South Carolina

South Carolina Scholarships and Grants

This is such an exciting time in your life – getting out of high school and planning for college! Are your bags packed already and are you ready to get set and go? Before you get to that point, why don’t you apply for a scholarship to help out with expenses? It’s easy and it pays off! Check out some of these scholarships offered in South Carolina, and fill out some applications. Best of Luck!!!

American Legion South Carolina Auxiliary

If you are graduating senior high school student living in our state and you have a parent who is an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary – and who has been for at least three years — you’re half way to qualifying for this scholarship. The award is in the amount of $500. If you would like to inquire about this opportunity, contact:
American Legion Auxiliary, Department of South Carolina
Department Secretary
1200 Main Street, Suite 400-B
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-6695
Fax: 803-799-7907
There is no website available for this resource.

C.G. Fuller Foundation

This is a renewable scholarship available to SC high school seniors who are in need of financial assistance, and who have maintained an excellent scholastic record, and demonstrated leadership ability. Along with the application, you will need to submit your transcript showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, financial statement and parent’s most recent 1040 tax return, recent photo, and SAT scores of at least 1100. Your high school guidance counselor can provide you with an application; submit your application packet to the office of the college or university in South Carolina you wish to attend. There are multiple scholarships awarded, each for $1,000.

LIFE Scholarship Program

This is a renewable scholarship based on high academic achievement. You must be a South Carolina high school senior who meets two of the three following scholastic criteria:

• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1100 SAT or 24 ACT
• rank in the top 30% of your graduating class

The best part of this scholarship is that you don’t even have to apply for it — your application to one of the eligible colleges or universities in SC puts you into the running for selection for this award. The most you can receive at a 4-year school is $5,000; full tuition at a 2-year school; and, up to full in-state tuition at vocational or technical schools, but not more than $5,000. Multiple awards are given in each category. If you would like more information, go to www.che.sc.gov.

Lottery Tuition Assistance Program

If you are a graduating South Carolina high school senior, want to attend a 2-year college or vocational school, and can prove your need for financial assistance, this might be the opportunity for you. You will need to complete the free FAFSA application to establish your financial need (see ‘note’ on previous page for details). The amount of these awards varies every semester based on SC lottery revenue and the number of applications received. If you meet the criteria – get busy and apply – there are thousands of these scholarships awarded each year – and YOU might just be a winner!!! To see more information, go to www.che.sc.gov.

South Carolina Needs-Based Grant Program

This is an unusual grant in that both full-time and part-time students are eligible. If you are a SC high school senior and can substantiate your financial need by completing the free FSFSA application on line (see ‘note’ on previous page for details), you might qualify for one of these multiple grants. The amounts of the grant range from $1,250 to $2,500, and may be renewed for eight full-time equivalent terms or until degree is completed. Full-time students must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours per semester, and part-time for 6 hours. If you would like more details, check out the website: www.che.sc.gov.

South Carolina Teacher Loans

If you’ve always wanted to be a teacher, is a high school senior living in South Carolina, and you just need more help with expenses to go to college, you might want to consider one of these loans. To qualify, you need to be in the top 40% of your graduating class, and have an SAT score equal or above the state average. You may borrow up to $2,500 per year for your first and second years, and up to $5,000 per year for your third and fourth years of college. This is loan and will need to be repaid upon graduation, however, if certain conditions are met, a portion may be forgiven for each year worked as a teacher in an under-served area in the state. For additional information contact the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation at www.scstudentloan.org.