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Applicant FAQs

These FAQs are to address common questions for applicants interested in applying for the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program.

Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship

This Golden LEAF Scholarship is open to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural, economically distressed North Carolina county and are planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina. The Golden LEAF Scholarship isn’t a “one size fits all” opportunity. Golden LEAF strives to invest in students who are currently active in their rural community and intend to graduate and return to live in a rural, North Carolina area.

Commitment to Return: Unlike many scholarships, the Golden LEAF Scholarship requires recipients to commit to attending a North Carolina institution, graduating, and returning to a rural community in the state. This ensures that the investment in the student’s education directly benefits the communities where they come from.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond financial assistance for tuition and room and board, the Golden LEAF Scholarship offers a range of additional benefits, including leadership development opportunities and career experiences. This holistic approach helps scholars develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute to their communities.

Lifetime Connection: The Golden LEAF Scholarship fosters a strong sense of community among its recipients. The program emphasizes building a lifetime connection among Golden LEAF Scholars, providing them with a network of support and opportunities for collaboration.

Take our Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship Fit Quiz! This quiz is intended to provide information that would be helpful for a student assessing whether or not to apply for the Golden LEAF scholarship. Submitted applications will be processed and reviewed by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). NCSEAA administers the Golden LEAF Scholarship on behalf of the Golden LEAF Foundation.

Each year, Golden LEAF receives more applications than we are able to award.

Start the Quiz
  • Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
  • Reside in a qualifying rural North Carolina county
  • Be a graduating North Carolina high school senior or a currently enrolled North Carolina community college transfer student enrolling full-time in the fall
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Plan to enroll in a participating North Carolina public or private college/university
  • Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 15000 or less as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be able to communicate a commitment to returning to a rural North Carolina county after graduation from college

No. Golden LEAF partners with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) to administer our scholarship application. Interested applicants should visit the CFNC.org scholarship page here and fill out the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities application form or call 1-800-700-1775, or email [email protected].

Recipients of the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship must renew their scholarship each year by:

  • Completing and submitting the required Golden LEAF Renewal Profile that will be made available via the NCSEAA Student Portal account,
  • Having a fully processed FAFSA record on file with the US Dept. of Education for the upcoming school year,
  • Enrolling full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) for financial aid purposes each semester at a participating college/university, and
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Program (SAP) policy of their college/university.

Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholars are often encouraged to participate in various activities to enhance their academic and personal growth. These activities include:

  • Virtual “Meet the President Call”: Participating in a virtual call with Golden LEAF’s President to learn about the scholarship program and connect with other recipients.
  • Exclusive Networking Platform: Joining and actively engaging in the scholarship’s exclusive networking platform to connect with peers and mentors.
  • Campus Receptions: Attending campus receptions and events specifically for scholarship recipients to meet other students, college faculty, and Golden LEAF staff.
  • Internship Program: Participating in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative that focuses on providing valuable work experience in rural communities.

By engaging in these activities, scholarship recipients can maximize the benefits of their awards, develop valuable skills, and strengthen their commitment to rural North Carolina.

Yes, as long as the college is one of the approved North Carolina colleges or universities. No out of state colleges are on the approved list.

No. Golden LEAF does have a community college scholarship program, but you need to apply for that program separately, and it will not be the same amount as the college/university scholarship.

No. The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship is specifically to help students attend undergraduate college.

Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship

The Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship is for students attending or planning to attend any of North Carolina’s participating community colleges who reside in a qualifying county and demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply.

Curriculum Student

  • Be a North Carolina resident as determined by Residency Determination Services (RDS)
  • Reside in a qualifying county as determined by Golden LEAF
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a demonstration of need
  • Be enrolled at least full-time for the fall and spring semesters. Scholarships for less than full-time enrolled students may be prorated based on enrollment hours and the availability of funds.
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) during the summer semester to receive awarding

Workforce Continuing Education Student

  • Be a resident of North Carolina
  • Reside in a qualifying county as determined by Golden LEAF
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the college
  • Be enrolled in a Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) pathway/course of 96 hours or more and leading to a State or industry-recognized credential

No. Contact your college’s financial aid office for more information on how to apply and deadlines for your application. Information is available at your financial aid office and must be returned to the financial office. Please do not send your information to the Golden LEAF Foundation.