Federal Student Aid Programs
Federal Pell Grant Program
This program awards grants directly to students with payment made through DCCC. Federal Pell Grants are the “foundation” of student aid to which aid from all other sources may be added.
Eligibility
A student’s eligibility is determined by using a formula established by Congress which takes into consideration family financial circumstances.
Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be undergraduates enrolled as either part-time or full-time students in an approved program at an approved postsecondary institution who have not already earned a bachelor’s or professional degree
- Be citizens or permanent residents of the United States
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)
Eligibility
A student must be an undergraduate and have exceptional financial need to qualify for a FSEOG award. The amount of financial need is determined by DCCC. Recipients must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Federal Direct Stafford loans are available for eligible student borrowers. A Direct Stafford loan may be Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or both. Federal Direct PLUS loans will be made available to eligible parent borrowers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Federal Direct Loans, you will need to:
- Meet the general eligibility requirements for all Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs;
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours); and
- Not exceed annual or aggregate loan limits.
*First-time Federal Direct loan borrowers will also need to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov, as well as follow the steps on DCCC’s Student Loans page.
North Carolina Community College Aid Programs
To apply for North Carolina Aid, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is also used to qualify for Federal Pell Grants. Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (ELS)
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship program was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina.
Eligibility
Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
- Enroll for at least six credit hours per semester in a curriculum program
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Be admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in a matriculated status in a degree, certificate, or diploma program
- Meet all eligibility requirements for the Federal Pell Grant, except the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) requirement
- Students who have already earned baccalaureate (four-year) college degrees are not eligible.
- NC Education Lottery Scholarships are not available for summer sessions.
North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)
North Carolina Community College Grants are available to North Carolina residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at North Carolina Community Colleges.
Eligibility
Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
- Meet all eligibility requirements of a Federal Pell Grant, except the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) requirement
- Enroll for at least six credit hours per semester as an undergraduate student in a degree, certificate or diploma program
- Students who have already earned baccalaureate (four-year) college degrees are not eligible.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- NC Community College Grants are not available for summer sessions.