Under the current guidelines, a student is eligible if they: (1) are enrolled in a North Carolina community college in a curriculum program or an eligible workforce continuing education course leading to an industry-recognized credential; (2) are in good academic standing as defined by their college (the threshold can be no higher than a 2.0 GPA); and (3) can describe an unexpected circumstance in their application. Students may attest to the emergency in their own words without necessarily requiring employer documentation. Out-of-state students and students simultaneously enrolled at more than one college are eligible. Students who already hold a degree and are enrolled in another program are also eligible.

Effective July 1, 2025, the North Carolina Community College System significantly broadened FLG eligibility by eliminating all minimum completion requirements. Previously, students were required to have completed at least 50% (and before that, 25%) of their degree or credential. That threshold no longer applies.

In October 2022, the FLG Program transitioned from the Department of Commerce to the North Carolina Community College System, which is responsible for monitoring, reviewing and providing guidance for the FLG Program at colleges.

The funding source and level for the FLG program have changed significantly since its launch in 2018. Initially funded through federal WIOA discretionary funds, the program moved to Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) federal funds in 2022 alongside the transfer of program administration to the North Carolina Community College System. Beginning with fiscal year 2023–2024, funding transitioned to state-appropriated general funds. For the 2025–2027 fiscal biennium, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1,500,000 in recurring state general funds per year for the FLG program. The State Board of Community Colleges distributes allocations to all 58 community colleges with a base award of $20,000 per institution, plus additional funding based on each college’s curriculum student full-time equivalency. Current eligibility requirements, allowable uses, and allocation details are maintained in the NCCCS July 2025 Finish Line Grants FAQ (below).

Effective July 1, 2025, the maximum FLG award is $1,000 per semester (fall, spring, or summer), with a maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year. This is a reduction from the previous higher maximum allowance. Students may apply in multiple semesters provided the annual cap has not been reached, and applications are processed within three business days of a complete submission. For historical context, from the program’s launch in July 2018 through June 2022—before the program expanded to state funding—8,753 students received $4.8 million in FLG awards, averaging approximately $548 per student. Aggregate disbursement data under state general fund administration has not been published at the system level; colleges track this data locally for reporting purposes.

Consistent with the July 2025 FAQ, FLGs can be used for a broad range of unanticipated hardships that threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled, including housing (current rent or, with a pre-approval code, past-due balances), utilities, medical and dental needs, dependent care or childcare tied to clinicals, labs, or instruction, transportation and car repairs, internet service needed for coursework, and licensure or certification exam fees. Tuition, fees, and books are not themselves considered emergencies, but a Finish Line Grant may be applied toward them with a pre-approval code from the NCCCS FLG Supervisor when an unanticipated hardship has impeded a student’s ability to pay. Typically, the hardship should have occurred within the 30–45 days preceding the application.

While there is guidance for recommended practices that institutions should utilize for FLG application processes, there is no singular approach to applications—each institution has discretion to determine its strategy. Because the program is now state-funded, an older requirement that FLG applicants also enroll in a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program through a local workforce development board or NCWorks Career Center no longer applies. Under the July 2025 guidance, each college establishes a standardized review process, and decisions are made in the best interest of the student. Students typically apply through their college’s financial aid office and must describe the unanticipated hardship in their application; they may attest to the emergency in their own words without third-party documentation. Other financial aid and grants are not considered in determining FLG eligibility, and grants should be issued within three business days of a complete submission.

Recommended application templates ask for basic student information (name, address, contact details), a description of the emergency assistance requested, including a category selection and written explanation of the unexpected circumstance, and—where required by the college—supporting documentation. Applications should be processed within three business days of a complete submission.

Guidance and FAQs documents for the FLG program make clear that there may be reporting requirements for institutions relating to student success and completion data that is not available at the system office.