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 application 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:
(Please note that requirements and amounts can change. Always verify information with The Commission on Higher Education.)
**Students must have a graduation date on or before June 15th to qualify for SC scholarships. **
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/ 24 ACT, top 30 percent of graduating class
You can take a gap year 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 a gap year 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:
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
You can get up to $6700. There are 2 application times: Mid-October - December 15th (Early Award) or Mid-April - June 15th (Late Award).
If your association ranks, you can also qualify by scoring at least 1200 SAT/ 27 ACT , 3.50 SC UGP, and rank in the top six percent of the class.
If your association does not rank or you do not fall in the top six percent of your class, you must score a 1400 SAT/ 32 Act and have a 4.0 SC UGP.
You must start school the fall after graduating; you cannot take a gap year.
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 are wanting to pursue.
Other Financial Aid Opportunities
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!
Happy Homeschooling!
Lara T Caldwell, TSCHAA Director
