The State of South Carolina offers various scholarship and grant programs. The financial aid opportunities are administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Below, we offer a list of these scholarship and grant programs along with links.
The prizes are designed to help college students access higher education. Students must be residents of South Carolina and meet other eligibility requirements based on financial need or merit. Another common condition of state-funded financial aid is the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. However, it’s also used by states to determine your level of financial need.
Whether you’re a high school senior or an undergraduate student, it makes sense to apply for many scholarships. Scholarships help with the cost of college or university and can help you graduate debt-free. Having a track record of scholarship and grant wins can also expand your future career opportunities. With that being said, let’s get to the prizes.
South Carolina Scholarship Programs
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program recognizing the most academically talented high school seniors and encouraging these students to attend college in the state. Palmetto Fellows may receive up to $6,700 their freshman year and up to $7,500 for their sophomore, junior and senior years.
Additionally, students who major in mathematics and science may qualify for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement.
For enhancement eligibility, Palmetto Fellows must declare a major in an approved math or science program and must also successfully complete at least 14 credit hours of instruction in mathematics or life and physical science or a combination of both by the end of the first academic year. Eligible students may receive up to $10,000(combined funds from the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the Scholarship Enhancement) per year beginning with their second/sophomore year of college enrollment.
It’s important to know that only school counselors can submit applications for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships. However, you may want to visit your guidance counselor to ask about how you may be the chosen candidate.
Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent college and university in South Carolina.
The LIFE Scholarship may be used towards the cost of attendance for up to eight terms based on the student’s initial college enrollment date. Students must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate’s degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree.
SC HOPE Scholarship Program
The SC HOPE Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship created for students attending a four-year institution who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded during the freshman year of attendance only.
Students attending a four-year college will receive up to $2,800 including a $300 book allowance.
SC•WINS Scholarship
The SC•WINS Scholarship is a statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages in South Carolina. The Scholarship supplements Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTAP) to help cover any tuition and mandatory fees left after applying all other scholarships or grants. All credit-seeking students must maintain a 2.0 GPA each academic year.
Recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year after applying all other scholarships or grants. The scholarship may cover the cost of tuition, fees, and course-related expenses.
South Carolina Grant Programs
South Carolina Need-Based Grant
The South Carolina Need-Based Grant provides additional aid to South Carolina’s students with the greatest financial need. A student may receive up to $3,500 annually if enrolled full-time or up to $1,750 annually if enrolled part-time as a degree-seeking student at an eligible public institution.
To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid office on each eligible state public college campus administers the South Carolina Need-Based Grant program, determines the students’ eligibility to receive grant funding, and the exact amount.
South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program
The South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program provides a supplemental resource to South Carolina residents at two-year public or independent institutions.
For the current academic year (fall, spring, and summer terms), eligible students may receive $85 per credit hour to be used toward the cost-of-tuition. In calculating the amount a student is eligible to receive in Lottery Tuition Assistance, all federal grants and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant must be awarded first. The institution at which the student is enrolled will notify each student of the exact award amount.
Eligible institutions include: all technical colleges, University of South Carolina (USC-Lancaster, USC- Salkehatchie, USC-Sumter, USC- Union), and Spartanburg Methodist College.
South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)
The South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP) offers financial assistance to members of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard by providing incentives for enlisting or remaining for a specified time in either the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard (SCNG).
SCNG CAP recipients may receive up to a maximum of $4,500 for the Army National Guard and up to a maximum of $9,000 for the Air National Guard per academic year. The cumulative total of all College Assistance Program benefits received may not exceed $18,000.
Find More Scholarships and Grants for South Carolina College Students
The above list of scholarships for South Carolina residents offer only a few prizes from a much larger pool. In addition to financial aid offered by the State of South Carolina, there are also many private scholarships that you may qualify for. Charities, religious organizations, corporations, not-for-profits, and other institutions offer scholarship awards to help students pay for college education. To help connect you with these opportunities, you can use our free scholarship finder.
If you’re a South Carolina high school student, you may also want to check with your guidance counselor about financial aid. On the other hand, if you’re already attending college, check with your institution’s financial aid office. Both of these resources can connect you with lesser-known local scholarships where competition will be less fierce.
In short, it makes a lot of sense to apply for scholarships. Winning money for school can help you graduate with fewer student loans and can help your student profile stand out for future career opportunities. Don’t wait another moment! Get started as soon as possible!
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