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The Carolina Covenant

Since 2004, the Carolina Covenant — UNC-Chapel Hill’s groundbreaking program for students from low-income families — has supported more than 11,000 scholars, providing an opportunity to graduate debt-free through scholarships, work-study and grants.

Candice Powell, Director of the Carolina Covenant

‘The Covenant’s Great Future’

“This past year demonstrated a great return on your continued investments and our renewed focus on career development.”

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

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 Carolina Covenant Scholars who are making a difference on campus and beyond.

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“The Carolina Covenant is the sole reason I am at Carolina today. I am grateful everyday for the program that welcomed me to the Carolina community.”

— LILLIAN HARBISON ’26, Advertising and Public Relations Major

A Passion for Math Leads to a New Path

Aspiring Nurse Embraces Community

“I’ve always had this desire to help someone if they were in need. That’s why I want to go into dental hygiene and help people be more confident in their smiles.”

— SHAYLA WOODS ’27, Dental Hygiene Major

“I am the first of my siblings to go to college, so I cannot say thank you enough. Thank you on behalf of all who received this blessing.”

— ZACHARY MOORE ’26, History and Political Science Major

Thank You!

Because of your support, more than 11,000 students have had the opportunity to graduate without debt from UNC-Chapel Hill over the Carolina Covenant’s 20-year history. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to bringing access and excellence together at Carolina. 

We look forward to sharing more about the growth of the program since its inception as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Carolina Covenant throughout 2024-25. In the meantime, explore more stories of impact featuring Covenant Scholars and alumni, donors and mentors.