A GUIDE TO
2023 – 2024
SCHOLARSHIPS
FINANCIAL AID
Table of Contents
General University Awards: Overview ................................................................... 1
General University Awards: S.C. Residents ..........................................................4
State Scholarships: S.C. Residents ................................................................................7
General University Awards: Nonresidents ..........................................................8
Other Award Opportunities ......................................................................................... 11
Federal and State Financial Aid Programs .....................................................13
Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................15
Contacts and Resources ................................................................................................... 17
1
Paying for college is one of the most important investments a family will
make, and the University of South Carolina believes that a top-notch education
should be accessible to all qualified students regardless of their economic
situation. That’s why we oer tuition and living expenses that compare
favorably with top colleges and universities across the nation. We also oer
many types of financial assistance to make your education more aordable.
Last year, 98% of all freshmen received some type of nancial assistance.
Estimated college expenses at the University of South Carolina for the 2023-2024
year are itemized in the chart above. This is the general “sticker price” of
attending the university and does not take into account potential nancial aid
and scholarship awards. The university’s Board of Trustees sets tuition costs
in July for the following academic year. Refer to sc.edu/admissions for the
latest cost of attendance figures.
TUITION AND FEES ESTIMATE
ESTIMATED EXPENSES S.C. RESIDENT NONRESIDENT
Tuition and Technology Fee* $12,688 $34,934
Housing $11,046 $11,046
Food $5,278 $5,278
Books and Supplies $1,390 $1,390
TOTAL $30,402 $52,648
*Some academic programs, majors and classes have additional fees.
General University Awards:
Overview
2
General University Awards:
Overview
The University of South Carolina is test-optional for the fall, spring and
summer 2024 terms. Freshman applicants will not be required to submit
standardized test scores for general university and South Carolina Honors
College admission, and for merit scholarships awarded by the Oce of
Undergraduate Admissions.
Freshman admission will be based primarily on high school courses and
grades. During the admission review process, we will consider a student’s
high school grades, course requirements and the application essay. As
part of our review, we also consider applicants within the context of their
educational environment. Students will indicate on the application whether
or not they want USC to consider their standardized test scores in the
admission review process.
Applicants of each class compete among themselves for available awards,
which inuences how many students are oered merit awards and what
academic credentials are necessary to qualify for these awards. Averages shi
from year to year, and actual award criteria are set annually based on the size
and strength of the applicant pool and the availability of scholarship funding.
Additionally, some merit scholarships are based upon additional or alternate
criteria (e.g., valedictorian) and/or may have other eligibility requirements
(e.g., citizenship). All freshman applicants who meet our early action, Honors
College or regular application and credentials deadlines will be considered for
university merit scholarships.
The Oce of Undergraduate Admissions will superscore both the ACT and
the SAT for those students choosing to submit scores. For the ACT, we will
consider a composite score made up of a student’s best individual section
scores across all tests attempted, regardless of date. Similarly for the SAT,
we will use the highest combination of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
(EBRW) and Math scores earned among two or more test dates to create a
new total score. USC always uses a student’s highest ACT or SAT scores in our
evaluation process.
3
General University Awards:
Overview
ADDITIONAL POINTS
• All first-time, fall freshman applicants who submit a completed
application by Dec. 1 will be considered for general university awards.
However, all students are encouraged to submit their application by
Oct. 15, the non-binding early action deadline.
• Stamps, Carolina, 1801, McNair, Horseshoe, Alumni and Trustees’
Scholars Awards require submission of the general application and
the Honors College application supplement by Nov. 15.
• Scholarship oers are typically released by mid-March for freshmen
entering in the fall.
• Scholarship funds are available for fall and spring semesters only,
unless students are granted special approval to use the award during a
summer term. The duration of scholarship eligibility is for continuous
undergraduate enrollment over eight semesters, which is typically
four years if a student does not attend summer school on the
Columbia campus.
• Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA at the University of South Carolina
to retain their merit award.
