USC Lancaster

Overview

The financial aid programs of the University of South Carolina Lancaster make it possible for many students to attend the University who could not do so if left entirely to their own resources. Scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment are available to qualified undergraduate students.

Eligibility for most types of aid except academic scholarships depends on the applicant’s financial circumstances. The University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the amount of assistance each applicant is eligible to receive. We recommend that you complete the FAFSA via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov; however, paper applications may still be obtained from most high-school guidance offices or any financial aid office.

General Guidelines for Financial Aid

1. The student should have applied and been accepted for admission to USC Lancaster as a regular student working toward a degree.

2. The student must have a high-school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

3. Each applicant should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid indicating the University of South Carolina Lancaster as the school of attendance.

4. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent from the U.S. Department of Education to the student.

5. If corrections are necessary, the corrections should be made in the financial aid office. Corrections are electronically transmitted. An Institutional Student Aid Report (ISAR) with the updated information will be sent to the student.

6. Information concerning the other federal financial aid programs, Federal Work-Study, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans may be obtained from the USC Lancaster financial aid office.

7. The student must be making satisfactory academic progress toward completing a degree or certificate program.

8. The student must sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and default.

9. Awards of financial assistance are made in the summer prior to the beginning of the fall semester. An award notification will be sent to the student once the file is complete.

10. In order to be considered for some type of federal financial assistance, a student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 semester hours); the Pell Grant program is an exception to this requirement.

11. Awards will be based only on a student’s enrollment status during the official registration period.

12. The financial aid office staff is available for counseling with students and parents concerning any financial aid program.

Financial Aid and the Extended Graduate Campus Program

Financial aid for graduate students who are admitted and registered through The Graduate School on the University’s Columbia campus will have their financial aid administered by the Columbia campus financial aid office regardless of the student's campus location. As such, graduate students in this category should list the University of South Carolina Columbia as their school of choice on the FAFSA form. All financial aid—related correspondence should be directed to the Columbia campus financial aid office.?

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirement

Undergraduate students who have been awarded federal student financial aid funds are required to be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate program in order to receive those funds. A complete policy listing is on file in the financial aid office. Below is an overview of this policy.

Undergraduate students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if they:

1. Are admitted and enrolled as degree-seeking students.

2. Meet University standards for continued enrollment.

3. Complete requirements for a degree or certificate within a reasonable length of time as specified below:

a. The total number of semesters of full-time enrollment (12 or more semester hours attempted) at any postsecondary institution does not exceed 10 semesters for a four-year degree or five semesters for a two-year degree or certificate.

b. The total number of semesters of part-time enrollment (less than 12 semester hours attempted) does not exceed the equivalent of 10 full-time semesters for a four-year degree or five full-time semesters for a two-year degree or certificate

4. Earn no fewer than 24 semester hours of undergraduate credit per academic year. (See the official policy for less-than-full-time students.)

5.Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Federal financial aid programs covered by these standards:

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Work-Study

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Perkins Loan

Federal Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized

Federal PLUS

Some select private loans (as determined by the lender)

South Carolina LIFE Scholarship

South Carolina Need-Based Grant

Other federal or state programs as required

Appeals

Students who have been determined to be ineligible for further receipt of federal student financial aid funds under these standards may appeal the determination. Procedures for appeal are available upon request from the financial aid office.

Reinstatement

Students shall be reinstated for financial aid eligibility at such time as they successfully complete sufficient hours and have a sufficient grade point average to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility as set forth in this policy.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federally funded student financial aid grant program. It serves as the foundation upon which all other undergraduate aid is awarded. Typically, it is available only to undergraduate students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree. Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined according to federal law and is based on the financial information you and your family provided on your FASFA.

You are notified of your possible eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant via the Student Aid Report (SAR). The financial aid office will receive this information directly from the federal processor and determine the amount of your Federal Pell Grant. You should carefully review the information on your SAR and, if it is correct, keep it for your records. If you discover mistakes, follow the instructions and submit corrections as soon as possible.

