Top 9 South Carolina Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

South Carolina Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

How to Get a Grant for College in South Carolina?

Earning a college grant in South Carolina begins with completing the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for most state and federal aid programs. Once that step is complete, students can explore South Carolina–specific grants such as the South Carolina Need-Based Grant and the South Carolina Tuition Grant, both of which help lower tuition costs for eligible residents. These programs often prioritize students with financial need or those attending particular types of institutions. Students should also research grants offered by individual colleges, technical schools, and community organizations throughout the state. Speaking with a college financial aid advisor or reviewing information from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education can help students identify every available funding opportunity.

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for South Carolina and federal grants.
• Apply for programs such as the South Carolina Need-Based Grant and Tuition Grant.
• Verify residency, financial need, and academic requirements.
• Contact your college’s financial aid office for additional grant options.
• Explore private foundation and community-based grants.

What Is the South Carolina Need-Based Grant?

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant helps low-income students attend eligible public colleges and universities in the state. The program provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate need through the FAFSA and who enroll at least half-time. Funding can be used toward tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses. To renew the award each year, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by their institution. This grant serves as one of South Carolina’s most important tools for helping economically disadvantaged students access higher education.

• Must be a South Carolina resident.
• Requires at least half-time enrollment in an eligible public institution.
• Determined by financial need based on FAFSA results.
• Annual awards can be up to 2,500 dollars depending on funding.
• Requires ongoing satisfactory academic progress.

What Is the South Carolina Tuition Grant?

The South Carolina Tuition Grant supports students attending eligible private colleges and universities within the state. The program helps make private higher education more affordable by providing need-based funding determined through the FAFSA. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress, enroll full-time, and meet residency requirements. Award amounts can vary, but the Tuition Grant offers a significant financial boost for families seeking private institutional options.

• Must be a South Carolina resident.
• Requires demonstrated financial need.
• Full-time enrollment at an eligible private college.
• Maintains satisfactory academic progress for renewal.
• Provides up to 4,500 dollars per academic year.

Does South Carolina Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes. Several full-ride or near full-ride scholarships are available to academically strong South Carolina students. Programs such as the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the LIFE Scholarship reward exceptional academic achievement and help cover substantial educational costs. These awards aim to keep the state’s highest-achieving students enrolled in South Carolina institutions. While extremely competitive, they provide some of the most generous financial aid packages in the state.

• Palmetto Fellows Scholarship with awards up to 7,500 dollars per year.
• LIFE Scholarship covers up to the cost of tuition at many institutions.
• Additional institutional full-ride programs at major universities.
• Highly competitive, requiring strong academics and test scores.
• Often renewable for up to four years with GPA requirements.

What Is the LIFE Scholarship?

The LIFE Scholarship is one of South Carolina’s most widely used merit-based awards, helping high-achieving residents reduce the cost of attending in-state colleges and universities. Eligibility is based on GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and class rank (if applicable). The scholarship can cover a substantial portion of tuition—up to the full cost of tuition at many two-year institutions and significant funding at four-year colleges. Students must enroll full-time and maintain academic progress to renew the scholarship each year.

• Minimum 3.0 high school GPA required.
• SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 24.
• Full-time enrollment at an eligible South Carolina institution.
• Up to 5,000 dollars per year at four-year institutions.
• Up to full tuition at many two-year colleges.

Scholarships in South Carolina for High School Seniors

High school seniors in South Carolina can apply for several major statewide scholarships as well as numerous local awards. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recognizes the state’s highest achievers with generous financial support for four-year degree programs. The LIFE Scholarship provides thousands of dollars annually to students meeting GPA and test score criteria. Seniors attending four-year institutions may also qualify for the South Carolina HOPE Scholarship, which offers a one-year award to freshmen with strong academic potential. Additionally, local organizations, school districts, and community foundations offer region-specific scholarships for graduating seniors.

• Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for exceptional academic achievement.
• LIFE Scholarship for students meeting GPA and test score requirements.
• South Carolina HOPE Scholarship for first-year students at four-year colleges.
• Local scholarships through community foundations and civic groups.
• Awards available for specific majors or intended career fields.

Scholarships in South Carolina for Adults

Adults returning to college in South Carolina can benefit from multiple financial aid programs designed to support career advancement and workforce development. The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program helps adults enroll in technical colleges by covering part of their tuition costs. South Carolina Workforce Scholarships also offer financial support for adults pursuing training in high-demand areas such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing. These options make it easier for nontraditional students to obtain new credentials, transition into skilled careers, or complete unfinished degrees.

• Lottery Tuition Assistance Program for technical college students.
• Workforce Scholarships for high-demand fields and technical training.
• Options for part-time or full-time adult learners.
• Flexible programs designed for working professionals.
• Support available at technical, community, and four-year institutions.

University of South Carolina Scholarships

The University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers a wide range of scholarships to support both incoming freshmen and continuing students. The Gamecock Guarantee program provides tuition and mandatory fee coverage for low-income South Carolina residents. Competitive merit awards such as the Carolina Scholars Program recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Additionally, UofSC offers numerous departmental scholarships that target specific majors or areas of study, ensuring that students across disciplines can find financial support.

• Gamecock Guarantee for low-income in-state residents.
• Carolina Scholars Program for top academic performers.
• Departmental scholarships tied to specific majors.
• Additional awards for leadership, service, and research involvement.
• Opportunities available for new and returning students.

Clemson University Scholarships

Clemson University provides numerous scholarship opportunities for South Carolina residents and out-of-state students. Programs such as the Clemson Scholars Program recognize academically strong South Carolina residents, while the Clemson National Scholars Program offers comprehensive funding—including tuition, fees, and enrichment experiences—for exceptional students. The university also awards Freshman Academic Scholarships based on GPA, class rank, and test scores. Clemson encourages early applications, as many scholarships require priority deadlines.

• Clemson Scholars Program for high-achieving South Carolina residents.
• National Scholars Program offering full tuition and enrichment funding.
• Freshman Academic Scholarships based on academic credentials.
• Departmental awards tied to specific colleges and majors.
• Competitive opportunities requiring early application submission.

South Carolina Grants for College

South Carolina administers several grant programs that help residents make college more affordable. The Need-Based Grant supports students attending public institutions and demonstrating financial need. The South Carolina Tuition Grant helps students reduce tuition at private colleges and universities. The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program offers substantial aid for students enrolled in technical colleges across the state. These grants do not require repayment and help minimize student loan borrowing.

• South Carolina Need-Based Grant for public college students.
• South Carolina Tuition Grant for private college students.
• Lottery Tuition Assistance Program for technical colleges.
• Federal Pell Grant for eligible students who complete the FAFSA.
• Aid available for full-time and part-time enrollment.

How to Apply for South Carolina Scholarships and Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants in South Carolina begins with submitting the FAFSA as early as possible, as many programs rely on this information to determine eligibility. Students should research state-specific programs such as the LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant to understand academic and financial requirements. Many colleges offer additional institutional aid, so speaking with a financial aid advisor can reveal even more opportunities. Applying early and tracking each program’s deadlines is essential for maximizing available funding.

• Submit the FAFSA to access state and federal financial aid.
• Research programs such as the LIFE Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.
• Check eligibility requirements for grants and merit-based awards.
• Contact your college’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships.
• Apply before priority deadlines to maximize award potential.