Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant program awards grants directly to students with payment made through ECC. Federal Pell Grants are the “foundation” of student aid to which aid from other sources may be added. Federal Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. Students must complete the FREE application for Federal Student Aid annually.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to receive a Student Aid Report which determines eligibility.
Eligibility:
- Be undergraduate enrolled as either part time or full-time students in an approved program not in possession of a bachelors degree in order to eligible to receive a Pell Grant
- Be a citizen or permanent residents of the U.S with a valid social security number
- Making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not in current default status for a student loan or owe any over payment on any Title IV aid program
- Demonstrate financial need
Value: Amounts vary and are awarded on the basis of need, enrollment status, length of enrollment, and cost of education at ECC.
An eligible student may receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters. Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded, need-based employment program. Eligible students may earn FWS funds by working part-time with approved FWS supervisors. Funding for this program is limited and positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Student employees may work 10-15 hours; not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.
Qualifications
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Be enrolled in an eligible program
- Must neither owe a balance to ECC nor be in default of loans
Value: Amounts vary and are determined by the financial aid office at ECC
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
This grant program provides additional funds to students with exceptional need.
Eligibility:
- Demonstrate financial need and eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
- Be enrolled in an eligible program.
- Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
Value: The value of the award is determined by the need of the recipient and the availability of funds to the ECC Financial Aid office.
NC Scholarship (NCNBG)
Replaced the North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) and North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)
The NC Scholarship works with federal aid to provide a guaranteed amount of financial assistance with additional state funding provided to students with exceptional need. Awards available until funds exhausted.
Students enrolling at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less and an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $2,800 from combined federal and state aid.
Eligibility
- Be a North Carolina resident as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual
- Enroll for at least 6 credit hours
- Be admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in matriculated status in a degree, certificate or diploma program at one of the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina or at a North Carolina Community College
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing a UNC institution or North Carolina Community College.
Other Information
Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed. The FAFSA filing priority date is August 15 for North Carolina Community Colleges. Applicants completing the FAFSA after these dates may be denied if insufficient funds are available.
Scholarships
The college offers a variety of scholarships including:
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the Edgecombe Community College Foundation funds many other scholarships each year. Many local businesses, individuals, and civic organization also contribute to our scholarship program year around. Click link below to access Scholarship Application for ECC Foundation.
Please contact the office of financial aid or Edgecombe Community College Foundation office for questions about specific scholarships.
Notice Regarding Federal Direct Student Loans
“Loan Free, Debt Free College”
Edgecombe Community College will discontinue participation in the Federal Direct Loan Program after the Summer 2026 term. As a result, the College will no longer originate or certify new Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans for enrollment periods beginning Fall 2026 and beyond.
Students enrolled through Summer 2026 who have already accepted and met eligibility requirements for Federal Direct Loans will be processed in accordance with federal regulations. Beginning Fall 2026, students seeking educational financing will need to explore alternative funding options, including grants, scholarships, payment plans, employer sponsorships, veterans’ education benefits, and private educational loans.
Edgecombe Community College remains committed to providing access to affordable education and will continue to expand grant, scholarship, and emergency aid opportunities to support student success. Financial Aid staff are available to counsel students individually regarding financing options and responsible borrowing.
For questions or individualized assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@edgecombe.edu or (252) 618-6526.
Visit the FAQ page for more information.