Adult Studies Scholarships


Explore exciting opportunities for adult learners at NC Wesleyan University through our dedicated scholarships and awards program. We understand the unique challenges faced by adult students, and our institution is proud to offer targeted financial support to make your educational journey more accessible. The university offers a range of scholarships and awards (not required to be paid back) specifically tailored to adult students, acknowledging their diverse experiences and backgrounds, and recognizing individual achievements and experiences, NCWU strives to empower adult learners in reaching their academic goals.

NC Wesleyan University’s commitment to providing opportunities for non-traditional students underscores its dedication to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Through these scholarships, the university seeks to celebrate the resilience and determination of adult learners as they pursue academic excellence at North Carolina Wesleyan University.

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Adult Students

Federal Pell Grant Amounts determined by FAFSA application
NC Need-Based
$2,200 (Amount changes yearly and is based on student enrollment. The amount is determined by FAFSA and NC Residency applications)
Public Service Scholarship Equivalent to 10% of tuition. Includes active and veteran police officers, firefighters/EMS employees. Find out more about the Public Service Scholarship. 
Department of Public Safety (DPS) Employees Equivalent to 22% of tuition. Must provide proof of employment.
Military Scholarship Equivalent to 10% of tuition. Dependent on the number of credits. Includes all active duty, veterans and spouses for all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Coast Guard. Must submit DD-214 or military ID.
Phi Theta Kappa $500 grant each year. (If you were inducted into the society at the community college you graduated from, you are entitled to a $500 grant each year of your attendance at North Carolina Wesleyan University. You must inform and provide proof to your financial aid counselor.  $250 will be applied in late fall and late spring of each year and applies for students completing a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester. You must be enrolled full-time.)
United Methodist Award Equivalent to 20% of tuition. Must be a member of a Methodist Church and your pastor provides a letter to that fact. This applies to spring and fall only for students completing a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester.
2+ Wesleyan Scholarship $1,400 each year (Available for graduates of select Community Colleges. Must have an associate degree with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher. This applies to spring and fall only for students completing a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester.)
Alumni Award 50% of tuition. For NCWU alumni that return for a second bachelor’s degree. Discount does not apply for certificates or graduate school.
Legacy Grant $500 each semester. For children of NCWU alumni. Students will receive a $500 internal grant for a maximum of 4 semesters. This applies to spring and fall only for students completing a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester.
Central Carolina CC Scholarship $12% each year (Available only for graduates of Central Carolina Community College. Must have an associate degree with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.)
Vance Granville CC Scholarship $10% each year (Available only for graduates of Vance Granville Community College. Must have an associate degree with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.)

*NOTE: Students are considered full-time by taking two classes every 8-weeks

Other Ways to Pay for College and Scholarship Opportunities

Ask Your Employer
Your employer may reimburse part, or all, of your tuition costs through our Employer Reimbursement Plan (ERP). NCWU can work directly with students who have employer assistance available to them, visit ncwu.edu/erp.

Veteran Resources
You or your spouse are eligible for benefits that may be used to pay for college. For veterans benefits and admission, visit Veterans Benefits.

Private Loans
Alternative student loans are offered through private lenders, such as a bank or credit union. These may have fixed or variable interest rates and payment plans vary.

Income & Savings
A tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan can be used to pay for college. Also, assess how much personal savings and income you can reasonably put toward tuition.

Payment Plans
NCWU offers a payment plan that allows families to pay their student accounts on a monthly basis. Payment plans are available online on your my.ncwu.edu portal.

Businesses and Community College Partner Awards
NC Wesleyan has scholarships established with community partners that allow their employees to receive reduced tuition. These include Transfer Credit AgreementsIndustry Partnerships, and Community College Employee Partnerships.