Scholarships
What types of Financial Aid are available?
The U.S. Department of Education awards about $150 billion a year in grants,
work-study funds, and low-interest loans to more than 14 million students.
Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room
and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay
for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of
schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs;
ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!
Types of federal aid available:
*Grants—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid
*Loans— borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
*Work-Study—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
*Scholarships - Money you can receive from private and public sources. Most scholarships have specific requirements for students to apply. Check with your counselor (and below) for information on scholarship opportunities.
Additional resources:
Use FAFSA4caster to get an estimate of how much
aid you FAFSA 4Caster might receive from the U.S. Department of Education.
Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSASM). And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”--you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA!
Scholarships
Below is a listing of most of the scholarship announcements that come into the student services office throughout the year. Please note some of the current year applications may not yet be available.
Review the scholarship sites listed below and apply for those for which you are qualified. Please let Mrs. Rains know if any of the links do not work.
Scholarship announcements will be added as new ones become available, so check back often! Follow the link to Wakelet for more scholarships and applications!
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Coke Scholars Application
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 9/30/2025
- Currently enrolled high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2025-2026 academic school year (students graduating from an American or expat school abroad who meet the other eligibility requirements are not eligible for this award; individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible)
- U.S. Citizens (not Temporary Residents), U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, OR Humanitarian Parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university
Celebrating 37 Years of Visionary Leaders
Voice of Democracy
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 10/31/2025
Follow the Wakelet for more information and the application.
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Park Scholarship
Amount: Full ride
Deadline: 11/1/2025
The Park Scholarships program brings together students with outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.
THE PARK SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM
is a four-year scholarship valued at $122,000 and covers:
Tuition, fees, and room and board
Books and personal expenses
$2,000 computer stipend
Enrichment grants to fund study abroad, research projects, service activities, conferences and more
Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program
THE PARK EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Professional training in leadership, public speaking and business etiquette
Educational trips, retreats and seminars
Faculty mentors and a network of more than 1,100 accomplished Park Scholarships alumni worldwide
Applications for the Park Scholarships program and admission to NC State, are both due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, November 1 for consideration for the Park Scholarship.
Sponsors for Academic Talent, Inc.
Amount: $1,500/$750
Deadline: 9/30/2025 HOURS DUE 1/31/2026
Academic Requirements:
1. Maintain a 3.5 GPA on the weighted scale
2. Score 1100 or higher (combination of verbal and mathematics) on the SAT OR
Score 23 or higher on ACT Composite Score (listed on score report).
- New Requirement: Scholars with a weighted GPA between 3.5 and 3.99 will continue to submit test scores.
- Waiver: Scholars with a weighted GPA of 4.0 or higher are not required to submit test scores.
3. Attain a College Preparatory Diploma as specified by NC DPI to include:
a. 4 English credits
b. 4 Mathematics credits
c. 3 Science credits
d. 3 Social Studies credits (4 for 9th graders entering 2012-2013 and later)
e. 2 Foreign Language credits
Community Service Requirement:
Complete community service hour requirement for ONE of the two scholarships amounts listed below.
You can only receive one of the scholarships offered:
To obtain a $750.00 Scholarship, you must also:
1. Perform a minimum of 75 hours of community service*
2. Complete 20 hours in the senior year (first day of summer break)
3. Perform a maximum of 35 church and school hours
4. Perform a minimum of 40 hours at Approved Agencies
OR
To obtain a $1,500.00 Scholarship, you must also:
1. Complete 20 hours in the senior year (first day of summer break)
2. Perform a minimum of 100 hours Max of 35 church and school hours*
Swansboro Rotary Foundation Scholarship Application
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: 3/14/26
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from either Croatan or Swansboro High School who enroll full-time in a community college, four-year college or university. (Children and grandchildren of Swansboro Rotary members are ineligible.) Criteria: 40% Financial Need 30% Academic Achievement (Grade Point Average and Class Rank) 30% Other Considerations (Extracurricular activities, unusual circumstances, goals and aspirations.
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
The Society of American Military Engineers
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: 3/17/2026
The Coastal Carolina Post, Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) intends to award up to three, four-year college scholarships valued at $4,000 each. These scholarships will be awarded to the most deserving applicants based on academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and affiliation with SAME. Awards will be made in four increasing annual increments. Awards in years two through four will be contingent on the recipient maintaining acceptable performance in their academics (GPA of 3.0 or higher) and extracurricular activities (evidence of continued and additional participation).
The applicant must submit a completed application by March 17, 2026. To be eligible for a scholarship the applicant must meet the following requirements:
(1) Be a high school senior, at a school in the vicinity of eastern North Carolina military installations, planning to enroll in an engineering, architectural, or a similar technical field curriculum at an accredited college or university. College enrollment must be planned for the 2026/2027 school year.
