Overview of South Carolina Scholarships & Grants

South Carolina offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in South Carolina more affordable.

Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE scholarships are South Carolina’s big three merit awards.

How to Get a Grant for College in South Carolina?

To secure a college grant in South Carolina, follow these steps:

Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most federal and state grants.
Apply for State-Specific Grants: South Carolina offers several grants, such as the South Carolina Need-Based Grant and the South Carolina Tuition Grant.
Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet residency, financial need, and enrollment criteria for each grant program.

Students should contact their college’s financial aid office or visit the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education website for more information.

What Is the South Carolina Need-Based Grant?

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant is designed to assist low-income undergraduate students attending eligible public colleges in South Carolina. Eligibility requirements include:

Being a South Carolina resident.
Enrolling at least half-time at an eligible public college or university.
Demonstrating financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Students can receive up to $2,500 per year, with awards varying based on financial need and available funding.

What Is the South Carolina Tuition Grant?

The South Carolina Tuition Grant is available to South Carolina residents attending eligible private colleges or universities in the state. To qualify, students must:

Be South Carolina residents.
Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Enroll full-time at an eligible private institution.

The grant provides up to $4,500 annually to help offset tuition costs.

Does South Carolina Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, South Carolina offers several full-ride scholarships. These include:

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: Provides up to $6,700 for the first year and up to $7,500 for subsequent years for high-achieving students.
LIFE Scholarship: Covers up to the cost of tuition for in-state students who meet GPA and test score requirements.

Full-ride scholarships are highly competitive and require strong academic performance.

What Is the LIFE Scholarship?

The LIFE (Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence) Scholarship is a merit-based award for South Carolina residents. Eligibility requirements include:

Graduating high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Scoring at least 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT (or meeting alternative criteria).
Enrolling full-time at an eligible South Carolina institution.

Students attending a four-year institution can receive up to $5,000 annually, while those at two-year colleges can receive up to the cost of tuition.

Scholarships in South Carolina for High School Seniors

High school seniors in South Carolina can apply for:

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: For students with exceptional academic achievement.
LIFE Scholarship: Merit-based award for students meeting GPA and test score requirements.
South Carolina HOPE Scholarship: Provides $2,800 for first-year students attending in-state four-year colleges.

Students should work closely with their school counselors to explore additional opportunities.

Scholarships in South Carolina for Adults

Adults returning to college in South Carolina can benefit from:

Lottery Tuition Assistance Program: Covers a portion of tuition costs at technical colleges for qualifying students.
South Carolina Workforce Scholarships: Supports adults pursuing training in high-demand fields.

These programs help non-traditional students achieve their educational and career goals.

University of South Carolina Scholarships

The University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers various scholarships, including:

Gamecock Guarantee: Covers the cost of tuition and fees for low-income South Carolina residents.
Carolina Scholars Program: A competitive merit-based scholarship for high-achieving students.
Departmental Scholarships: Awards specific to certain academic majors.

Visit UofSC’s financial aid website for more details on eligibility and application deadlines.

Clemson University Scholarships

Clemson University offers scholarships such as:

Clemson Scholars Program: For high-achieving South Carolina residents.
National Scholars Program: A prestigious merit-based scholarship covering tuition, fees, and additional expenses.
Freshman Academic Scholarships: Based on academic performance and standardized test scores.

Students are encouraged to apply early and visit Clemson’s financial aid office for further guidance.

South Carolina Grants for College

South Carolina provides several grants to help students pay for college, including:

South Carolina Need-Based Grant: For low-income students attending public colleges.
South Carolina Tuition Grant: For students attending eligible private colleges in the state.
Lottery Tuition Assistance Program: Covers tuition at technical colleges for eligible students.

These grants ensure higher education is accessible and affordable for South Carolina residents.

How to Apply for South Carolina Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in South Carolina:

Complete the FAFSA: This is the first step for most state and federal aid programs.
Research State Programs: Explore opportunities like the LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and Need-Based Grant.
Contact Your College: Reach out to your school’s financial aid office for additional institutional scholarships and grants.

Early application and meeting deadlines are essential for maximizing your funding opportunities.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025 Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.