4
General University Awards:
S.C. Residents
The Oice of Undergraduate Admissions oers a variety of merit scholarships
for freshmen who reside in South Carolina. Most university awards may not be
combined with any other award listed in this section unless otherwise noted.
However, any general university award may be combined with a South Carolina
education lottery scholarship.
Note: The SAT and ACT scores reported in this section represent the averages for those who chose to
have their test scores considered in the admission process.
STAMPS SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: at least $20,000
Enrichment fund: $15,000
Four-year value: at least $95,000
CAROLINA SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $15,000
Enrichment fund: $10,000
Four-year value: $70,000
1801 SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $10,000
Four-year value $40,000
The Stamps, Carolina and 1801 Scholars Awards are the most prestigious
awards oered by the university to South Carolina residents. Fiy students
with strong academic records and leadership qualities will be invited to
participate in an interview weekend. Five will be named Stamps Scholars,
20 will be named Carolina Scholars, and 25 will be named 1801 Scholars.
Candidates must participate in the entire Top Scholars Weekend to be
considered for these awards. Last year, S.C. Top Scholars had an average SAT
score of 1530 (ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA of 5.3 and
were in the top 1% of their high school class, on average.
ALUMNI SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $8,000
Four-year value: $32,000
Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, these
awards signify outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, talent
and service. In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1453
(ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA of 5.4 and were in the top
2% of their high school class, on average.
Note: A separate Honors College application supplement must be completed by Nov. 15 to be
considered for the Stamps, Carolina, 1801 and Alumni Scholars Awards.
5
General University Awards:
S.C. Residents
TRUSTEES’ ENDOWMENT SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $5,000
Four-year value: $20,000
This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen based on academic merit
and financial need. Candidates typically present outstanding achievement in
academics, leadership, talent and service. In 2023, recipients of this award had
an average SAT score of 1520 (ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA
of 5.2 and were in the top 3% of their high school class, on average.
Note: A separate Honors College application supplement must be completed by Nov. 15 to be
considered for the Trustees’ Endowment Scholars Award.
PROVOST SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: up to $10,000
Four-year value: up to $40,000
This scholarship is awarded to National Merit Finalists. The competition for
these awards begins with taking the PSAT/NMSQT in a student’s junior year of
high school. To be eligible, National Merit Finalists must list the University of
South Carolina as their first choice through the National Merit Corporation by
the stated deadline. The annual award value includes $500 sponsored by the
National Merit Corporation, if applicable. The Provost Scholars Award may be
combined with another general university award.
VALEDICTORIAN SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $3,000
Four-year value: $12,000
These scholarships are awarded to students ranked first in their class at the
end of their junior or senior year. Class rank is the sole criterion for this award.
Students must be S.C. residents graduating from an S.C. high school to be eligible.
DEAN’S SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $3,000
Four-year value: $12,000
In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1380 (ACT score of
31) and an average high school GPA of 5.0 and were in the top 5% of their high
school class, on average. Palmetto Fellows automatically qualify for this award.
6
General University Awards:
S.C. Residents
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $2,000
Four-year value: $8,000
In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1337 (ACT score
of 29) and an average high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 10% of their
high school class, on average.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $1,000
Four-year value: $4,000
This award is given to students who are named Palmetto Fellows and score
a minimum of 1450 on the SAT or 33 on the ACT. The Presidential Scholars
Award may be combined with another general university award.
GARNET SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $500
Four-year value: $2,000
In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1241 (ACT score
of 26) and an average high school GPA of 4.7 and were in the top 15% of their
high school class, on average.
COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $500
Four-year value: $2,000
Students attending a South Carolina high school listed in the Collegiate
Scholars Award description at sc.edu/financialaid/scholarships (click on
“Scholarships for S.C. Residents”) may be eligible for this award. Additional
details can be found on our website.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA STEM SUPPLEMENT
Annual value: $3,300 freshman year only
The university oers this one-time, freshman-year-only award supplement to
all admitted freshmen who are Palmetto Fellows and enroll in a STEM-eligible
major. For a list of majors, visit sc.edu/financialaid/scholarships (click on
“Scholarships for S.C. Residents”). This supplement may be combined with
another general university award.
