Category Archives: Financial Aid

🎓 NextNC: A Game-Changing Scholarship Program 🌟

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Next NCThe NextNC scholarship is a groundbreaking program established by the NC General Assembly that can transform students’ futures. This initiative is designed to significantly reduce financial barriers to higher education for eligible students within the North Carolina community college system, including those at Central Piedmont, and for students aiming to attend UNC System institutions.

Key Features of the NextNC Scholarship Program:

  • Free College Opportunity: NextNC offers community college students an incredible opportunity to receive a free education in Pell-eligible programs.
  • Generous Funding: Eligible students could receive up to $3,000 per year, covering tuition, fees, books, and more at community colleges.
  • Accessibility: Families with an annual income of less than $80,000 can apply for this grant without strings attached.
  • FAFSA Requirement: Students must complete the FAFSA to qualify for this grant.
  • Enhanced Support for UNC System Students: While offering substantial support to community college students, NextNC also provides $5,000 to those wishing to attend UNC System institutions.

Why NextNC Matters:

  • Breaking Financial Barriers: NextNC acknowledges that financial considerations are the primary factor in pursuing higher education and aims to make college more accessible.
  • Boosting Enrollment: By alleviating the financial burden, NextNC is expected to increase enrollment rates at community colleges like Central Piedmont.
  • Encouraging FAFSA Completion: The program motivates students to complete their FAFSA, ensuring they access all available financial aid.

How to Benefit from NextNC:

  • Eligibility Check: Ensure your program is Pell-eligible and your family’s income exceeds the $80,000 threshold.
  • FAFSA Application: Complete your FAFSA as a critical step to qualify for the NextNC scholarship.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Central Piedmont’s financial aid office for guidance and support throughout the application process.

Take the Next Step: This is your chance to pursue your educational dreams without the weight of financial constraints. NextNC represents a pivotal moment for prospective and current Central Piedmont students, offering a pathway to higher education that was previously out of reach for many.

Tuition Payment Plan

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tuition payment planCentral Piedmont Community College provides a tuition payment plan designed to ease students’ financial burden by allowing them to pay tuition and fees over time. This plan is an excellent option for students looking to manage their education expenses more effectively.

Key Highlights:

  • Eligibility: Available for students with at least $200 in tuition and fees.
  • Benefits: No interest, finance charges, or credit checks. Enrolment ensures your courses will not be dropped.
  • Enrollment Fee: A non-refundable fee applies each semester.
  • Payment: Automatic monthly drafts without the need to make payments through MyCollege.

Enrollment Information:
You’ll need to provide payment details and contact information upon enrolling. Should any changes arise in your status, such as class adjustments or receiving financial aid, contact Central Piedmont promptly to update your plan.

Summer 2024 Schedule:
Start enrolling on Fri., April 5, 2024.

Depending on your registration date, initial payments include a down payment plus an enrollment fee, with subsequent drafts.

For detailed information on the tuition payment plan, including how to enroll and the complete list of requirements, visit Central Piedmont’s Tuition Payment Plan. This initiative is part of Central Piedmont’s commitment to making education accessible to all students by offering manageable payment solutions.

đź“š Financial Aid Guide: Navigate Your Aid at Central Piedmont

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Students on laptops and in the Parr Center lobbyCentral Piedmont students, stay informed and maximize your financial aid potential! Here’s a concise guide to understanding the financial aid process for the 2023-2024 award year:

  • Stay Updated: Review the terms and conditions of receiving financial aid to advocate effectively for yourself.
  • Eligibility & Awards: Understand the requirements and how awards are determined based on your need and cost of attendance.
  • Key Resources: Access details on student financial aid programs, how aid affects tuition charges, and managing unclaimed funds.
  • Protect Your Data: Keep copies of all financial aid documents and communications for your records.
  • Changes Ahead: Be aware of updates in the 2024-2025 FAFSA, which simplify the process and introduce the Student Aid Index (SAI) in place of EFC.

Accessing Your Award:

  • MyCollege Account: Log in to view your award, including any required documents for completing your financial aid package.

Making the Grade:

  • Academic Progress: To remain eligible for financial aid, maintain satisfactory academic progress, understanding the criteria and appeal processes if needed.

Be Informed: Your rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient are crucial for a seamless educational journey.

Next Steps: The FAFSA is changing, so be ready to adapt and ensure you’re prepared for the new procedures.

Stay proactive and well-informed about your financial aid with Central Piedmont to keep your academic goals on track.

For further details on navigating your financial aid, visit Central Piedmont Financial Aid Guide. Your education is an investment, and we’re here to help you make the most of every opportunity.

 

đź“… Central Piedmont Opens Doors on Saturdays for Session Kickoffs

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A student works on their laptop.Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce special Saturday openings to better accommodate the needs of our students, faculty, and the broader community. Mark your calendar for these key dates, each strategically scheduled right before the start of new academic sessions.

