College Foundation of North Carolina

Helping You Plan, Apply, and Pay for College

• My CFNC
• My CFNC
• Career Center
• Student Planner
• College Fair
• Online Applications
• Online Applications
• Paying for College
• Paying for College
• College Savings Program
• College Savings Program

• Log into myCFNC
• Create My CFNC

• Contact CFNC
• About CFNC

• Adult Learner Home
• High School Completer
• First-Time College Student
• Transfer Student
• Financial Aid Options

• CFNC Home

First-Time College Student

Colleges and universities recognize that adult students bring with them a wealth of knowledge that they have gained from life experience. Some schools may exempt adult students from requirements that apply to students straight out of high school. There may be unique scholarship opportunities available to the adult student, or special housing arrangements such as married student housing. In addition, many schools have services or organizations designed to specifically support the adult student. Contact the schools you are interested in to see if they have an adult services office on campus to assist the nontraditional student.

Not sure which school you're interested in? Visit our College Fair­ section to explore over 100 North Carolina colleges and universities and find the schools that best match your interests and your needs. You may be interested in earning an undergraduate degree, or perhaps you want to gain specific skills to increase your employment opportunities.

Whether you are looking to attend a two-year or four-year college, the investment you make in your education will benefit you in many ways throughout your career. The cost of a college education may seem daunting, but there is help available. Visit our Paying for College section to learn more about how to finance the best investment you'll ever make.

Perhaps you're interested in changing careers, but are not quite sure what it is you want to do. You can explore a wide range of career possibilities and research the fastest-growing careers by visiting our Career Center.

Adult students are seeking higher education in growing numbers to become more competitive in today's global economy. Many colleges and universities are developing new options and programs to fit the needs of adult students. Contact an admissions officer at the school of your choice to discuss special services and programs that may exist for adults seeking to attend college.

Learn about the Minimum Course Requirements­ for entrance to North Carolina colleges and universities.