As you begin exploring financial aid options, it's essential to take the time to research and understand the key terms and definitions involved. Knowing the difference between grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs can help you make informed decisions about funding your education. Familiarizing yourself with concepts like interest rates, repayment plans, and loan terms empowers you to ask the right questions and avoid costly mistakes. Remember, when it comes to financial aid, information truly is power. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to make choices that support your long-term success.
FAFSA
Scholarships and Grants
If you need help logging in, refer back to CFNC information page on Plans After High School under Enroll.
Here at the Gaston Community Foundation, we are proud to feature a variety of special grants, funds, and programs that help to create lasting impact for our local communities.
Find colleges, compare costs, and maximize financial aid—all in one place. From FAFSA® to scholarships, we help make college affordable.
Explore thousands of exclusive college scholarships across hundreds of categories found only on Bold.org®.
Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid news and resources. Our goal is to help you find scholarships to make college and trade school more affordable.
BigFuture is a free online resource created by the College Board to help students plan for college and career after high school. It provides tools and information to explore careers, find colleges that match your interests, and discover ways to pay for college.
Find the right scholarships for you. Discover new opportunities and apply to scholarships by choosing a scholarship category.
Join millions of students who have found and won scholarships through our platform. Your education journey starts here.
Much like healthcare, education has the unique ability to enrich and support students and all those who surround them. Through partnerships with Belmont Abbey College, Gaston College and Gaston County Schools, the goal of CaroMont Health Foundation is to strengthen our community – now and into the future.
Gaston College Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Gaston College, in conjunction with many companies in Gaston and Lincoln counties, is offering the Apprenticeship 321 program to high school graduates. High school juniors and seniors also have the chance to complete a pre-apprenticeship.
As home to the nation’s first public university, North Carolina has a long-standing commitment to educational opportunity for all residents. The NC Promise Tuition Plan reaffirms the state’s commitment to make the university experience affordable and accessible to all.
Search more than 9,500 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid award opportunities.
It doesn't matter how much scholarship money is available, if you don't qualify for any of it. Peterson's scholarship search tool reaches super hero status with its ability to filter available scholarships by school type, ethnicity, gender, field of study, state of residence, award type, and more!
Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.
The nation’s largest, multi-billion dollar scholarship database— create a free account to see all of your personalized matches and start applying today
Find scholarships for free!
Scholly® Scholarships gives you instant access to thousands of scholarships
No need to create a profile or an account. Just easily browse scholarships and apply!
Work Study
Studentaid.gov - Federal Work-Study jobs help students earn money to pay for college or career school.
CFNC.org - Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need are eligible to participate in work-study programs. This program allows students to work part-time jobs to help pay for their education expenses.
Goingmerry.org - If you’ve been granted a federal work-study award, your part-time employment could earn you more than just a few extra dollars. For some college students, a part-time job can actually improve focus, lead to higher grades, and teach valuable life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom.
Loans
While taking out a loan is often not the preferred option, it’s important to be fully informed and understand all the terms and responsibilities involved before making a financial commitment.
Families are encouraged to explore all student loan options including through their current banking institutions, as they may offer competitive rates or programs tailored for students.