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The Carolina Covenant

The Carolina Covenant

Since 2004, the Carolina Covenant — UNC-Chapel Hill’s groundbreaking program for students from low-income families — has supported more than 10,000 scholars, providing an opportunity to graduate debt-free through scholarships, work-study and grants.

Carolina Covenant Quick Facts

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All Carolina students are admitted before ever being assessed for financial need. 

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Approximately 10% of all undergraduates are Carolina Covenant Scholars.

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Approximately 50% of Carolina Covenant Scholars are first-generation college students.

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Dozens of faculty and staff mentors currently support and guide Carolina Covenant Scholars.

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Since 2004, the four-year graduation rate of Carolina Covenant Scholars has increased by more than 40%.

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Nearly 80% of Carolina Covenant alumni have enrolled in graduate school, and more than 30% have completed graduate degrees.

A Stronger Future

Meet a few of the people who are leading and succeeding in strengthening the Carolina Covenant community — from current scholars to alumni and donors.

Carolina student Sonny Griffith ’23 sitting in the library

Following the narrative

Read Sonny’s Story
Carolina alum Ilana Finley ’00 sitting on a stool

‘Carolina gave me so much’

Read Ilana’s Story
Carolina Covenant Scholar Nya Smythe ’24

Cultivating community

Read Nya’s Story

Celebrating milestones

“There are few experiences more gratifying than being part of someone’s developmental journey and witnessing the culmination of their efforts.”

— Candice Powell ’06, ’21 (PhD), director of the Carolina Covenant

Read Director’s Letter
Candice Powell, Director of the Carolina Covenant

Make More Possible

Gifts to the Carolina Covenant support students like Sonny and Nya and initiatives like the Rural Medicine Pathway Program. Make a gift of any size today.

Give to The Covenant

Past Carolina Covenant Impact Reports

2021-2022
Carolina Covenant Impact Report
2020-2021
Carolina Covenant Impact Report
2019-2020
Carolina Covenant Impact Report
2018-2019
Carolina Covenant Impact Report