Academics
Qualifying Students Could Attend Wake Tech for Free
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 18, 2024) – New and returning degree students at Wake Tech could have most or all of the cost of tuition and fees covered next year, thanks to the new Next NC Scholarship.
The Next NC Scholarship is available to help students from North Carolina households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education at one of the state's 58 community colleges or 16 public universities.
Qualifying students at community colleges are guaranteed at least $3,000, which pays for most, if not all, of the cost of tuition. The scholarship award can also be used to pay for fees and books. The money does not have to be repaid.
Next NC combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that's easier to understand and makes education more affordable for most North Carolinians.
Applying is simple – just submit the 2024-25 Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form by June 1, the priority filing date. Wake Tech's code is 004844. No other forms or paperwork is required. Once the FAFSA is submitted, Wake Tech Financial Aid staff will determine and confirm eligibility.
"The Next NC scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students and families in Wake County," said Brian Gann, Wake Tech's vice president of Enrollment and Student Services. "It directly supports our Reach and Rally goals of ensuring everyone has access to quality higher education. For families with household incomes under $80,000, a combination of Pell grants and Next NC scholarships ensures students can reach college at little to no cost.'
To receive the Next NC Scholarship, you must be:
- A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
- A high school graduate or high school equivalency completer
- From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income of $80,000 or less
- Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program for the 2024-25 academic year
- Taking at least six credit hours per semester. Part-time students will receive a partial award.
- Meeting Wake Tech's Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
- A student who has completed the 2024-25 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index at or below 7,500
Wake Tech is offering FAFSA Fridays on the fourth Friday of each month through July at four campuses, as well as FAFSA Day on April 27 at three locations, to help students complete their FAFSA and answer general financial aid questions. The 2024-25 FAFSA includes numerous changes and enhancements to streamline the application process, reduce questions and barriers and expand eligibility. Learn more at financialaid.waketech.edu.
