
Paying for college can be a challenge for many families. Thankfully, South Carolina has some amazing scholarship and grant opportunities for SC residents. You are matched up with many of the scholarships and grants when you fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid) paperwork.
FAFSA started taking applications on October 1st and will continue to accept applications through June 15th. Please be aware that money is available on a first come, first served basis, so the sooner you fill out your FAFSA, the better.
Scholarships and Grants available to SC residents:
Students must have a graduation date on or before June 15th of the senior year of high school to qualify for SC scholarships.
(Please note that requirements and amounts can change. Always verify information with The Commission on Higher Education.)
You are matched up through FAFSA or the College:
Life Scholarship – You can get up to $5000.
Requirements:
2-year college – 3.0 SC UGP
4-year college – Earn 2 of the following 3: 3.0 SC UGP, 1100 SAT/ 22 ACT, top 30 percent of graduating class
You can take gap years before starting school. (The college matches you for this scholarship.)
Hope Scholarship – You can get up to $2800 at a 4-year college.
Requirements:
3.0 SC UGP
This scholarship allows gap years before starting school. (The college matches you for this scholarship.)
Lottery Assistance – You can get $100 per credit hour (up to $1200) at a 2-year college.
SC Needs Based Grants – You can get up to $2500 at a public college
Foster Care Youth Grant – up to $2500
College Transition Program– This is for intellectually disabled students seeking college certificates and is available at 5 SC colleges.
SC Tuition Grant – You can get up to $3200 at a private college.
Your association applies on your behalf:
You can get up to $6700. There are 2 application times: May of junior year -April 15th of senior year (Early Award – based on final transcript for junior year) or May 15th of senior year – June 30th of senior year (Late Award – based on final transcript for senior year).
If your association ranks, you can also qualify by scoring at least 1200 SAT/ 25 ACT, 3.50 SC UGP, and rank in the top six percent of the class.
If your association does not rank (TSCHAA), or you do not fall in the top six percent of your class, you must score a 1400 SAT/ 31 Act and have a 4.0 SC UGP.
You can take 1 gap year before starting college.
Other Useful Links:
Academic Common Market – You can get in-state tuition at out of state colleges if SC does not have a major you want to pursue.
Other Financial Aid Opportunities
Merit Scholarships – http://psat.org/scholarships
www.sccango.org – South Carolina Can Go to College!
www.che.sc.gov – Commission on Higher Education
FAFSA – Free Application for Financial Student Aid
As you can see, SC has some wonderful scholarships and grants available for you!