Every new NC undergraduate student who is eligible for federal and/or state need-based aid can attend Warren Wilson tuition-free.

All North Carolina residents who qualify for a federal or state need-based grant will receive the remainder of their tuition free through Warren Wilson College scholarships, Warren Wilson College need-based grants and our unique work-grant. Student loans will not be applied towards the cost of tuition but may be applied towards food and housing.

Requirements

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be admitted to Warren Wilson College for the first-time, as a full-time undergraduate;
  • File a current FAFSA and send to Warren Wilson College (school code: 002979);
  • Confirm North Carolina residency through the North Carolina Residency Determination Service;
  • Be awarded federal Pell Grant and/or NC Need Based Scholarship. The NC Tuition Free Plan covers the cost of your tuition after federal and/or state aid is applied;
  • Live on campus and participate fully in the WWC work program;
  • Be enrolled full time;
  • Maintain consecutive enrollment.

The NC Free Tuition Plan is guaranteed for up to 4 years. If you do not complete your degree in four years, you may appeal to extend your NC Free Tuition eligibility.

Renewal Requirements

  • File a renewal FAFSA each year before March 1st;
  • Complete verification process (if selected) each year before March 1st;
  • Remain a NC resident according to NC RDS (North Carolina Residency Determination Service);
  • Remain eligible for federal need based grants OR remain eligible for NC Need Based grant (based on FAFSA information);
  • Make Satisfactory Academic Progress;
  • Be a residential (on-campus) student;
  • Be enrolled full time;
  • Maintain consecutive enrollment.

If students choose to study away while a student at Warren Wilson, their NC free tuition plan is subject to the same conditions as other institutional aid depending on the study away program.

If a student no longer meets the criteria for this plan, eligibility will be evaluated based on the current renewal policy for returning students for that particular year.

Not eligible for the NC Free Tuition Plan?

Don’t worry! All admitted students are considered for Merit Scholarships, which can be as high as $24,000 per year. And make sure you check to see if you’re eligible for Milepost One, a full-tuition scholarship for families with total income less than $125,000. Combined with your Work Grant and other need-based aid, we’re committed to making Warren Wilson an affordable option.