How to Apply for NC Opportunity Scholarship

Making decisions about your child’s education can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finances. 

For many North Carolina families, the NC Opportunity Scholarship has become a key resource, opening doors to private school education that might otherwise be out of reach. 

This scholarship program is designed to give parents more choice in where their children learn by providing funds to help cover tuition and fees.

What Is the NC Opportunity Scholarship?

The NC Opportunity Scholarship is a state-funded program that helps families pay for tuition and fees at participating nonpublic (private) schools in North Carolina. 

Created in 2013 by the General Assembly, the program is managed by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).

The core mission of the scholarship is to expand educational choice. It empowers families by providing financial assistance, enabling them to choose a private school environment that best suits their child’s needs.

For the 2025-2026 school year, significant changes were introduced, making the scholarship available to a much broader range of North Carolina families.

Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship?

One of the most important updates to the NC Opportunity Scholarship is the expansion of eligibility. 

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, the income cap for families was removed. 

This means all North Carolina students from kindergarten through 12th grade are now eligible to apply, regardless of their family’s income.

Additionally, the previous requirement for a student to have been enrolled in a public school is no longer in effect.

Eligibility Requirements at a Glance:

Here’s a table summarizing the eligibility requirements for the NC Opportunity Scholarship:

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Residency	Must live in North Carolina
School Age	At least 5 years old by August 31 (kindergarten) or 4 years old by April 16 (early entry to kindergarten); not yet a high school graduate
School Enrollment	Must attend a participating nonpublic (private) school in North Carolina, including religious and independent schools registered with the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE)

These changes simplify the process and open the door for every K-12 student in the state to potentially receive financial aid for private education.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

While all students are eligible to apply, the scholarship amount awarded is based on the family’s household income. 

The program uses a tiered system to determine funding levels, ensuring that families with greater financial need receive more assistance.

 funding details for the NC Opportunity Scholarship:

Funding Tier	Scholarship Amount	Details
Tier 1 (Highest Award)	Up to $7,000 per student	Families with lower incomes receive the highest amount, covering up to 100% of tuition and fees (capped at $7,000).
Lower Tiers	$3,000 to less than $7,000 per student	As household income increases, the scholarship amount decreases.

For the 2025-2026 school year, scholarship amounts range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 per student.

Tier 1 (Highest Award)

Families with lower incomes receive the highest scholarship amount, which can be up to 100% of the private school’s tuition and fees, capped at the maximum award amount (around $7,000).

Lower Tiers (Reduced Awards)

As household income increases, the scholarship amount decreases.

How to Apply for the NC Opportunity Scholarship

The application process is straightforward and completed online through the NCSEAA’s “MyPortal.” Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Step 1: Prepare for the Application Window

The application window for the NC Opportunity Scholarship typically opens on February 1 and closes on March 1 each year. It is crucial to apply within this priority window. 

Applications received after March 1 are considered on a rolling basis, but only after all on-time applicants have been awarded and if funds are still available.

Step 2: Create a MyPortal Account

You will need to create an account on the NCSEAA’s MyPortal. This portal is your hub for applying, checking your application status, and managing the scholarship if awarded. 

You can find step-by-step instructions in the NCSEAA’s MyPortal Guide for Parents.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application

Once the application period opens, log in to your MyPortal account and fill out the form. 

You will need to provide information about your child, your household income, and the private school your child plans to attend. 

Be sure to double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.

Step 4: Await the Lottery and Award Notification

Because demand for the scholarship often exceeds available funding, awards are determined by a lottery system for all applications submitted during the priority window. 

New applicants are selected first, followed by returning students. You will be notified of your award status through the MyPortal.

Navigating Your Scholarship Award

If your child is awarded the scholarship, the funds are not sent directly to you. Instead, the NCSEAA pays the scholarship funds directly to the participating private school on your child’s behalf.

Here’s how it works:

Enroll Your Child

You must complete the enrollment process at your chosen participating private school.

School Verifies Enrollment

The school will verify your child’s enrollment with the NCSEAA.

Funds are Disbursed

The scholarship funds are then sent to the school in two installments, typically once per semester.

You will be responsible for any tuition and fees that exceed the scholarship amount.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

The NC Opportunity Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for North Carolina families seeking the best educational fit for their children. 

By removing income barriers and simplifying eligibility, the state has affirmed its commitment to educational choice.

If you are considering private school, now is the perfect time to explore this program. 

Start by visiting the official NCSEAA website to review program requirements, watch informational videos, and prepare for the next application cycle. 

Taking the time to understand the process can make all the difference in securing this valuable resource for your child’s future.