Durham Tech disburses financial aid in the forms of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities within the college.

  • A grant is money that does not have to be repaid.
  • A scholarship, which does not have to be repaid, is money awarded under special conditions — usually in recognition of outstanding achievements.
  • A loan is money that you must repay.
  • Work-study provides the opportunity to work part time in administrative or departmental offices, the Library, laboratories, and other sites on or off campus. View the full list of work-study employment opportunities and internships.

For more information about the process for applying for a student loan, consult the loan application information and steps.

A comprehensive list of NC scholarships and grants based on need, merit, or vocational interest can be found on the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website.

PROGRAM

ELIGIBILITY

BENEFITS

APPLYING

Federal Pell Grant

A U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen who has not received a bachelor’s degree; is enrolled in an eligible program; and shows financial need according to the Federal Pell Grant formula.

Grants range from $311 to $3,098 per semester. Before receiving any Federal Pell Grant funds, selected students must provide the Financial Aid office with acceptable verification of all taxable and nontaxable income. Students who have all paperwork cleared by the beginning of the semester may be eligible to charge tuition, fees, and books.

Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application form is available in the Admissions and Financial Aid offices at Durham Tech, from high school guidance counselors, or online. Durham Tech’s school code is 005448. You must be accepted into a program of study in order to receive Financial Aid, even after you have been approved for aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Students are considered for this funding based on student applicants with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The number of students and amounts of the grants awarded are contingent upon Durham Tech’s federal allocation of funds.

All students who apply for federal financial aid are automatically considered for an additional FSEOG grant.

North Carolina Community College Grant

North Carolina residents who meet need-based criteria and are registered for at least six credit hours.

Grants range from $100 to $2,800 per year.

The Financial Aid office certifies eligible students on a monthly basis depending on the completion of their financial aid file. In order to receive the grant, a student must have a complete financial aid folder and meet all general Pell requirements (satisfactory progress, accepted into a degree program, etc.).

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has not received a bachelor's degree and is enrolled in an eligible program.

The amount is determined through FAFSA and grants range from $126 to $2,852 per year.

Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid. Students are automatically evaluated for this grant based on their federal application.

Federal Work Study

Students who are enrolled at least part time and who have financial need.

Work-study involves part-time employment on-campus or off-campus in offices, labs, library, or community service agencies.

Complete free application for Federal Student Aid. Notify the Financial Aid office of your interest in the program.
NC Longleaf Commitment Grant 2021 or 2022 NC high school graduate or high school equivalency diploma; enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester; meet Expected Family Contribution (EFC) requirements Grants range from $700 to $2,800 per academic year. Program ends at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester. Complete free application for Federal Student Aid. Read more about grant requirements.
Free Summer Grant Program Must be a NC resident, enrolled in an academic program leading to a postsecondary degree or credential and working towards their first postsecondary degree or credential during Summer 2022 or Summer 2023. Grants provide up to $5,000 to cover tuition, fees, books, and other expenses based on the number of summer courses a student is taking. Students do not need to apply – Durham Tech's Financial Aid office will review student records and contact those who qualify.
NC Longleaf Complete Grant Must be a NC resident, completed at least 50% of semester credit hours for an Associate degree program, have a minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA, and not previously completed a postsecondary degree. Grant awards range from $500 to $1,300 based on the number of credit hours taken, and can be combined with other financial aid Complete free application for Federal Student Aid. Read more about grant requirements.
Continuing Education Equity by Design (CEED+) Grant Students who are residents of Durham County and who are enrolled in any Continuing Education (non-credit) and Back-to-Work (BtW) credit and non-credit courses. Undocumented citizens are eligible. Grant covers the tuition cost and materials, and up to $250 in bookstore credits for other costs such as textbooks, supplies, or technology. After students enroll in the course, submit the CEED grant application.
Short-term Workforce Development (STWD) Grant Must be a NC resident and enrolled in an eligible Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) pathway/course. Grants provide up to $750 for eligible courses. Students must show proof of NC residency with a Residency Certification Number (RCN) number and complete the STWD grant application. 

Durham Tech Promise

Must be a Durham County recent high school graduate or a recent graduate of a public high school in Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Orange County Schools and enrolled in at least six credit hours in a semester immediately after high school.

Scholarships are $1,000 per academic year for two years. Disbursements are made in $500 payments per semester.

Students do not need to apply – Durham Tech's Financial Aid office will review student records and contact those who qualify.

Read more about Durham Tech Promise
Reconnect Fund Award Must be a Durham County resident without a college diploma or degree, under age 25 at the time of applying, be enrolled in a credit certificate, diploma, or degree program at Durham Tech, a Durham high school graduate who graduated more than one year ago, take a minimum of six credit hours per semester, and after the first semester, must meet a 67-percent overall completion rate or minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students $500 per semester for a maximum of four semesters, totaling to $2,000.

Students have to be invited in order to apply. Financial Aid office will review available records and contact those who qualify.

Read more about the Reconnect Fund Award and how to apply

Durham Tech Institutional Scholarships

Students enrolled at least half time with a GPA of 2.0 or higher who meet the criteria specified by the scholarship.

Amounts vary.

Information about scholarships and application procedures.

Single Parent Program Grant

Applicants are awarded funding based on need, academic standing, and availability of funds. Students must have completed a minimum of one semester and meet satisfactory academic progress.

Students receive assistance with childcare expenses. Awards vary according to a student's individual situation, including course load and child care needs.

Applications are available in June, October, and March for fall, spring, and summer semesters, respectively, in the Financial Aid office.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Students must be currently enrolled in the Associate in Arts/Science program at Durham Tech and meet credit hour, GPA, and financial need requirements. View these on the JKCF UT Scholarship web page.

Up to $40,000 a year for up to three years toward undergraduate work after transferring to a four-year school

Complete the application and faculty recommendation forms.