TUITION ASSISTANCE
Opportunity Scholarship
On October 3, 2023, the North Carolina State Budget (House Bill 259) became law. The new law authorizes several changes to the State's Opportunity Scholarship Program, which will begin with the 2024-2025 school year.
Changes for the 2024-2025 school year include:
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Removal of the income cap for families to receive the scholarship; now all North Carolina students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be eligible for the Scholarship regardless of income.
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Prior public school enrollment is no longer a requirement for eligibility for the scholarship.
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A student's scholarship amount will be based on household income.
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Scholarship amounts will range from approximately $3,000 to approximately $7,400.
The Opportunity Scholarship application for the 2024-2025 school year will open on February 1, 2024. Families must apply by March 1 to receive priority consideration. More information about the application process will be available on the program website in January. Every North Carolina family will have the option of applying for tuition assistance for K - 12 private schools The Opportunity Scholarship is an income-based program that helps families pay tuition and fees at Direct Payment Schools. *Awards up to $7468 per scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year.
Opportunity Scholarship Timeline
Feb 1, 2024 | Applications will be made available.
March 15, 2024 | The Authority will begin awarding scholarship grants to students who have applied by March 1, 2024.
March 29, 2024 | Renewal families and all eligible new Award Tier 1 families have received award offers for the 2024-25 school year.
April 19th, 2024 | New families and renewal families who received an award offer have until April 19th to accept or decline in MyPortal.
Early May | NCSEAA will begin making awards to some Award Tier 2 families, to the extent funds are available.
UCA Tuition Assistance
Families who have applied for Opportunity Scholarship funds and have been denied are eligible for our UCA Tuition Assistance Program. In the event that funding is not available or the Opportunity Scholarship deadline cannot be met, UCA is committed to providing an affordable education, and we encourage you to apply to our UCA Tuition Assistance Program so that we can better serve your family.
Discounts
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Families who receive UCA Tuition Assistance are also eligible for the additional discounts listed below.
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Families who receive funds from the Opportunity Scholarship are not eligible for the any discounts on K-12 tuition.
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Multi-Child and Minister discounts still apply for Preschool tuition.