7
State Scholarships:
S.C. Residents
The state awards several types of state-funded scholarships to eligible
South Carolina residents, including:
• S.C. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
• S.C. LIFE Scholarship
• S.C. HOPE Scholarship
• S.C. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement and LIFE Scholarship
Enhancement available to eligible students during years 2-4
Any of these awards can be added to any general university scholarship.
LIFE and Palmetto Fellows include a test score component for consideration.
Students qualifying for state-funded scholarships may be asked to forward
ocial test scores prior to enrollment, even if applying test-optional. For
more information about state scholarship program requirements and
monetary awards, refer to the South Carolina Commission on Higher
Education website, che.sc.gov.
8
General University Awards:
Nonresidents
The Oice of Undergraduate Admissions oers an array of scholarships for
nonresident freshmen. Only one general university award is allowed per
nonresident except for the Provost Scholars Award, which can be added to
any other award listed in this section.
Note: The SAT and ACT scores reported in this section represent the averages for those who chose to
have their test scores considered in the admission process.
STAMPS SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: approximately $21,240 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Enrichment fund: $15,000
Four-year value: approximately $196,000
MCNAIR SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $22,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Enrichment fund: $12,000
Four-year value: more than $184,000
HORSESHOE SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $11,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $128,000
The Stamps, McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards are the most prestigious
awards offered by the university to nonresidents. Forty-five nonresident
students with strong academic records and leadership qualities will be
invited to participate in an interview weekend. Five will be named Stamps
Scholars, 20 will be named McNair Scholars, and up to 20 will be named
Horseshoe Scholars. Candidates must participate in the entire Top Scholars
Weekend to be considered for these awards. Last year, nonresident Top
Scholars had an average SAT score of 1550 (ACT score of 35) and an average
high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 1% of their high school class, on
average. Recipients qualify for the in-state tuition rate.
ALUMNI SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: $8,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $116,900
Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, these
awards signify outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, talent
and service. In 2023, recipients of this award had an average SAT score of 1550
(ACT score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 2%
of their high school class, on average.
Note: A separate Honors College application supplement must be completed by Nov. 15 to be
considered for the Stamps, McNair, Horseshoe and Alumni Scholars Awards.
9
PROVOST SCHOLARS AWARD
Annual value: up to $6,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: up to $104,400
This scholarship is awarded to National Merit Finalists. The competition for
these awards begins with taking the PSAT/NMSQT in a student’s junior year of
high school. To be eligible, National Merit Finalists must list the University of
South Carolina as their first choice through the National Merit Corporation by
the stated deadline. The annual award value includes $500 sponsored by the
National Merit Corporation, if applicable. The Provost Scholars Award may be
combined with another general university award.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS — ELITE AWARD
Annual value: $4,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $100,900
In 2023, recipients of the Elite Award had an average SAT score of 1560 (ACT
score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.7 and were in the top 3% of
their high school class, on average.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS — EXCELLENCE AWARD
Annual value: $2,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $92,900
In 2023, recipients of the Excellence Award had an average SAT score of 1520
(ACT score of 34) and an average high school GPA of 4.6 and were in the top
6% of their high school class, on average.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS — SUPERLATIVE AWARD
Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $86,900
In 2023, recipients of the Superlative Award had an average SAT score of 1426
(ACT score of 32) and an average high school GPA of 4.6 and were in the top
8% of their high school class, on average.
General University Awards:
Nonresidents
10
General University Awards:
Nonresidents
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS — DISTINCTION AWARD
Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction
Four-year value: more than $62,192
In 2023, recipients of the Distinction Award had an average SAT score of 1365
(ACT score of 30) and an average high school GPA of 4.4 and were in the top
10% of their high school class, on average. Recipients of this award receive a
significant tuition reduction of nearly half of the nonresident rate.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARS — MERIT AWARD
Annual value: $500 + tuition reduction
Four-year value: more than $40,784
In 2023, recipients of the Merit Award had an average SAT score of 1300
(ACT score of 29) and an average high school GPA of 4.4 and were in the top
15% of their high school class, on average. Recipients of this award receive a
signicant tuition reduction.
