Funding for programs is contingent on state approval. These guidelines may not be inclusive of all eligibility criteria and are subject to change.
S.C. Tuition Grant Program (SCTG)
This program is a need-based grant program for S.C. residents who attend one of the 21 in-state private colleges or universities on a full-time basis. To qualify, the student must meet the academic criteria of the program: rank in the upper 75% of the high school class, score 900 on the SAT (19 on the ACT) or graduate from a S.C. high school with a minimum 2.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale.
The student must also show need as determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For continued eligibility, a student must meet the federal satisfactory academic progress policy and earn at least 24 credit hours during the previous academic year. The deadline for applying is June 30th for the following academic year.
S.C. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (Palmetto Fellow)
This scholarship is awarded by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to academically outstanding South Carolina students who attend an in-state college or university full-time. Need is not a factor; however, the student must meet the academic criteria of the program and apply by the deadline dates (usually December 15th and June 15th) of the student's senior year. Additional information and applications are available through the high school guidance office or at www.che.sc.gov.
S.C. LIFE Scholarship (LIFE)
This scholarship is available to South Carolina students who attend an in-state college or university full- time. Students must meet two of three criteria:
(1) score a minimum of 1100 on the SAT (24 ACT), (2) have a minimum 3.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale or (3) rank in the top 30% of their high school graduating class. The student’s final, official high school transcript must reflect a calculation date that falls between graduation and June 15th. For additional information visit www.che.sc.gov.
S.C. HOPE Scholarship (HOPE)
This scholarship is available to South Carolina students who do not meet the criteria for the LIFE Scholarship but who graduate from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale. The HOPE Scholarship is awarded for the freshman year only, and the student must attend full-time. For additional information visit www.che.sc.gov.
S.C. Teachers Loan Program (SCTL)
This loan is available to South Carolina students who plan to teach in the public sector in South Carolina upon graduation from college. Students must meet the academic criteria of the program, and financial need is not a factor. For additional information visit www.scstudentloan.org.