Scholarships and College Information

Financial Aid

Searching for scholarships can be overwhelming! Listed here on this page are some basic tools to help you in your search for financial aid. There are many more scholarships than the ones listed here so please be sure to use other tools available such as college financial aid offices, internet searches, and other community resources and programs in your search for college financial aid. Be sure to stay in contact with Mrs. Jenkins, our counselor, for the most up to date information on scholarships and check our "Upcoming Scholarships" Google Doc for up to date information.

NHCS Scholarship 
BigFuture via College Board
Cappex
College Foundation of North Carolina
FastWeb
Guaranteed Scholarships
North Carolina Community Foundation
Sallie Mae

In addition to searching for scholarships on your own, be sure to fill out the FAFSA for federal student aid including scholarships, grants, and loans. The FAFSA opens up every year on October 1st and it is in your best interest to complete it as close to that date as possible. 

Types of Financial Aid: 
Scholarship: These funds are given to, or earned by, students, and are to be used for college tuition. There are numerous public and private sources for scholarships. Some are given based on need, some on merit (grades) or skill. Others have very specific stipulations on who can receive the scholarship.
Grant: A grant is money given to students for their education. Often based on need, grants may come from federal or state programs, or sometimes from private charitable organizations. Like a scholarship, it does not have to be repaid.
Loan: Loans are obtained through banks, lending institutions or colleges. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a college degree program at least part-time. The loans may be subsidized (need-based, typically for low-income students), or unsubsidized (not need-based so any student can apply). Loans must be paid back with interest.

Additional Tips, Tricks, and Information on Scholarships

College Information

things to consider when choosing colleges

• Majors and Programs of Study
  • Does your dream school have your major?
  • If you are undecided, is there a broad range for you to choose from?
• Size and Setting of School
  • Small or large class sizes?
  • Urban or more rural location?
  • Close to or far from home?
• Housing Options
• Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid
• Admissions Requirements
  • Is this a reach, match, or safety school?

college visit tips

• Request an appointment with someone in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
• Visit when classes are in session and students are on campus
• Get the whole experience by viewing academic buildings, the dining hall, the Student Union, the library, etc.
• Document your visit so you can look back on the information when making final decisions

questions to ask on college visits

• What are the school’s admission requirements?
• What percent of students graduate in four years, or are employed within a year of graduation?
• Are there early application options?  
• What are the advantages to applying early?
• What are the extracurricular activities, clubs, service opportunities offered on campus?
• Are cars allowed on campus?
• What are campus safety policies?

Admissions Representatives from various colleges are at Cape Fear frequently. Keep an eye on the CFCC TV screens or look at the Advising Center's calendar for upcoming dates.