11
Other Award
Opportunities
Additional university and non-university awards are available to help students
pay for their education. An overview of some of the more common awards
follows. Details on these and other nancial aid support options can be found
at sc.edu/financialaid.
Note: Total university aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, even if the student is eligible for
departmental awards or “stackable” university scholarships, such as the Provost Scholars Award.
UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Some academic colleges and departments at the University of South
Carolina award scholarships to outstanding new freshmen, while other
scholarships are available aer the freshman year. Eligibility and award
amounts vary. Some departments award scholarships based on information
provided with the application for admission, and others require additional
action from students.
USC ACCESS GRANT
The USC Access Grant is a need-based program designed to help middle-
income families who do not qualify for federal grants but demonstrate
financial need. The program is limited to dependent students who are S.C.
residents, and the grants are awarded based upon the information provided
on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funding for this
program is limited. Awards are made to the earliest FAFSA lers.
ATHLETIC GRANTS-IN-AID
Men in football, track, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, swimming and soccer
and women in basketball, golf, tennis, soball, volleyball, sand volleyball,
track, cross country, soccer, swimming and equestrian may be oered these
awards. The awards do not participate in the tuition reduction benet
provided to some nonresident scholarship recipients.
12
Other Award
Opportunities
GAMECOCK GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Gamecock Guarantee is a need-based financial and academic support
program dedicated to expanding access to the university. The goal is to
make a university degree more attainable for academically talented, first-
generation students from South Carolina families.
To be eligible, students must be on track to enter the fall semester as South
Carolina residents who are first-generation, first-time and full-time freshmen,
and whose families meet specic program criteria. Students must also be
admitted to the university to be eligible for Gamecock Guarantee. Students
admitted into the South Carolina Honors College or invited to the Capstone
Scholars Program are also eligible. There is no separate application process.
Eligible students must apply for admission by Dec. 1 and submit a FAFSA and
any additional information requested by the Oice of Student Financial Aid
and Scholarships by April 1.
NON-UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Many students receive scholarships and other nancial aid from sources
outside the university. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Bursar’s
Oce of any non-university scholarships that are expected. All scholarship
checks should be sent to the Bursar’s Oce to be applied to the student’s
account prior to the fee payment deadline. For more information, visit
sc.edu/bursar or you may reach the Bursar’s Oce sta at 803-777-4233.
There is generally no limit to the amount of non-university scholarship
dollars students may receive, but there are a few exceptions with state and
general university scholarships. To learn if your outside scholarships will
aect your aid, you may contact the nancial aid sta at 803-777-8134.
13
Federal and State
Financial Aid Programs
As with scholarships, students must be ocially accepted to the university to
be awarded federal and state aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
is the sole application for federal and some state nancial aid programs. The
FAFSA will be available in December for 2024-25, and students must complete
a new one each year to continue receiving aid. The university’s school code
for the FAFSA is 003448.
Students and their parents should separately create a Federal Student Aid ID
and password to complete a FAFSA electronically via studentaid.gov. The
FSA ID also serves as an electronic signature and can be requested through
studentaid.gov.
Federal- and state-funded financial aid typically includes grants (which usually
do not have to be repaid) and work-study. It also includes loans with low or
reasonable interest that must be repaid aer graduation, when the student is
no longer enrolled or when the student drops below six hours of enrollment.
FEDERAL PELL GRANT
Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who have
not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The maximum amount can
change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount
awarded will depend on nancial need and enrollment status.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT
This grant is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Priority
is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Award amounts vary,
depending on factors such as student need and available funding.
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
This program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing
them to earn money to help pay education-related expenses excluding
tuition. The program encourages community service and work related to a
student’s course of study. The total federal work-study award depends on the
student’s level of need and the university’s funding level for the award year.
