Federal Programs
Pell Grant – up to $5,775
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 $4,000
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 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. Also learn about the Enhanced LIFE Scholarship.
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. 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 $3,100
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 – $2,500 to $5,000
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
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 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 $5,500 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.