• Gift Aid (does not have to be repaid)
• Funded by the Federal Government
• First year students awarded $750 per year; second year students awarded $1,300 per year.
• Awards are awarded for the Fall and Spring; students enrolled for only one semester will have summer eligibility as long as they are enrolled full-time.

• Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be a US citizen
• Be a Pell Grant recipient
• Must meet all other Title IV eligibility requirements (i.e. SAP, etc.)
• Be enrolled in a 2-year degree seeking program, fully transferrable to a 4-year program 
• Full-time Enrollment
• Did not receive the grant at the same level in a prior academic year
• First time as a regular student in an undergraduate program 
• Have completed a rigorous secondary school (high school) curriculum determined by North Carolina State (GED and Adult High School students are not eligible). Rigorous programs of study can be searched by state at :

http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-programs.html

• Apply to the college and be admitted to an eligible program of study.
• Complete the current FAFSA form.
• If you are applying for the Fall 2008, Spring 2009 or Summer 2009, complete the 2008/2009 FAFSA form.
• Awarded in the Fall and Spring semesters only.
• Complete your Financial Aid file. (Check priority dates.)