Types of State Scholarships
The State of South Carolina provides three State Scholarship Programs. Below, you'll find information on the LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and HOPE Scholarship. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 748 USCB students were awarded $3.6 million in State Scholarships.
In the video, you will hear from students who share their stories about how the South Carolina State Scholarships have played a vital role in helping them achieve their educational goals. These scholarships provide essential support and open doors to opportunities that empower students to succeed. Please take a moment to listen to their inspiring experiences!
LIFE Scholarship
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent institution in South Carolina. The LIFE Scholarship may be used towards the cost-of-attendance for up to eight terms based on the students' initial college enrollment date. Students with a baccalaureate degree are ineligible. The SC LIFE Scholarship award amount is up to the cost-of-attendance, not to exceed $5,000. The funds are generally split between fall and spring terms.
Palmetto Fellow Scholarship
The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. A 1st year student receives, $6,700 and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students receive $7,500 per academic year. The scholarship must be applied directly toward the cost of attendance, less any other gift aid received. Palmetto Fellows may be supported for a maximum of eight full-time semesters of study toward the first bachelor's degree at a participating four-year institution in South Carolina.
Hope Scholarship
The South Carolina Hope Scholarship is a one-year merit based scholarship created for eligible first-time entering freshmen attending an eligible four-year institution in South Carolina. Eligible full-time students may receive the following award: Up to $2,800 (including a $300 book allowance) toward the cost of attendance for a maximum of two terms.