(2) Have a minimum of a B average (3.0 on 4.0 scale).
(3) Meet at least one of the following:
a. Be a dependent of a Coastal Carolina Post SAME member or sustaining member.
b. Be sponsored by a Coastal Carolina Post SAME member or sustaining member. Note: If you do not have a SAME Member to sponsor your application, one will be appointed for you.
(4) Provide a completed application form to include: a copy of high school transcript; a copy of SAT/ACT results; and an approximate 500-word essay.
(5) Arrange for scholarship application reference forms to be completed by high school advisors, academic instructors, or immediate work supervisors (maximum of 3) for delivery to and received by Mr. Gil Burnet no later than March 17, 2026.
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Swansboro High School Alumni Association, Inc.
Amount: $2,520
Deadline: 4/11/2026
The scholarship is awarded to a graduating Swansboro High School Senior who needs financial assistance to pursue their career goals. The recipient is selected on the basis of character, personality, scholastic achievement and financial need.
More information and application are available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Alphabetical list of scholarships:
Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award
American Association on Health & Disability Scholarship
American Indian College Fund
Provides Native students with scholarships and financial support for the nation's 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
American Legion
Get money for college...the kind you don't have to pay back!
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
The nation's largest con-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship Program
This scholarship is worth a $1,000 to a high school senior that is interested in pursuing a career in animation. Please visit the website for more details.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Provides outstanding low income African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline that they choose.
General Emmett Paige Scholarship
Golden Leaf Scholarship Program
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Largest provider of college financial aid for Latio students
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Montford Point Marine Association Chapter 10 and Ladies Auxiliary
NC Farm Bureau
Each year, North Carolina Farm Bureau makes an investment in agriculture's future leadership through the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Program. The program now offers:
•a total of 24 scholarships valued at $3,000 per year for four years of study
at college or university in an agriculturally related curriculum. Six new
scholarships are awarded each spring.
•a total of four scholarships valued at $1,000 per year for 2 years of study
at a community college to receive an associate degree in an agriculturally
related field or to prepare for transfer to college or university. Two new
scholarships are awarded each spring.
NC Federation of Republic Women
NC High School Athletics Association
NC State Education Assistance Authority Scholarships & Grant Programs
NC State USBC Association, Inc Youth Scholarship
New River SNCO Wives Scholarship
The New River Staff NCO Wives' Club is a private organization developed as a welfare and social forum for the spouses of military officers. Members of this club volunteer countless hours supporting fundraising events and services that benefit the MCAS New River Community. The intent of these scholarships has always been, and will continue to be, to support our local military families and their pursuit of futhering their educational needs.
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation
Young entrepreneurs who are graduating high school seniors are eligible to receive a NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award from NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Qualified candidates must be operating a small business. Please visit the website for more information and apply online!
Questbridge National College Match
Ronald McDonald House Charities US Scholarship Program
State Employees Association of North Carolina Scholarship
State Employees Credit Union Scholarships
$10,000 Four-Year College Scholarship-All Seniors must meet the following requirements:1.Must be attending a NC traditional public high school.
2.Must be a US citizen and a resident of NC.
3.Must be accepted by one of the 16 UNC system universities.
4.Must have a GPA of 2.5.
5.Must have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
$5,000 community College Scholarship- Must meet the following requirements:
1. Must be a US citizen and a resident of NC.
2. Must be attending one of the 58 NC Community Colleges.
3. Must be an applicant or full-time student who is a HS graduate or completed the GED program, enrolled
in an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program.
4. Must have a GPA of 2.5.
5. Must have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
Please visit the State Employees Credit Union Website for more information.
TEACH Early Childhood Associate Degree
Teacher Assistant Scholarship Funds
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
Washington Crossing Foundation
Scholarships for Students interested in Teaching
Maynard Scholarship Program
The Maynard Scholarship is a four year $20,000 scholarship
awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year. This scholarship is
modeled after the NC Teaching Fellow Scholarship and as so, recipients will be
expected to teach in public, charter, or government school for four years in
one of the stated counties following graduation. Individuals have up to seven
years to complete this requirement.
Meredith College Teaching Fellows
TEACH Grant Program
The TEACH Grant Program provides
grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete
course work needed to begin a career in teaching.
As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant,
you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach
- in a high-need field
- at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
- for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in)
the course of study for which you received the grant in a high-need field - at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational
service agency that serves students from low-income families - for at least four complete academic years within eight years after
completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received
the grant.