Available Services:

  • Admissions
  • Registration assistance
  • Financial aid guidance
  • Academic advising

Key Dates:

  •  Spring Short Session:
    •  Begins: Mar. 11
    •  Campuses Open Sat., Mar. 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Summer Session:
    • Begins: May 20
    • Campuses Open Sat., May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 Session:
    • Begins: Aug. 12
    • Campuses Open Sat., Aug. 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 12 Week Short Session:
    • Begins: Sept. 9
    • Campuses Open Sat., Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Fall 24 8 Week Short Session:
    • Begins: Oct. 14
    • Campuses Open Sat., Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Why Visit Us on Saturday?

  • Convenience: Access campus services without disrupting your weekday schedule.
  • Preparedness: Get everything set before your session starts.
  • Support: Our staff can answer any questions and help you navigate your academic journey.

Libraries:

  • Central Campus Library will remain open on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters for current students and employees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • All other campus libraries are closed on Saturdays.

Central Piedmont is committed to providing flexible options to support our students’ success. Whether you’re enrolling in a new session, need last-minute assistance, or have questions, we’re opening our doors extra wide to welcome you.

Your Success Starts Here: Take advantage of these special Saturday openings to ensure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming academic session.

See You on Campus!

Scholarship Spotlight: Honoring the Legacy of Paul J. Koehnke

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CFBC logoThe Norvell Family Fund: Paul J. Koehnke Fine Arts Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Burke County, is now open to students passionate about pursuing an associate degree in fine arts.

Who’s Eligible?

  • Graduates from the Northwest School of the Arts enrolling at Central Piedmont
  • Current students at Central Piedmont focusing on music, visual arts, or theatre

Scholarship Highlights:

  • In Honor of Leadership: Celebrates Dr. Paul J. Koehnke’s 31 years of dedication to Central Piedmont, its students, faculty, and staff.
  • Scholarship Amount: One lucky recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their Fine Arts education.
  • Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, financial need, and a demonstrated willingness to learn and pursue higher education.

Application Details:

  • Deadline: Make sure to apply by Mar. 1, 2024.
  • How to Apply: Visit the Community Foundation of Burke County website.
  • Questions? Contact JJ Musgrove, President and CEO, at jmusgrove@cfburkecounty.org or call 828-437-7105.

Why Apply?

  • Support Your Artistic Journey: This scholarship financially supports students who are strongly committed to their artistic disciplines.
  • Honor a Legacy: By applying, you become part of a tradition that values educational leadership and the fine arts at Central Piedmont.

FAFSA Nights: Unlock Your Financial Aid Potential

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logođź“š Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to your education. Central Piedmont is here to guide you through the FAFSA application maze with our FAFSA Nights.

  • What’s Happening: Hands-on workshops for the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application.
  • Get Help With: State residency, college application, and your Federal Student Aid ID.
  • Where & When:
  • Inclusivity: Spanish-speaking staff on-site.
  • RSVP Required: Registration is mandatory.

Take the First Step: Secure your financial future by registering for a session that fits your schedule.

Your opportunity to demystify the financial aid process and advance your academic ambitions awaits.

Apply Now for 2024-25 Scholarships

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foundation logoThe Central Piedmont Foundation Student Scholarship Portal will open on Thurs., Feb. 1, 2024.

To apply for financial support that can significantly aid your educational journey, log in to the portal and complete the general application. Our scholarships, both need-based and merit-based, cater to various criteria – including your major, community involvement, special interests, and creative talents. We encourage all students to seize this opportunity to alleviate the monetary demands of college education.

Please note that most Foundation scholarships necessitate a minimum GPA of either 2.0 or 2.5. Eligibility is contingent upon enrolling in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont. The awarding of scholarships depends on the criteria established by our donors and fund availability, hence the importance of applying early. Remember that submitting a scholarship application is competitive and does not guarantee funding. Additionally, scholarships may not cover the entire cost of tuition and fees nor guarantee additional funding in subsequent sessions or terms.

A valuable tip: When submitting your general application, explore the “Other Recommended Opportunities” section, which lists scholarships with additional questions and requirements. If you meet the criteria for these opportunities, we highly encourage you to apply. While not mandatory, completing these additional applications increases your chances of receiving a scholarship.

It is important to remember that scholarship applications at Central Piedmont must be re-submitted each academic year.

The final deadline to apply for scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year is Sat., Aug. 31, 2024.

Next NC Scholarship

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Next NCThe Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public university in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.

It combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand and makes education more affordable so a greater number of North Carolinians can pursue a degree.

