Incoming and Prospective Scholars

• Both dependent and independent North Carolinian (resident) students are considered for eligibility
• Dependent out-of-state students (non-resident) are considered for eligibility
• Independent out-of-state students (non-resident) are not eligible for consideration

• For independent in-state students, the student’s total income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines (based on family size; see below).
• For dependent students, parents’ total income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines (based on family size). For the 2024-25 academic year, parents’ total income in 2022 did not exceed the amounts below.
• Amounts listed were established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Poverty Guidelines

• Financial need, based on information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Board’s CSS Profile application.
• Limited assets and/or other resources with which to pay for college costs.
• Eligible for federal student aid.
• Meet the deadline for University aid consideration.

Note: Aid is reevaluated annually, and substantial changes in your financial circumstances or the federal financial aid formula can result in a change in the total amount of aid you receive each year.

If you qualify for the Covenant, you will receive an email notification from the Director of Scholarships and Student Aid and the Director of the Covenant notifying you that you have been named a Carolina Covenant Scholar. This will happen after we receive and review your aid applications and any additional financial aid items requested on your To-Do list in ConnectCarolina to determine eligibility.

If you are named a Covenant Scholar, you remain one for your undergraduate career at UNC-Chapel Hill. However, you must complete the FAFSA on time each year in order to qualify for financial aid, including the Carolina Covenant Scholar financial aid package.  You do not need to do the CSS Profile after the first year, unless you have been away from school for more than one academic year.

Terms of Carolina Covenant Scholar funding: The Carolina Covenant financial aid package meets individual Covenant Scholars’ need to cover the standard cost of attendance toward their first undergraduate major/minor requirements. The financial aid package is limited to a standard number of semesters (fall and spring) based on their entry point at the university and standard semesters of enrollment to graduate. Please see the policy on semesters of Carolina Covenant financial aid here.