If you or your family experiences a major change in your financial situation after your Pell Grant eligibility has been determined, you should notify the financial aid office immediately. A counselor will be able to determine if you qualify for an adjustment of your Pell Grant award and/or other financial aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is a grant that does not need to be repaid. The financial aid office awards USC’s limited allocation of FSEOG funds. Recipients must be undergraduates who have not already earned a baccalaureate degree and who demonstrate exceptional financial need. FSEOG recipients must be eligible to receive a Pell Grant and have the lowest EFC’s from among those students being considered for an award.

State Need-Based Grant Program (SNBG)

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant is a state-funded grant for undergraduates attending public and independent colleges and universities within South Carolina. Recipients may not have already earned a baccalaureate degree. To be considered, you must be a South Carolina resident, be admitted or currently enrolled with a minimum GPA of 2.00, complete the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need, be of good moral character, and have never been convicted of a felony. Additionally, to renew a state grant award, you must maintain an annual 2.00 GPA and complete 24 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters. Awards are made for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) only. The State Need-Based Grant does not need to be repaid.

South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarship

The South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarship (LIFE) was established by the General Assembly during the 1998 legislative session. To be eligible for a LIFE Scholarship, you must have graduated from a high school located in South Carolina on or after May 1995 and be a full-time, undergraduate, degree-seeking student. You must enroll at an eligible institution within two years and three months of high- school graduation. You must be a South Carolina resident for in-state tuition purposes at the time of enrollment and have no felony, alcohol, or drug convictions. If, however, you have been judged delinquent or have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to an alcohol or drug misdemeanor, you are ineligible for one calendar year from the date of the conviction. You must also be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident under state laws. You may not be in default or owe a refund on any federal or state financial aid program.

If you are a first-time entering freshman, you must have graduated from high school with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale.

For initial LIFE Scholarship eligibility, if a currently enrolled student, you must have earned a cumulative 3.00 USC GPA at the end of the academic year. You must also have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours, or the annual equivalent at all institutions attended, for the previous academic year if completing your first year.

You may receive the LIFE scholarship for not more than four semesters at a University of South Carolina regional campus. Funds from this program may not be used for remedial courses or continuing education classes. If you are receiving South Carolina’s Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you are not eligible for a LIFE Scholarship.

To retain the LIFE Scholarship you must earn an average of 30 credit hours for each academic year and earn a 3.00 cumulative USC GPA by the end of the academic year. The financial aid office, using data from the admissions and records offices, is responsible for awarding LIFE Scholarships.

Please note that the LIFE Scholarship statutes and regulations are subject to change by the South Carolina Legislature.

Loans

Federal Stafford Loan–Subsidized

The subsidized Stafford Loan program provides long-term, low-interest, need-based loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The interest rate is variable and set at 3.1 percentage points above the 91-day Treasury bill rate with an 8.25 percent cap. The interest rate on subsidized Federal Stafford Loans made prior to July 1, 1994, will vary according to the dates on which the loans were disbursed and/or the borrower’s outstanding federal loan indebtedness. The interest rate during repayment will be different. These rates are subject to change by law.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans may be requested from a variety of lenders with a loan guarantee from any authorized guaranty agency. As an undergraduate, you may borrow up to $2,625 for the first year of study, $3,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per year for subsequent undergraduate study, not to exceed a maximum of $23,000. If you receive a subsidized Stafford Loan, you will not be required to begin repayment until six months after you cease to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Some students will receive a promissory note which must signed, completed, and returned to your lender before any loan funds will be disbursed. If, however, you signed a Master Promissory Note for the 2000—2001 academic year, it may also be used for all future Stafford Loans you may borrow while attending USC. You will no longer need to sign a promissory note each year you apply for and receive a Stafford Loan.

Federal regulations require that we limit or reduce the amount of a Stafford Loan under certain prescribed conditions. These conditions are as follows: 1) you are an undergraduate and you apply for a Stafford Loan and are enrolled less than a full academic year (fall and spring semesters); or 2) you will complete all degree requirements at the end of the semester or term. If both of these conditions occur, the Stafford Loan amount may be reduced. The financial aid office will make this adjustment and send you a revised award letter.

