North Carolina Sheriff's Association Criminal Justice Scholarship

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) created the Criminal Justice Scholarship Program to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who are studying in the criminal justice field and express an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The NCSA sponsors this scholarship program. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) administers the scholarship to the students within The University of North Carolina System. The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) administers the scholarship to the students attending private, non-profit colleges in North Carolina. Each Criminal Justice Scholarship is valued at $2,000 per year, $1,000 for the Fall semester and $1,000 for the Spring semester. Scholarship funds not used due to student withdrawal, or dismissal, must be refunded to the NCSA by the university.

Current Applicant Prerequisites – Applicants must be a North Carolina resident enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours in an undergraduate degree granting criminal justice program at one of the institutions of The University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Applicants must express an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement and must be recommended by their local sheriff. Selection of recipients is based on the following priorities:

Priority 1 – – a child or step-child of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff

Priority 2 – – a child or step-child of any North Carolina law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty

Priority 3 – – a child or step-child of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who is deceased or retired (regular or disability)

Priority 4 – – an academically eligible North Carolina criminal justice student with demonstrated financial need (these applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA)