Federal Programs
Pell Grant – up to $6,895
Students with demonstrated financial need based on the Expected Family Contribution calculated from information provided on the FAFSA. Students may receive Pell Grants for up to 12 semesters.
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 $3,772
Awarded to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income elementary or secondary school. Find out more about the TEACH Grant.
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 22 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. Also learn about the Enhanced LIFE Scholarship.
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program – up to $10,000
Eligible students must have a 1200 SAT/25 ACT and a 3.5 GPA and be in the top 6 percent of class, or 1400 SAT/31 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. Also learn about the Enhanced Palmetto Fellow scholarship.
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 $4,500
Available to South Carolina residents who are incoming freshmen with a 2.7 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 – $2,500 to $7,500
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.
Self-Help Programs
Review President Biden’s Announcement on Student Loan Relief Here
Federal Stafford Loan – $5,500 to $12,500 (depends on grade level)
Students may qualify to borrow up to $12,500 per year (depends on grade level) at a variable interest rate, currently at 2.75% for 2020-2021 loans and 3.73% for 2021-2022 loans. Repayment begins six months after termination of enrollment.
Loan statistics:
- Institutional Cohort Default Rate = 7.1% (as of the 09/2021 US DOC release, which is based on 2018’s cohort)
- National Cohort Default Rate = 7.3% (as of the 09/2021 US DOC release, which is based on 2018’s cohort)
- % of SWU on-campus students who borrow = 70.2%
- SWU on-campus student average indebtedness = $15,112 (as of the May 2021 graduating class)
- National Average Indebtedness = $37,105 (as of 06/30/21)
Parent LoanS – up to full cost
FEDERAL PLUS LOAN - Parents of eligible dependent students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance from the US Department of Education at a variable interest rate, currently at 5.30% for 2020-2021 loans and 6.28% for 2021-2022 loans.
Note: Per federal regulations, you must be the biological or adoptive parent, or the spouse of the parent whose income is reported on the FAFSA to be eligible for a Parent PLUS loan.
PRIVATE PARENT LOAN – Parents (and friends and other family) of eligible students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance from various lenders at a variable interest rate. Contact your financial aid counselor for more information on lenders who offer these loans.
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.