Study shows NC's community college financial aid lacking

RALEIGH -- A new report is suggesting North Carolina revamp its financial aid program for community colleges, saying it isn't designed for a typical community college student.

The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research will release a report Thursday that criticizes the grant and financial aid programs that serve the state's 58 community colleges.

The group says state lawmakers should increase the Community College Grant from $900 to $1,250 annually to cover the average costs of in-state tuition and fees.

The report also suggests the State Education Assistance Authority help community colleges better participate in federal student loan programs.

To help parents, the report suggests increasing funding for the Child Care Grant program, which helps students enrolled in curriculum programs afford child care services.

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