Grants and Scholarships

Grants and Scholarships

Types of grants

Grants come from federal, state, University and private funding. Grants are applied directly to college costs, are based on need and do not require repayment. Eligibility for grants is determined each year when you apply for financial aid.

Eligibility for this award is determined by your FAFSA and enrollment status. These grants are provided for qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Read more about Pell Grants here.

Undergraduate students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have significant financial need are candidates for this grant, awarded each year based on available funding. Read more about SEOG here.

Eligibility for North Carolina State grants is determined by your FAFSA. You must obtain and maintain North Carolina residency, as determined by the State of North Carolina. For more information visit the Registrar’s website.

Eligibility for this grant is available to all first time degree-seeking undergraduate students. It is the largest University grant program and is used to meet financial need as determined by both the FAFSA and CSS Profile applications.

Named grants and need-based scholarships

The University, through private donations, awards a wide variety of need-based grants and scholarships. Incoming students are automatically considered for these awards. Award stipulation may include establishing contact with the donor.

Some students may receive grants named after Bridge Buildersat Carolina who are trailblazing figures in University history.

Some students may receive grants named after Noteworthy Firsts at Carolina who are trailblazing figures in University history.

We have so many need-based grants and scholarships that are named after our generous donors that it is hard to share all of them here! If you don’t see your scholarship listed on this page, and it is not an academic scholarship then it is a grant/scholarship based on your financial need exhibited on the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Continuing Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

As a public institution scholarship funding not based on financial need is limited. Please see below regarding scholarships for currently enrolled undergraduate students.

Those not receiving academic scholarships in their first year might research possible outside sources of funding. The Office of Distinguished Scholarships has a search engine that allows you to search for opportunities for not only scholarships, but also internships, research, and more! You can search for an opportunity that may be a good fit for you on their website.

As a continuing undergraduate student, you may be eligible for fellowships and scholarships through Carolina Center for Public Service. The opportunities may be a good fit for you if you have an interest in increasing your knowledge and skills through public service. You can read more about the various programs available here.

Our office administers athletic scholarships awarded by the Athletic Department. For more information about athletic scholarships, please call the Administrative Office of the Athletics Department at 919-962-6000 or write to the head coach of the sport of your interest.

Athletics Department
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
P.O. Box 2126
Chapel Hill, N.C.  27515-2126

On March 23, 2018 the President authorized the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act for students eligible for Pell grant whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty as a public safety officer. For more specific eligibility criteria and information you can read the announcement here.  If you feel you may be eligible please email us for next steps.

A financial award available to juniors and seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences who wish to travel abroad. To be eligible, applicants must have attended a high school in North Carolina before coming to UNC-Chapel Hill. Click this link to learn more about The Phillips Travel Scholarship.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships are available at UNC through the United States Army ROTC and the United States Air Force ROTC. These scholarships may cover the cost of tuition and provide additional stipends for books and living expenses. High school and college students interested in these programs should reach out to those programs directly.

Current members of the US Army Reserves or Army National Guard can also contact the Army ROTC program at Carolina for more information about funding available.