The NC Opportunity Scholarship

Income caps have been removed. Every K-12 student in North Carolina is now eligible for up to $7,686 in tuition assistance.

Start Your Application

How Much Will My Scholarship Cover?

Step 1. Create Your Account

Visit the NCSEAA MyPortal to create your parent account. This account creation step should take approximately 5 minutes.

Go to MyPortal

If you need assistance during this step, please click on the link below on specific instructions.

MyPortal Account Setup Instructions

Step 2. Submit the Application

  • Complete the application for the 2025-26 school year.

  • There is no fee to apply.

  • The 2025-26 new student application currently remains OPEN. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) will continue to make awards each month in the order applications are received. New applications may be submitted from October 1 through December 31, 2025, for a scholarship award to start with the spring 2026 semester. 

Step 3. Select Cornerstone Christian Academy

Once awarded, you will select Cornerstone as your school of choice. We are a ‘Direct Payment School’, which means the funds come straight to us to lower your tuition cost.

Find Your Estimated Tier

If your Household Income is...

Less than $57,720

Less than $115,440

Less than $259,740

$259,741+

Your Estimated Award

Tier 1 ($7,686)

Tier 2 ($6,918)

Tier 3 ($4,612)

Tier 4 ($3,458)

Support for Unique Learning Needs: 

Redefine what's possible for your student with the ESA+ Grant

At Cornerstone, we believe in an inclusive, Christ-centered education that allows every student to reach their fullest potential. For families utilizing our STAR Program (Strategy, Tutoring, Assistance, Remediation), the North Carolina ESA+ Grant can provide significant financial support to ensure your child receives the individualized care they deserve.

What is the ESA+ Grant? The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program provides $9,000 to $17,000 annually for students with documented learning differences or disabilities. These funds are designed to cover tuition, specialized therapies, and educational technology.

Can I Combine This with the Opportunity Scholarship? Yes. Families can 'stack' the ESA+ Grant with the Opportunity Scholarship. Together, these programs can cover a substantial portion—often all—of the tuition and STAR Program fees, empowering students to overcome challenges while building confidence and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit NCSEAA’s webpage here for more information on the Opportunity Scholarship.

  • The Opportunity Scholarship is a program that helps pay a portion of independent school expenses. The purpose of this program is to increase a family's choices when selecting a school for their K-12 student by providing funds to pay a part of an independent school's tuition. Awards are determined by the NCSEAA.

  • Eligible students must be NC residents and be in a grade between K and 12 for the 2025-26 school year. An application must be completed with the NCSEAA. There is no longer an income cap to qualify. However, priority consideration for funding will be decided by household income.

  • You may create your MyPortal account anytime.

    The Opportunity Scholarship application for the 2025-26 school year is still open!

  • Click here to apply through NCSEAA

  • No. The "prior public school" requirement has been removed. Current private school students and homeschoolers are now eligible.

  • No. While lower-income families receive higher award amounts, every eligible NC student qualifies for at least Tier 4 funding ($3,458).

  • You will endorse the scholarship check at the school, and we will credit your account. You are only responsible for the remaining difference.