North Carolina State Education Assistance Office provides additional funding to college students affected by Hurricane Helen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — UNC System officials are focused on helping college campuses in western North Carolina and ensuring students can finish the semester after Hurricane Helen.

The North Carolina State Office of Educational Assistance provides additional financial aid to eligible students. This includes students from Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Western Carolina University, as well as representatives from affected districts at other UNC institutions.

“Helen has already done enough damage,” said UNC System President Peter Hance. “We cannot allow this tragic storm to undermine the progress our students have made.”

More than 100,000 homes and 6,000 miles of roads were damaged by the storm. At least 96 people have died in the state.

North Carolina resident students with family incomes below $80,000 will receive an average of $850 in additional scholarships, according to a news release. Financial aid recipients at affected community colleges are also eligible for a one-time increase in funding.

These students already receive the Next NC Scholarship, a program that combines federal and state dollars to help families pay for college. Additional funds will be added for 2024-25

“Many students had to evacuate, make an extra trip home or cover other storm-related expenses,” said Andrea Poole, NCSEAA executive director. “This additional funding should help students stay on track as they navigate the aftermath of Helen and continue to work toward graduation.”

More than 20,000 students are expected to benefit from more than $19 million awarded last week by the North Carolina General Assembly to universities and colleges. That includes nearly 12,000 students in the UNC system.

The Legislature also appropriated $5.5 million in tuition for UNC Asheville students for the spring semester. Another $5 million in emergency grants was also awarded to students in the UNC system.