Federal and State Aid

Federal Programs

Students with demonstrated financial need based on the Expected Family Contribution calculated from information provided on the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)– up to $1,000

Available to undergraduate students seeking their first undergraduate degree with demonstrated financial need. Funds are limited. Apply early.

TEACH Grant– up to $4,000

Awarded to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income elementary or secondary school. More info>>

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South Carolina Programs

LIFE Scholarship –up to $7,500

Awarded to South Carolina residents who meet two of the following three requirements: 1) 1100 SAT or 24 ACT, 2) 3.0 GPA, or 3) rank in top 30 percent of graduating class. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn an average 30 hours per academic year in order to remain eligible.

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program – up to $10,000

Eligible students must have a 1200 SAT/27 ACT and a 3.5 GPA and be in the top 6 percent of class, or 1400 SAT/32 ACT and 4.0 GPA in order to be considered. Students can apply through their high school guidance office. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn 30 hours per academic year in order to remain eligible.

HOPE Scholarship – up to $2,800

Awarded for the first year of attendance to South Carolina residents with a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.

South Carolina Tuition Grant – up to $2,600

Available to South Carolina residents who are incoming freshmen with a 2.0 high school GPA, 900 SAT or are in the top 75 percent of their graduating class. Students must make satisfactory academic progress to qualify for continuing grants. Students must submit the FAFSA by June 30.

SC Teachers Loan – up to $2,500

Awarded to South Carolina residents majoring in education to become teachers. The loan may be forgiven if the applicant teaches in a South Carolina public school in a critical subject or critical geographic area. Applications should be completed by April 1.

Enhanced LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and Hope Scholarship

On June 29, 2007, the South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that enhances the value of LIFE and Palmetto Fellows awards for students majoring in math and science disciplines. Also, the maximum award for the Hope Scholarship has been increased. These changes are effective beginning in the fall of 2007. Note the text in red for the most recent changes. Basic eligibility requirements for the enhanced awards are:

On May 22nd, 2008, H.4408 became law.  As of this date, the “minimum 6 hours of math and 6 hours of science to include one lab” has been rescinded. As a result, to gain eligibility for the enhanced award, the appropriate recipient must have earned a minimum of 14 hours of science and/or math prior to their sophomore year. AP/IB credits and dual enrollment courses (college credit courses taken while still in high school) can satisfy the 14 hour rule.

Palmetto Fellows – in addition to the base Palmetto Fellows:

Recipients with 30 hours, and who, as a freshman, earned 14 hours of math and/or science, and who are math and science majors may receive an additional amount of up to $3,300 for a maximum of $10,000. Palmetto Fellows with 30 hours, but who do not meet the conditions above, may receive an additional amount of up to $800 for a maximum of $7,500. Entering freshmen, regardless of major, may receive a maximum of $6,700. (See the list of courses meeting the "14 hour" rule)
LIFE Scholarship– in addition to the LIFE Scholarship:

Recipients with 30 hours, and who, as a freshman, earned 14 hours of math and/or science, and who are math and science majors may receive an additional amount of up to $2,500 for a maximum of $7,500. Entering freshmen, regardless of major, and upperclassmen who do not meet the above conditions, may receive a maximum award of $5,000. (See the list of courses meeting the "14 hour" rule)

Click here to view the list of courses that meet the math/science requirement.

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Self-Help Programs

Federal Stafford Loan – up to $5,500

Students may qualify to borrow up to $5,500 per year at 3.4% or 6.8% fixed interest. Repayment begins six months after termination of enrollment. 

Federal Perkins Loan (NDSL) – up to $20,000 total

Eligible students may borrow up to $4,000 per year. Repayment begins nine months after termination of enrollment. Funds are awarded based on availability, time of application, and financial need.

Parent PLUS Loan – up to full cost

Parents of eligible students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance at 7.9% fixed interest.

Work-Study Program – Amount Varies

Federal and Non-Federal Work-Study and regular work programs are designed for students with financial need. Available with minimum wage as the base rate.

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