State Scholarship Information
The state of South Carolina offers the following scholarships for students entering two and four year colleges:
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Life Scholarship
Hope Scholarship
Lottery Tuition Scholarship
Need-Based Grant
General Eligibility Criteria for ALL State Scholarships
- Be a South Carolina resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card)
- Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an eligible South Carolina public or private institution
- Certify that he/she has never been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year (excluding Lottery Tuition Assistance Program-LTAP)
- Verify that he/she does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State financial aid and not be in default on any Federal loans
Award Amounts
- Cannot exceed the cost-of-attendance (excluding LTAP, which can only be used toward the cost-of-tuition); and half awarded during the fall and half awarded during the spring (LTAP may be awarded during the summer)
- Generally can receive funds from only one program during an academic year
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Available for attendance at four-year institutions in South Carolina
Maximum Award
- $6,700 during Freshman year
- $7,500 per year for Sophomore through Senior year
Must apply during Senior year of high school
Deadline for early award is December 15
Early Awards: Student meets the initial eligibility criteria by the end of their junior year
Deadline for late award is June 15
Late Awards: Student meets the initial eligibility criteria by the end of their senior year
Initial Eligibility Criteria
- Top 6% of class at the end of Sophomore, Junior or Senior year
- 1200 or higher SAT (math and critical reading), 27 or higher ACT, and
- 3.5 cumulative GPA on Uniform Grading Scale
OR
- 1400 or higher SAT (math and critical reading), 32 or higher ACT, and
- 4.00 cumulative GPA on Uniform Grading Scale
Continued Eligibility Criteria
- 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year
LIFE Scholarship
Available for attendance at two or four year institutions in South Carolina
Maximum Award (at a four-year institution)
Maximum Award (at a two-year or technical institution)
- Up to cost of tuition plus $300 book allowance
Initial Eligibility Criteria at a four-year school (any two of these three must be met)
- 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA on Uniform Grading Scale
- Top 30% of high school class
- 1100 or higher SAT (math and critical reading), OR 24 or higher ACT
Initial Eligibility Criteria at a two-year school
- 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA on Uniform Grading Scale
Continued Eligibility Criteria
- 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year
Can earn the LIFE Scholarship while in college
- 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year
Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship Enhancements
Maximum Award
- $2,500 per year beginning Sophomore year
Eligibility Criteria
- Declare a major in Mathematics or Science
- Have earned at least 14 credit hours of math or science courses during the Freshman year (including AP courses taken during high school)
A complete list of eligible majors and courses can be found on the SC Commission on Higher Education's website,
www.che.sc.gov
HOPE Scholarship
Available for Freshman year ONLY at four year institutions in South Carolina
Maximum Award
- Up to $2,800 towards the cost of attendance
Eligibility Requirements
- 3.0 GPA at time of high school graduation
Need-Based Grant
Maximum Award
- Up to $2,500 annually if enrolled full-time and up to $1,250 annually if enrolled part-time for a maximum of eight full-time equivalent terms
- College determines exact award amount
Eligibility Criteria
- Must file FAFSA form (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Must be needy based on the results of the FAFSA (consistent with Pell Grant eligibility)
Tuition Grant
Need-Based Grant Program available to eligible South Carolina residents attending SC Independent colleges on a full-time basis
Freshman Academic Eligibility Criteria
- Top 75% of senior class, OR
- SAT score of 900 or high (math and critical reading), OR ACT score of 19 or higher OR
- Final high school GPA of 2.0 or higher on Uniform Grading Scale
- Student must file FAFSA annually
- Annual Application Deadline is June 30
Maximum Award
Tentative Award notifications will be done via e-mail
