Central Piedmont student concentrating hard looking down at notebook in classroom with another student in background.

A grant is a type of financial aid based on financial need (or other eligibility requirements) that you may not have to repay.

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How to apply for grants

  1. Apply to the college and be admitted to an eligible program of study.
  2. Demonstrate your financial need by completing the current FAFSA (might not be required for all grants).
  3. If applicable: complete your financial aid file (check priority dates).

Federal grants

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Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate or professional degree.
Learn about the Pell Grant
Overcash Hall on Central Campus in Spring 2026

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Financial Aid Office awards Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants to students with the greatest financial need.
Learn more about the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

State grants

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Childcare Assistance Grant

The Child Care Assistance Grant can help you with your childcare needs by reimbursing you for a portion of your daycare and babysitting costs.
Learn more about this grant
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Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college.
Explore the Next NC Scholarship

Central Piedmont Community College grants

Student studying in the library.

Emergency Grant

The Emergency Grant is accessible to students who have experienced a sudden, unexpected or unforeseen event that requires immediate attention and threatens your ability to stay enrolled at the college.
Explore the Emergency Grant
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Finish Line Grant

The Finish Line Grant is designed to help current students address financial situations that would interfere with continuing or completing a program of study.
Explore the Finish Line Grant

More information

Contact the Financial Aid Office

Phone: 704-330-2722
Email: financial.aid@cpcc.edu