It’s enough money to earn a tuition-free degree.
Qualifying students attending community college will receive at least $3,000. That means having their tuition and fees 100% covered at any of the 58 North Carolina community colleges. Those attending a public university in the state will get a minimum of $5,000, which pays for more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees at any of the 16 public universities in the state. The scholarship award can also go toward books, food, and housing.

Applying is simple.
Just submit the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out. The Next NC Scholarship priority filing date* is June 1, 2024, for UNC System schools and August 15, 2024, for NC community colleges.

To receive the Next NC Scholarship, you must be:

  1. A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
  2. A high school graduate (high school equivalency completers are eligible)
  3. From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  4. Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  5. Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
  6. Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
  7. A student who has completed the 2024- 2025 FAFSA, with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500 (once complete, the financial aid office at the college/university you plan to attend will determine and confirm eligibility)

FAFSA Day: A Step Towards Your Future

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Levine campus students

Central Piedmont Community College is excited to announce an invaluable opportunity for its students and their parents. We are hosting a special FAFSA Day, in collaboration with the College Foundation of North Carolina, designed to provide crucial assistance in securing your financial aid. Here’s what you need to know:

Event Overview

  • Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Location: Levine Campus, Levine Building 1, Room 2100

About the Event

  • This event is an excellent chance for one-on-one or small group support in completing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • We welcome all Central Piedmont students and their parents to register for this free event.
  • Our expert team from the Financial Aid Department, in collaboration with the College Foundation of North Carolina, will be there to guide you through the process.

Preparation for the Event

  • If you still need to, please create your StudentAid.gov Account (formerly FSA ID) before the event. This will ensure a smooth and quick login process, allowing you to submit your FAFSA efficiently at the event.
  • We recommend using this handy cheat sheet to keep your account information organized. 

What to Bring for FAFSA Completion

  • Bringing the necessary items will expedite the completion of your FAFSA. Make sure to have all your required documents ready for the event.

Central Piedmont is committed to helping you navigate your educational journey. This FAFSA Day is a step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder your academic aspirations. We look forward to seeing you there and assisting you in unlocking the doors to your future!

Scholarships for Spring and Summer 2024

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Happy graduates smiling for a selfie photo.The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open  Nov. 1- Dec. 17 to apply for scholarships for spring and summer of 2024. If you have not yet submitted a scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year then don’t miss out on this opportunity!

If you already submitted an application but have not yet received an award, you will automatically be considered for spring and summer 2024. You do not need to resubmit your application unless something has changed, or if you want to make updates to your already submitted application.

The deadline to apply is midnight on December 17. If you are awarded a scholarship for spring or summer 2024, you will be notified by email to your student account on or by December 18.

If you have questions about the scholarship application process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.

Congrats to the newest Opportunity Scholars

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Group photo of Opportunity Scholars on stage.

Congratulations to the newest class of Opportunity Scholars. This group of students is awarded a full scholarship– tuition, fees, and books– for two years of study at Central Piedmont, as well as a chromebook.

Students who are selected for the Opportunity Scholarship first attend the Summer Bridge program. Recipients of this full scholarship participate in service projects and other activities as a group, and also receive one-on-one support from an academic coach.

Info Sessions for Federal Work Study

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Student talks to employee at Information Desk.Are you looking for a job on campus to help you pay for school?

Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about federal work study (FWS) jobs.

Various positions are available, and you can gain work experience while you are still in school.

Sessions are offered virtually through WebEx. Review all the upcoming information sessions about FWS.

Registration and Payment systems closed June 28-July 1

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Student with laptop sits at high top table

Due to regular year-end processing, the college’s registration and payment systems will close Wednesday, June 28 at 9 p.m., and re-open on Saturday, July 1 at 7 a.m.

Don’t wait! Finish your registration now. Fall registration is already open – you can still register for classes online before and after the temporary closure next week.

You will not be able to register or pay for classes during those days, BUT you can still prepare for the fall semester by:

During the planned outage, we can also still process transcripts and take in-person cash and check payments at our Business Cashiering offices, just no credit cards. 

Need help? Please contact 704.330.2722 or navigate@cpcc.edu.

Priority Registration for Fall 2023 begins April 28

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Two students look over work in a lab, holding a pipette and a test tube.

Priority registration for fall 2023 classes begins Friday, April 28, depending on the number of credits you have completed. Make sure you have consulted your advisor and are prepared with which classes you should take. (Summer registration is ongoing, with seats still available for classes that begin May 17.)

Do you have money lined up for school? There is money available to help you pay for school that you don’t have to pay back. You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, to see if you’re eligible. Apply for the 2023-24 school year now, and use our school code: 002915. You can also log into the Central Piedmont scholarship portal to apply for scholarships.

If you owe more than $200 in tuition for a term, the new Tuition Payment Plan will help spread out your bill into smaller payments.

Need help with anything? Email navigate@cpcc.edu (en Español: ayuda@cpcc.edu) or call 704.330.2722.

