps for our online Application for Admission.
  • Register for Summer Semester classes no later than May 9, and Fall Semester classes no later than August 10.

Returning Students:

  • Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@blueridge.edu to have your scholarship updated if you plan to take Summer or Fall 2023 classes.
  • Register for Summer Semester classes no later than May 9, and Fall Semester classes no later than August 10.

Continuing Education student?

Questions?

If you have any questions, contact us and ask about the Brighter Future scholarship:

Email: admissions@blueridge.edu
Phone: (828) 694-1800
Text: (828) 600-4876

Visit us at one of our campuses:

Henderson County Campus One Stop
130 Eagles Reach Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 694-1700
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Transylvania County Campus Straus Building
45 Oak Park Dr.
Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 883-2520
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Scholarship funds allocated to the Brighter Futures scholarship program will be awarded only after applicants meet all requirements to apply and register at Blue Ridge and complete a 2023-2024 FAFSA. This program is funded by donations made through the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, as well as state/federal grants and scholarships. Some applicants will also qualify for the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant (2020-2022 high school graduates), Foundation scholarships, and more. The Brighter Future Scholarship is a last-dollar program and the Financial Aid staff will evaluate eligibility for federal, state, and local grants prior to awarding a Brighter Future Scholarship. Brighter Future Scholarships are contingent on available funding.