High School Graduates Can Have Tuition Covered at PCC Through N.C. Longleaf Commitment Grant

A one-time opportunity is coming to Piedmont Community College for the Fall 2021 semester. Many students have the opportunity to complete their degree, diploma, or certificate of choice without accumulating any debt, where tuition and fees could be completely covered for up to two years.

Through the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, class of 2021 North Carolina high school graduates, adult high school graduates, and those who completed their GED may be eligible to receive this grant — not a loan; this money does not need to be repaid — for tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit. Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per year, for a total of two years. Less than full-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant Program ends at the conclusion of the 2023 spring semester.

“This is a golden opportunity for high school graduates,” Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College, said. “After one of the toughest years in generations, this is an opportunity for students, families, and our community to take advantage of; to earn a degree from PCC without any worry of accumulating student debt. This is your chance, the time for college is now.”

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate from a North Carolina high school in 2021;
• Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes;
• Be a first-time college student (Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early College High School students are also eligible);
• Enroll in a curriculum program during Fall 2021;
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester;
• Complete the FAFSA for 2021-22 and submit any documents required for verification to the financial aid office;
• Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from $0 – $15,000. (“EFC” is based upon student’s FAFSA determination. Most students with an estimated family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of up to $90,000 will be eligible);
• Renew FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic year and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements at Piedmont Community College.

HOW TO GET STARTED

• Applicants need to  apply for admission at Piedmont Community College  and  complete residency determination through the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) .
• Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• There is not a separate Longleaf Commitment Grant application. Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed and local college verification is completed.  Eligible students will receive an award letter from their community college’s financial aid office.  This is a newly created grant, please allow time for award letters to be sent in July 2021.

To learn more about the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant at Piedmont Community College, contact the Financial Aid Office at (336) 599-1181 ext. 4004 or email Rachel.Johnson@piedmontcc.edu.

Students who are not eligible for the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant may be eligible for other scholarship opportunities at PCC. Learn more about PCC’s resources to help pay for college at  https://www.piedmontcc.edu/becoming-a-student/paying-for-college, scholarship opportunities at https://www.piedmontcc.edu/scholarships, or contact Rachel Johnson with PCC’s Financial Aid Office at (336) 599-1181 ext. 4004 or Rachel.Johnson@piedmontcc.edu.