New Tuition Payment Plan

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Paying for classes just got easier! Central Piedmont is launching a new Tuition Payment Plan to help you spread out your costs for tuition and fees over smaller payments, and keep making payments after classes have started. If you owe at least $200, you can sign up for the payment plan. Learn more about the new Tuition Payment Plan.

Remember, there is money available to help you pay for school that you don’t have to pay back. You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, to see if you’re eligible. You can also log into the Central Piedmont scholarship portal to apply for scholarships just for our students.

Registration for summer and fall start soon, so make a plan now to line up your money for school.

Apply Now for 2023-24 Scholarships

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Student scholarship recipient shakes hands with a scholarship representative in front of a large check while another person looks on, clapping. The Central Piedmont Foundation student scholarship portal is open!

Apply by March 1 for priority consideration for the 2023-24 school year. Log in through the portal and complete the general application to apply for available financial support for your educational journey. Please note that you must re-apply for scholarships at Central Piedmont every school year.*

Priority Deadline for 2023-24 Academic Year Scholarships – March 1, 2023
Final Deadline for 2023-24 Academic Year Scholarships – August 31, 2023

Pro tip: be sure to answer all questions as fully as you can. Don’t be afraid to give examples and talk about your experiences, accomplishments and needs. Great answers will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.

Most Foundation scholarships require a minimum 2.0 or 2.5 GPA. To be considered, students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont.

*Please note, scholarships are awarded based on criteria set forth by the donor of the scholarship and the availability of funds. Submitting a scholarship application is competitive and is not a guarantee of funding. Scholarships also do not guarantee that a student’s full tuition and fees will be covered or that additional funds will be awarded in other sessions or terms.

 

Need money for college? Central Piedmont can help!

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Student being helped at a counter in Parr Center by an employee.

We offer financial aid help in person and online.

There still could be financial aid money available to you for the spring and summer 2023 semesters. Don’t miss out on that money – fill out the FAFSA!

It’s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Central Piedmont’s FAFSA code is 002915 – and it is your key to money for college. We’re here if you need help completing it or want to learn more about options for paying for college.

Central Piedmont offers free, virtual or in-person FAFSA workshops with group and individual appointments available.FAFSA Federal Student Aid logo

If you’re already set with financial aid for this current school year, get a head start on the 2023-2024 academic year. The earlier you complete and submit your FAFSA, the sooner you’ll get peace of mind knowing how much aid you can get.

Fill out the FAFSA or sign up for a workshop today – the earlier you submit your FAFSA documentation, the earlier you can be awarded. Need additional help? Contact 704.330.2722 or navigate@cpcc.edu.

In-person FAFSA Friday workshops

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FAFSA Federal Student Aid logo

Need financial aid help? In-person group workshops are ongoing on Fridays for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance.

Available on Fridays from 2–4 p.m, on the following campuses:

  • Cato Campus: Cato I, Room 232
  • Harris Campus: Harris I, Room 2113
  • Levine Campus: Levine I, Room 2213
  • Merancas Campus: Merancas IV, Room 104

All sessions are held in-person and on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration is not required; walk-ins are welcomed.

Learn what to bring to your FAFSA workshop.
Need help, but can’t come in person? Virtual workshops are also available.

Explore Debt-free Options with Scholarships and Grants

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female teacher standing behind student while pointing to a computer screenNeed-based and merit-based scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons – choice of major, community involvement, special interests, creative talents – and that’s just to name a few. Regardless of your economic situation, take every opportunity to lessen the financial burden of college.
Central Piedmont has over 250 scholarship opportunities available each year. Students can access a number of these opportunities by completing the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works for summer and fall.
Important Deadlines:
  • The Summer 2022 application deadline is April 30, 2022.
  • The Fall 2022 & spring 2023 priority application deadline is May 15, 2022.
  • The Spring 2021 application deadline is November 30, 2020.
Students who complete the general application will automatically be considered for all auto-match scholarship opportunities. Certain opportunities may require supplemental information (i.e. transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Has your income changed since 2019? Complete a Financial Aid Reconsideration Form

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tutoring session with student and teacher reviewing book materialEconomic hardship is a reality for many families at this time. Central Piedmont recognizes special circumstances may impact your eligibility for federal financial aid. Did you know the 2021–22 FAFSA uses income information from 2019? Many things have changed in the last two years, and we want to help qualify all eligible students for financial aid. If you or your parent(s) income has drastically changed for 2021, please complete and submit the 2021–22 financial aid reconsideration form. 

The Financial Aid office will review your information and let you know if you are eligible for additional financial aid.

  • If a student would like to request consideration of special circumstances, please submit a Reconsideration Request (Professional Judgment).

Questions? Visit Financial Aid online to learn more.