Rooted in Excellence Scholarship
Four Years. Free Tuition. A Guilford Education.
A college education should expand a student’s sense of what is possible — and their capacity to make a difference. Guilford College’s Rooted in Excellence Scholarship reflects our belief that financial circumstances should not close that opportunity to talented students who call North Carolina home. Undergraduate, traditional-aged first-year and transfer students whose families earn $75,000 or less annually qualify for free and full tuition at Guilford for four years starting in January 2027.
REQUIREMENT |
WHAT YOU NEED |
Residency |
North Carolina resident |
Family income |
$75,000 or less |
High school GPA |
3.25+ weighted GPA |
Enrollment |
Traditional first-year undergraduate or transfer |
Housing |
Live on campus |
Renewal GPA |
2.75 cumulative GPA |
Duration |
Up to four years |
Meeting these requirements does not replace the admission or financial-aid application process.
More than affordability. It's access with purpose.
The Rooted in Excellence Scholarship reflects Guilford's belief that a college education should open doors — and that education carries a responsibility to serve others.
Social Mobility
Education can change the trajectory of a student's life and family.
Community
Students learn by living and working alongside people with different experiences and perspectives.
Service
Guilford prepares students to use what they learn to contribute to their communities and the world.
RIE FAQ
It’s simple: Beginning in January 2027, eligible first-year or transfer students can attend Guilford tuition-free. If you’re a North Carolina resident, have a 3.25 or higher weighted high school GPA, and your family’s adjusted gross income (AGI) is $75,000 or less, Guilford will cover 100% of your undergraduate tuition.
No. There’s no separate scholarship application. Apply to Guilford and complete the FAFSA each year, and we’ll determine whether you qualify.
Rooted in Excellence is a last-dollar scholarship. That means we first apply the federal and state grants and other scholarships you’re eligible to receive, including Pell Grants and state financial aid. Guilford then covers the remaining cost of tuition. In other words: If you qualify, your tuition is covered. No loans are required. The scholarship can be renewed for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters) of full-time undergraduate study, as long as you continue to meet the program requirements.
Beginning in January 2027, the program is available to North Carolina residents who are first-time, first-year undergraduate or transfer students and:
Have a weighted high school GPA of 3.25 or higher
Have a family AGI of $75,000 or less
Enroll full time in a traditional undergraduate program
Live on campus
Enroll in a Guilford meal plan
Complete The FAFSA
We combine the federal and state financial aid you’re eligible for — including Pell Grants — with scholarships and grants from Guilford.
Those sources are applied toward your tuition first. Guilford then covers the remaining tuition balance. Because the program depends in part on federal and state financial aid, changes to those programs could affect the Rooted in Excellence Scholarship in the future.
No. Loans are not required and are not included as part of the Rooted in Excellence Scholarship. Families can choose to use loans for other college expenses, such as housing, meals, books or personal expenses, but you won’t need to take out a loan to receive the tuition guarantee. Additional merit and need-based financial aid may be available to help with some of those costs.
A Rooted in Excellence Scholarship covers 100% of undergraduate tuition and mandatory student fees for eligible students. You and your family are responsible for expenses such as housing, meals, books, parking, required course-related expenses and personal costs.
Absolutely. All students are considered for Guilford merit scholarships worth up to $30,000 per year — or up to $120,000 over four years.
Students receiving the Rooted in Excellence Scholarship are required to live on campus and enroll in a meal plan. Living on campus also gives students the opportunity to be more connected to the Guilford community and take full advantage of the College's campus resources, activities and support.
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) can be found on your federal tax return. The FAFSA generally uses tax information from two years before the academic year you’re applying for. For students applying for spring 2027, the FAFSA uses 2024 tax information. For students applying for fall 2027, the FAFSA uses 2025 tax information.
Yes. You must complete the FAFSA each year to qualify for your Rooted in Excellence Scholarship. The FAFSA helps determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid, which is part of how the tuition guarantee works.
Of course! A Rooted in Excellence Scholarship covers tuition for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters) of full-time enrollment, as long as you continue to meet the program requirements, including maintaining at least a 2.75 GPA and are making satisfactory academic progress.
You’ll need to complete the FAFSA each year. If your family’s AGI rises above the program’s income limit, you may no longer qualify for a Rooted in Excellence scholarship. However, you’ll continue to be considered for other Guilford scholarships and financial aid for which you may qualify.
The Rooted in Excellence scholarship is based on your eligibility when you enter the program. A change in family income after enrollment does not make a student newly eligible for the program. You’ll continue to receive your other Guilford scholarships and may be considered for additional financial aid opportunities.
Yes. Outside scholarships and grants can be used toward your educational costs. Because Rooted in Excellence is a last-dollar program, those awards are generally applied first, and Guilford covers the remaining eligible tuition cost.
Our admission and financial aid teams have the answers! Email financialaid@guilford.edu or call 336.316.2354 to speak with a financial aid counselor or 336.316.2100 to speak with an admission counselor.
Unfortunately Rooted in Excellence is limited to first-time and traditional transfer students entering Guilford beginning in January 2027. Returning students can still be considered for the scholarships and financial aid programs available to them.
A Rooted in Excellence Scholarship is available to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you aren’t eligible for this program. However, Guilford offers other scholarships and financial aid opportunities that may be available depending on the program you’re pursuing.
This is a new initiative beginning January 2027 for new or transferring students only. if you have questions regarding Financial Aid, please reach out to Student Financial Services.