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.

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:

• a child or step-child of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
• a child or step-child of any North Carolina law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
• a child or step-child of a North Carolina Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff who is deceased or retired (regular or disability)
• 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)

Value of Scholarship 

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.

Application Process and Procedure

One nominee for the scholarship is chosen each year by the financial aid office at each eligible college or university, subject to approval by the NCSEAA or NCICU, and subject to continued funding by the Association. Applications must be approved and signed by the financial aid official at the college or university.  The Financial Aid Official will mail the chosen application(s) to either NCSEAA (Post Office Box 41046, Raleigh, NC 27604) or NCICU (530 North Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604).

2026-2027 NCSA Annual Scholarship Awards:

• Jaymie Helms | Appalachian State University
• Sylas Scruggs | Brevard College
• Claire Williams | East Carolina University
• Christian Khoury | Lees-McRae College
• Luke Cecil | Methodist University
• Ayanna Barnes | North Carolina A&T State University
• Madison McNeil | North Carolina Central University
• Hailey Martin | North Carolina State University
• Samantha Hughson | North Carolina Wesleyan University
• Kelsey Handy | University of Mount Olive
• Annamaria Colon | University of North Carolina – Charlotte
• Lejada Romero | University of North Carolina – Pembroke
• Briahna Ribble | University of North Carolina – Wilmington
• Janet Freshour | Western Carolina University
• Tatiana Terry | William Peace University