Funding Priority

Scholarships at Carolina

Support the University's bold commitment to raise $1 billion to create opportunity through scholarships and fellowships for students who have earned their place at Carolina, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Signature Initiatives

A PIVOTAL MOMENT

The growing need for scholarship support

As the nation’s first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill has embodied the promise of American higher education for more than two centuries. That promise rests on a single premise: Every student who has done the hard work to gain admission to Carolina, gets admission to Carolina — regardless of their financial circumstances. UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the few public flagships to both practice need-blind admissions and proudly meet 100% of the documented financial need of undergraduates who apply on time.

With more elite students than ever demonstrating more need than ever, and with fewer public resources to support them, private philanthropy is ever more critical to meeting our commitment to students of all backgrounds.

Scholarships Benefit The Entire Campus

Scholarships enable us to recruit the strongest students from all backgrounds to Carolina. These talented, hard-working students bring a range of life experiences that enrich the education of everyone around them.

We work hard to keep Carolina affordable while providing excellence at all levels. That record of commitment has enabled us to attract the best students from across North Carolina, the nation and around the globe. To remain true to our commitment, we must offer privately funded scholarships. In every case, we intend to give our students the edge they need.

Specifically, we aim to raise undergraduate support for the Carolina Covenant, middle income scholarships through the Blue Sky Scholars program, merit scholarships and student-athlete scholarships; and fellowships and grants for graduate and professional students.

1 in 10 undergraduates are Carolina Covenant Scholars.

Aid Brings Talent

Top universities invest in student aid. Not just because it’s a measure of fairness and opportunity, but because it guarantees the strongest possible class of students — the best and brightest who apply, not just the best who can pay.

That, in turn, drives every other measure of institutional excellence. Faculty are drawn by the chance to work with great students. Graduate students are drawn by the chance to teach and research alongside talented undergraduates.

Support Drives Graduation Rates

Targeted aid and scholarships also help improve student success. Programs such as the Carolina Covenant help ensure that low-income students have the resources to focus on their academics and extracurriculars — and achieve on-time graduation.

Graduate and professional students account for 36% of total enrollment at Carolina

Carolina Stories

Title

Sonny Griffith seated at a table in a library in front of a laptop
Student Support

Following the Narrative

A Carolina Covenant Scholar pursues career-enhancing experiences through the Career Accelerator Program.

Ana Zurita Posas, Scott Hamilton, and Kevin Guskiewicz stand laughing at the Golden LEAF Luncheon
Student Support

Supporting North Carolina’s Rural Communities

Golden LEAF Scholarship increases opportunities for rural North Carolinians

Bill Starling stands in front of the Kenan-Flagler Business School
Business

Honoring a Mentor

Bill Starling ‘75 honors his mentor and friend Cal Atwood

Ken Donny-Clark stands in a forest
Environment

Hunting for Hemlocks

A dwindling population of native trees – and how to save them

Drafted model of the Nursing Education Building
Health

Building the Future

Anonymous gift to UNC School of Nursing supports new facility to expand capacity

UNC Makerspace staff take part in a RYOBI training
Sciences

A Greater Toolkit

Makerspaces provide a greater range of tools, equipment and possibilities

    Support Scholarships at Carolina

    There is no greater catalyst for opportunity in our society than educating the next generation. By supporting scholarships at Carolina, you will help ensure financial resources do not hinder our ability to fulfill Carolina’s role in this great mission.

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