North Carolina’s forgivable loan program for future teachers will accept applications until Jan. 31, 2026.
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, reinstated by the state legislature in 2018, offers up to $10,000 in forgivable yearly loans to cover tuition, books, and fees while fellows complete approved teacher preparation programs at participating universities. Those loans are fully forgiven once recipients meet service requirements in North Carolina public schools – one year of teaching for each year the award was received.
Once approved and admitted to the program, students also become part of a statewide network offering mentorship and professional development, a support system that remains once they graduate and move into a teaching career.
Participating universities include:
- Appalachian State University
- East Carolina University
- Elon University
- Fayetteville State University
- Meredith College
- North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
- NC State University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina Pembroke
Today, the program serves 932 students, up from 575 the previous year. And NCTF so far has produced 324 graduates who are currently teaching in North Carolina public schools. Seventy-eight of those fellows teach at low-performing schools in districts across the state.
Program leaders aim to reach 1,000 applicants annually, increasing geographic and demographic reach among students who are interested in teaching within eligible fields. Those subjects include agriculture education, elementary education, special education, science, technology, engineering and math.
Eligible applicants include North Carolina high school seniors, college transfer students, students currently enrolled at participating universities and post-bachelor students seeking a teaching license. Applications can be submitted online by Jan. 31, 2026. Final decisions are expected in late March.
Learn more about how to apply at ncteachingfellows.org.