*This article has been updated to reflect that the Longleaf Commitment Grant program has been extended to 2022 high school graduates.
The Longleaf Commitment Grant program, which can award up to $2,800 to N.C. Community College students to cover the cost of tuition and fees, has been extended to include 2022 high school graduates.
When the Longleaf Commitment Grant was first established in 2021, the NC Community College System received $25 million through the Governor’s Pandemic Relief Office to award to eligible 2021 high school graduates in the form of grants. Then, eligibility for the Longleaf Commitment Grant was expanded to 2020 high school graduates.
Now, the latest group of high school graduates can attend Fayetteville Technical Community College at little to no cost.
Longleaf Commitment Grants provide between $700– $2,800 to recent high school graduates to cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to two years at any N.C. Community College.
Staff at Fayetteville Tech’s Financial Aid Office are available to answer questions regarding the Longleaf Commitment Grant, as well as other financial assistance opportunities. Contact the FTCC Financial Aid Office at 910-678-8242 or finaid@faytechcc.edu.
In order to receive the Longleaf Commitment Grant, full-time students must follow these steps and meet the eligibility requirements.
- Apply for admission to any North Carolina community college
- Complete the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission process
Note – The FAFSA and enrollment information are used to determine eligibility. There is not an application specifically for the Longleaf Commitment Grant.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be a 2022 NC high school graduate.**
- Be a North Carolina resident according to the NC Residency Determination Service.**
- Be a first-time college student (Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early/Middle College High School students are eligible.
- Enroll in a curriculum program during the Fall 2022 semester.
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2022-23 and subsequent years.
- Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from $0 – $15,000. (“EFC” is based upon student’s FAFSA determination)
- Renew FAFSA for the 2023-24 academic year and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the college
**Some North Carolina residents who graduated from a non-North Carolina highs school may be eligible.
The NC Longleaf Commitment grant program is a partnership between the NC Governor’s Office, NC Community College System, and the State Education Assistance Authority. The Longleaf Commitment Grant Program ends at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester.