Types of Financial Aid

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers many types of financial assistance. Depending on the type of aid, eligibility is based on one or more of the following criteria:  financial need of the individual, educational costs, academic achievement and availability of funds. Inquiries regarding financial aid should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Grants

Pell Grant

A federal grant that is awarded to eligible students who do not have a B.S. /B.A. degree or equivalent. Amounts can range from $750 to $7395 per academic year. The amount received depends on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), cost of attendance and enrollment status. Pell Grant is limited to 12 full-time semesters or equivalent. This grant may be awarded fall, spring and summer semesters depending on enrollment status during the academic year.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

A federal grant that is awarded when a student demonstrates exceptional need and does not have a B.S./B.A. degree or equivalent. Funding is limited.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

Work-Study is a federal work program that provides jobs to help pay for educational expenses. Students will be paid $15 per hour and can work up to 25 hours per week. Please complete the application for work-study if you are interested. Make sure that you apply for a specific position, as those with no position listed will not be reviewed. Students are not permitted to work during holidays (i.e. Spring break, Fall break). All contracts will go through the last day of the Spring semester. You will be required to submit a time sheet through WebAdvisor by the last working day of each month and cannot show more than 25 hours worked per week.

Federal Work-Study eligibility criteria:

• Complete the FAFSA and submit any follow-up documents required to determine financial need. (Must demonstrate financial need determined by the Department of Education/FAFSA application)
• Enrolled in at least six credit hours in an eligible program
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Guidelines for Federal Student Aid (minimum 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate)
• Be in good standing with any educational loans, grants, or scholarships per the National Student Loan Database.

To apply for Federal Work-Study program or view the current available positions, please visit Work-Study positions .

State Grants

NC Reach

A state funded scholarship offered for up to four years, including fall, spring and summer school terms. The program funds up to the school’s full cost of attendance after other public funds and scholarships have been applied. NC Reach provides comprehensive student support, including Virtual Mentors, Care Packages and internships.

North Carolina Scholarship

The NC Scholarship works with federal aid to provide a guaranteed amount of financial assistance with additional state funding provided to students with exceptional need.  Students enrolling at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less and an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $2,800 from combined federal and state aid. The student must be enrolled in an eligible program as an undergraduate for at least six credit hours per semester at a North Carolina Community College. The NC Scholarship does not fund during the summer term.

North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant

Are you a 2020, 2021 or 2022 high school or High School Equivalency graduate? You may be eligible for FREE money to attend Rowan-Cabarrus. High school students may be eligible to receive this grant – not a loan – for tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit. Full-time eligible students  are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per year, for a total of two years. Less than full-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant Program ends at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester.

Child Care Grant

Child care grants are available for eligible students with dependent children. The grants pay up to $125 per week per child for eligible child care cost. To meet qualifications, a student must:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Complete a 2023-2024 childcare application
• Choose either a degree or diploma program
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Choose a licensed / registered child care facility

Forgivable Education Loans for Service

FELS was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2011. The program provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in an approved education program and committed to working in critical employment shortage professions in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority provides administration for the program.

Information about the program and eligibility requirements can be found here College Foundation of North Carolina (cfnc.org).    Application Deadline:  March 1, 2024.

Additional Options

• Scholarship options
• The College Foundation of North Carolina options
• SECU Foundation Scholarship
• NC Next Scholarship  (2024-2025 award year)
• Private Loan Options* RCCC does not participate in the Federal Stafford Loan program or offer parent plus loans