14
Federal and State
Financial Aid Programs
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS (SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED)
All federal Direct Loans are oered by the federal government. As part of
the awarding process, the university automatically awards Federal Direct
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Students have the choice to accept or
decline the loan.
FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT LOAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Through this program, parents of dependent undergraduate students
can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid that
students receive. Parents must complete a separate application on
studentaid.gov.
NURSING STUDENT LOAN
The Nursing Student Loan program is a federal loan program funded by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program provides loans
to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in nursing.
PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
These loans are oered through private lending institutions such as a bank,
credit union or state agency and are not part of federal loan programs.
Approval for these loans rests with the lending institution.
SC TEACHERS LOAN
This loan was established to encourage S.C. residents to teach in areas
of critical need to enhance the state’s education goals. These loans are
administered by the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation.
STATE NEED-BASED GRANT
This grant is for legal residents of South Carolina who are full-time students
seeking their rst undergraduate degree. Award amounts are based on
financial need and the amount of funding available.
15
Frequently
Asked Questions
How do I apply for university scholarships?
The Oce of Undergraduate Admissions awards scholarships to first-time,
first-year freshman applicants. Students who complete the application for
admission by Dec. 1, 2023, and submit required credentials by Jan. 15, 2024,
will be automatically considered for the university’s merit-based scholarships.
Students who wish to be considered for the university’s most prestigious
scholarships must also complete the South Carolina Honors College
application supplement by Nov. 15, 2023.
When are scholarships awarded?
General university scholarships will be awarded by mid-March 2024.
Scholarship recipients will be notied via their university email when their
award letters are posted online. Departmental award notications vary;
check directly with the department for a schedule.
What codes do I use to have scores sent to South Carolina?
If you choose to submit test scores, use 5818 for the SAT and 3880 for the ACT.
Will I hear if I am not awarded a scholarship?
The university only sends notication to award recipients. Any questions
regarding status should be directed to the Oice of Undergraduate Admissions.
If I don’t receive a scholarship my freshman year, can I receive one later?
General university awards are only oered to entering freshmen. However,
university departments may oer scholarships for upperclassmen. Students
should check with their academic department about the opportunity for
any awards.
Where else can I look for scholarships?
There are many resources available for nding non-university scholarships.
High school counselors and online sources such as collegeboard.org and
fastweb.com can provide detailed information on both scholarships and
financial aid.
16
Frequently
Asked Questions
May I still be considered for need-based nancial aid even if I received a
university scholarship?
Students may be considered for both types and should submit the FAFSA
online at studentaid.gov as early as possible, but no later than April 1. Be sure
to list the University of South Carolina code on the application: 003448.
How will I be notied about nancial aid?
The university’s Oice of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify
students mid-April 2024 via their university email account and refer them to
Self Service Carolina for detailed information about any award(s) received.
How do I accept my scholarship oer?
Students must submit a nonrefundable $200 enrollment deposit via their
admissions portal by May 1, 2024, to secure their space in the freshman class
and accept any awards.
Contacts
and Resources
For additional information about general university awards:
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-7700 or (toll free) 800-868-5872
sc.edu/admissions
admissions-ug[email protected]
For additional information about departmental scholarships and financial aid:
OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-8134
sc.edu/financialaid
UNDERGRADUATE NET PRICE CALCULATOR
To get started, scan this QR code,
or visit tcc.rualonl.com/University%20of%20South%20Carolina%20
Columbia/Freshman-Students.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Career Center
803-777-7280
sc.edu/career
For additional information about non-university scholarships and financial aid:
COLLEGE BOARD
collegeboard.org
FASTWEB
fastweb.com
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities
or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,
genetics, sexual orientation or veteran status. Rev. 05/23
17
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
sc.edu/admissions
98
%
of all freshmen
received financial
aid last year.
More than one-third of the
freshman class typically
receives a merit scholarship.
1
3
A BEST VALUE SCHOOL
— U.S. News & World Report
Students received more than $179 million in federal,
state and university scholarships and grants last year.
$
179M
