South Carolina Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for South Carolina students
South Carolina offers a robust set of scholarships and grants including the prestigious Palmetto Fellows Scholarship for top academic performers, the LIFE Scholarship for solid academics, and the SC Need-Based Grant for students with financial need. These programs make attending in-state institutions very affordable for qualifying students.
South Carolina grant programs
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Merit-basedUp to $6,700/year (with potential $2,500 enhancement for STEM majors)
Eligibility
- South Carolina resident
- Score at least 1200 SAT or 27 ACT AND have a 3.5+ GPA AND rank in top 6% of class
- Attend an eligible four-year South Carolina institution
- Enroll full-time as a freshman within one year of high school graduation
Deadline: June 30 for early awards; December 15 for late awards
Official info →LIFE Scholarship (Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence)
Merit-basedUp to $5,000/year at four-year institutions; up to $3,790/year at two-year institutions
Eligibility
- South Carolina resident
- Meet two of three criteria: 3.0+ GPA, 1100+ SAT or 24+ ACT, top 30% of graduating class
- Enrolled full-time at an eligible South Carolina institution
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Deadline: No separate application — determined by institution upon enrollment
Official info →SC Need-Based Grant
Need-basedUp to $2,500/year at four-year institutions; up to $1,500/year at two-year institutions
Eligibility
- South Carolina resident
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA
- Enrolled at an eligible South Carolina institution
- Not receiving Palmetto Fellows or LIFE Scholarship
Deadline: File FAFSA as early as possible — funds are limited
Official info →Tips for maximising South Carolina aid
South Carolina's merit scholarships (Palmetto Fellows and LIFE) are stackable with federal aid — a strong student can attend a public SC school for very little out-of-pocket cost.
The Palmetto Fellows STEM enhancement adds $2,500/year if you declare and maintain a STEM major — this kicks in during your sophomore year.
If you don't qualify for Palmetto Fellows or LIFE, apply for the SC Need-Based Grant — it's designed for students who miss the merit thresholds but have financial need.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in South Carolina that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.