Special to Iredell Free News

Eligible 2021 North Carolina high school graduates will have their tuition and fees covered at Mitchell Community College for up to two years.

The Longleaf Commitment is a grant program for 2021 North Carolina high school graduates who will attend a N.C. community college starting in the Fall 2021 semester. High school graduates may be eligible to receive this grant – not a loan – to cover tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit. In addition to any Pell Grant award, this grant is designed to provide financial support to low- to middle-income families, including those who typically would not be eligible for full Pell Grant funds.

Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per academic year for a total of two years. Less than full-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant ends at the conclusion of the 2023 spring semester.

“This is a unique opportunity for recent high school graduates to earn a degree from Mitchell without student debt,” said Mitchell President Dr. Tim Brewer. “Now is the best time to go to college–this type of grant for students is once-in-a-lifetime.”

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate from a North Carolina high school in 2021
• Be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
• Be a first-time college student (Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early/Middle College High School students are eligible)
• Enroll in a curriculum program during the 2021-22 academic year
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-22.
• Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from $0 -$15,000 (EFC is based upon a student’s FAFSA determination)
• Renew the FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic years and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements of the college

How to Apply

To learn more about and apply for the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant at Mitchell Community College, contact Ann Wright at (704) 878-1312 or awright@mitchellcc.edu.

Students who are not eligible for the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant may be eligible for other scholarships and grant opportunities at Mitchell. Learn more about resources to help pay for college at mitchellcc.edu/paying-college or contact Mitchell’s Financial Aid Office at financialaid@mitchellcc.edu.

About Mitchell Community College

Mitchell Community College serves 9,000 students annually through a variety of curriculum, continuing education and workforce development programs. With campuses in Statesville and Mooresville, Mitchell offers quality, affordable education options to residents of Iredell County and the surrounding area. For more information, visit mitchellcc.edu or call (704) 878-3200 (Statesville Campus) or (704) 663-1923 (Mooresville Campus).