NC's Free CC Tuition Program
This is super important news for NC residents- you should share this with anyone who graduated high school this past May. Even though it cannot be promised for next year, I’m thinking it could be extended.
READ THIS CAREFULLY- There are conditions and it doesn’t cover all the costs of attending community college. BUT- it could save you tens of thousands of dollars! Full disclosure- I edited two errors in the caption to be more accurate.
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Tuition-free community college extended to 2021 N.C. high school graduates
By Courtney Wallen Guilford County
PUBLISHED 5:00 AM ET Dec. 28, 2021
JAMESTOWN, N.C. — The initiative that granted recent high school graduates with two years of tuition-free community college is now extended to 2021 high school graduates.
What You Need To Know
The Longleaf Commitment Grant covers two years of tuition and fees at any of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges
North Carolina high school graduates of 2020 and 2021 are eligible.
Enrollment numbers for the 2020-21 academic year have dropped by 18%
The Longleaf Commitment Grant launched in May 2021 as Gov. Roy Cooper allotted $86.4 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund through federal COVID-19 funding. This funding will combat the immediate impacts of the pandemic on incoming college students.
The grant covers two years of tuition and fees at any of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Longleaf Commitment Grant, according to NC Community Colleges:
Graduate from a North Carolina high school in 2021 or 2020
Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
Be a first-time college student [Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early/Middle College High School students are eligible]
Enroll in a curriculum program during the Spring 2022 academic year
Enroll in at least six credit hours per semester
Complete the FAFSA for 2021-2022
Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from $0 - $15,000 ("EFC" is based upon a student's FAFSA determination) ( highlight added )
Renew the FAFSA for the 2022-2023 academic years and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements of the college
Students do not have to apply separately for the grant. They will be automatically considered once they complete the FAFSA form and complete the North Carolina residency determination.
The community college’s financial aid office should reach out with an official award letter.
The Longleaf Commitment Grant helped Daniela Campbell continue her studies. Campbell was on a dual enrollment track in high school, where she earned credits at Guilford Technical Community College. When a family friend told her about an opportunity for tuition-free education, Campbell enrolled for the fall semester.
“I don’t know many friends who are able to go to a four-year, or even get their associates for free, and to be able to have that opportunity to not only learn more about myself, but also just learn in general, it’s something I think everyone should take advantage of if they can,” Campbell says.
Enrollment numbers at North Carolina’s community colleges have dropped in recent years. The 2020-21 academic year has seen an 18% drop in enrollment compared to the 2019-20 academic year. The North Carolina Community Colleges System hopes extending the opportunity for free education will help boost enrollment numbers statewide.
For more information on the Longleaf Commitment Grant, click here.
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Important Points:
NC Community colleges have a well-regarded transfer portal process for their 4-year University-bound students. If you do the work and get the grades, you will likely be admitted to one of the state Universities to complete your 4-year degree.
There are still expenses to pay for- ebooks, transportation to and from, and regular living expenses. HOWEVER- never a better time to be employed part-time. Go to class, go to work, study, sleep and repeat. With the option of living at home and working part-time, most students can come out debt-free after 2 years of this program.
If you have to borrow to go to state University to the tune of $50-60k, why not go to community college tuition-free? If you have to borrow that for your LAST two years, you just saved yourself hundreds of dollars in repayment costs per month for a couple of decades.
This is a no-brainer for any family in need. Even buying and maintaining transportation is cheaper than paying any level of tuition for 2 years.
Share, share, share this with friends and family. It is truly one of the nicest gifts you could ever give!
Next week- Belated New Years’ Resolutions for college-bound students.
Until Next Time,
All My Best,
Bonnie Burkett
