College & Education in North Carolina

15 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.

15 Resources

1. University of North Carolina System — Paid

17 public universities including UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, NC A&T, UNCG, and more offering affordable in-state tuition for NC residents with extensive financial aid options. In-state tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Degrees span arts, sciences, engineering, business, and professional programs. Call 919-962-1000 or visit northcarolina.edu for system information. Located at UNC System Office, 910 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill. Fathers returning to college can apply for financial aid through FAFSA.

919-962-1000 · UNC System Office, 910 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. NC Community College System — Paid

58 community colleges statewide offering affordable associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and workforce training with many programs under ,500 per year for in-state students. Financial aid including Pell Grants often covers full tuition for eligible students. Programs span healthcare, IT, trades, business, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Call 919-807-7100 or visit nccommunitycolleges.edu. Located at 200 W Jones St, Raleigh. Hours vary by campus. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

919-807-7100 · 200 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; hours vary by campus · Visit Website

3. NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) — Free

Administers state financial aid programs including grants, scholarships, and the NC 529 College Savings Plan. Manages the NC Need-Based Scholarship and Education Lottery Scholarship for eligible NC students. Fathers returning to school should apply through FAFSA and check NCSEAA for state aid availability. Call 919-549-8614 for program questions. Located at PO Box 14103, Research Triangle Park. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. State aid programs have priority deadlines early in the year.

919-549-8614 · PO Box 14103, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. FAFSA / Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid required for all federal and most state financial aid including Pell Grants, work-study, and subsidized student loans. Fathers returning to school should file annually by priority deadlines. The application opens each October for the following academic year. Call 1-800-433-3243 for assistance. Apply at studentaid.gov. Available online 24/7. No cost to apply. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid and can cover full community college tuition for eligible students.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. NC GED / HiSET Testing Programs — Free

Earn your high school equivalency diploma through GED or HiSET testing at NC community colleges. Free prep classes are available statewide through the College and Career Readiness program at all 58 NC community colleges. Fathers without a high school diploma can enroll at no cost. Classes are offered days, evenings, and online. Call 919-807-7100 or contact your nearest community college to enroll. Statewide NCCC campuses. Testing fees are low. Open Mon-Fri during regular campus hours.

919-807-7100 · Statewide NCCC campuses · Varies by location · Visit Website

6. NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services — Free

Helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment through vocational counseling, skills training, education assistance, assistive technology, and job placement services. Fathers with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities can receive individualized support plans. Services are free to eligible individuals. Call 919-855-3500 to inquire and apply. Located at 2801 Mail Service Center, Raleigh. Regional offices throughout NC. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Apply early as waitlists can occur.

919-855-3500 · 2801 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. NC 529 College Savings Plan — Paid

Tax-advantaged savings plan for future education expenses allowing NC residents to deduct contributions on state income taxes. Funds can be used for tuition, room and board, books, fees, and K-12 tuition at eligible schools. Accounts can be opened for any child or future student. Contributions grow tax-free when used for education. Call 1-800-600-3453 or visit nc529.org. Available as an online statewide resource. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm for account support and enrollment questions.

1-800-600-3453 · Online statewide resource · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

8. myFutureNC — Free

Statewide initiative to increase educational attainment with resources for adults returning to school, career pathway planning, and connections to NC colleges and training programs. Fathers can use the myFutureNC tools to explore education options, map career pathways, and find funding. Call 919-809-5232 for guidance. Located at 16 W Martin St, Suite 802, Raleigh. Available online 24/7 at myfuturenc.org. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for advisors. All services are free for NC residents.

919-809-5232 · 16 W Martin St, Suite 802, Raleigh, NC 27601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. NC Works Career Coach Program — Free

Free career coaching available at NC community colleges statewide helping adults explore career paths, enroll in training programs, and build job skills. Coaches assist with resume writing, career assessment, program selection, and financial aid navigation. Available to anyone regardless of enrollment status. Call 1-855-629-6757 or visit ncworks.gov to find a career coach at your nearest community college. Statewide at all NC community colleges. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. All services are free.

1-855-629-6757 · Statewide at NC community colleges · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Wake Technical Community College — Paid

Largest community college in NC offering 200+ programs including workforce training, associate degrees, diplomas, and continuing education in the Raleigh area. Programs span healthcare, IT, business, culinary, and skilled trades. Financial aid and veteran benefits are accepted. Call 919-866-5000 for admissions. Located at 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh with multiple additional campuses. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for admissions inquiries. Online and evening classes available for working fathers.

919-866-5000 · 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Central Piedmont Community College — Paid

Charlotte's community college offering affordable associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and workforce development programs across multiple campuses throughout the Charlotte metro area. Programs include nursing, IT, business, trades, and university transfer pathways. Financial aid and veterans education benefits accepted. Call 704-330-2722 for admissions. Located at 1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Evening and online classes available for working fathers balancing family and education.

704-330-2722 · 1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Guilford Technical Community College — Paid

Community college in the Greensboro area offering over 90 programs in high-demand career fields including healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and business management. Affordable in-state tuition with financial aid, Pell Grants, and veteran benefits accepted. Call 336-334-4822 for admissions. Located at 601 E Main St, Jamestown. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Evening and hybrid courses available for working fathers. Multiple campus locations serving the Greensboro-High Point area.

336-334-4822 · 601 E Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Fayetteville Technical Community College — Paid

Community college serving the Fort Liberty military community and Cumberland County with over 200 degree, diploma, and certificate programs spanning healthcare, IT, trades, business, and public safety. Military tuition assistance and veteran GI Bill benefits are accepted. Call 910-678-8400 for admissions. Located at 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Evening and online classes available for active duty and veteran fathers. Financial aid and scholarships also available.

910-678-8400 · 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Paid

Western NC community college offering career and technical programs, university transfer pathways, and continuing education in the Asheville area. Programs span healthcare, culinary arts, information technology, trades, and business. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and veteran education benefits are accepted. Call 828-398-7900 for admissions. Located at 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Evening and online courses available for working fathers. Flexible scheduling to fit family needs.

828-398-7900 · 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. NC Apprenticeship Program (ApprenticeshipNC) — Free

State program connecting job seekers with registered apprenticeship opportunities combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in high-demand fields such as construction, manufacturing, IT, and healthcare. Apprentices earn wages while learning and receive industry-recognized credentials upon completion. Call 919-814-0357 for program listings. Located at 4 W Edenton St, Raleigh. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Visit apprenticeshipnc.com to browse open apprenticeship opportunities statewide.

919-814-0357 · 4 W Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.