We are required to disburse your loan in installments to coincide with the beginning of the enrollment period covered by the loan. Additionally, if after the time your Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) was certified, you receive any type of other financial assistance, or your tuition fee structure changes, your eligibility for the Stafford Loan may be reduced. In some cases, you may be required to repay amounts in excess of your eligibility.

Federal Stafford Loan–Unsubsidized

The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program is similar to the subsidized Stafford Loan except that eligibility is not based on financial need and interest payments are not subsidized by the federal government but rather are the responsibility of the borrower.

If you are a dependent student, your annual unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford Loan totals combined cannot exceed the totals previously noted for a subsidized Stafford Loan. As an independent student, you have additional unsubsidized eligibility of $4,000 per year for the first and second years of study and $5,000 per year for subsequent undergraduate study. The interest rate is the same as the subsidized Stafford Loan; however, interest begins to accrue at the time the lender makes the loan and is not automatically deferred. You may choose to pay the interest or request that it be deferred. This results in the deferred interest being capitalized and creating a greater expense to you during repayment.

Some students will receive a promissory note, which must be completed, signed and returned to your lender before any loan funds will be disbursed. If, however, you signed a Master Promissory Note for the 2000—2001 academic year, it may also be used for all future Stafford Loans you may borrow while attending USC. You will no longer need to sign a promissory note each year you apply for and receive a Stafford Loan.

Federal regulations require that we limit or reduce the amount of a Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) under certain prescribed conditions. These conditions are as follows: (1) You are an undergraduate and you apply for a Stafford Loan and are enrolled less than a full academic year (fall and spring semesters); or (2) you will complete all degree requirements at the end of the semester or term. If both of these conditions occur, the Stafford Loan amount may be reduced. The financial aid office will make this adjustment and send you a revised award letter.

We are required to disburse your loan in installments to coincide with the beginning of the enrollment period covered by the loan. Additionally, if after the time your Federal Stafford Loan, (subsidized or unsubsidized) was certified, you receive any type of other financial assistance, or your tuition fee structure changes, your eligibility for the Stafford Loan may be reduced. In some cases, you may be required to repay amounts in excess of your eligibility.

Federal PLUS

The PLUS loan is a non—need-based educational loan program that allows parents to borrow funds for full-time dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education less any other financial assistance received during the loan period. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, the interest rate is variable, based upon the bond equivalent rate of the 91-day T-bill, plus 3.1 percent. The variable rate is capped at 9 percent. Previous PLUS loans may have a different interest rate depending upon when the loan was first disbursed. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is made. The repayment period can be extended up to 10 years with minimum monthly payments to be arranged with the lender.

PLUS loan checks are mailed directly from the lender to the school. The Business Office handles all PLUS checks. Questions regarding the handling of these checks should be directed to that office. Parents/students are advised to exhaust their eligibility for other federal student aid programs before considering the PLUS Loan.

South Carolina Teacher Loan Program

This program is available only to residents of South Carolina who are attending college for the purpose of becoming certified teachers employed in the state’s school system in areas of critical need as defined by the state Board of Education. For loan recipients who become certified and teach in an area of critical need, the loan shall be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent for each full year of teaching, up to 100 percent. Loan recipients who do not become certified and/or do not teach in an area of critical need shall be responsible for repaying the entire amount of loan funds borrowed plus interest. Contact the financial aid office for application information and deadlines.

Federal Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan Program is a low-interest (5 percent), long-term educational loan program available to both undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need. This is a loan and must be repaid. Undergraduates may borrow up to $4,000 for each year of study and up to $20,000 to complete an undergraduate degree. Interest is not charged and repayment does not begin until nine months after you leave school or your enrollment drops below half-time status. If you receive your first Perkins Loan on or after October 1, 1992, your minimum payment will be $40 per month. In all cases, repayment may extend up to 10 years depending upon the total amount borrowed. If you have outstanding National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) balances and you are receiving a Federal Perkins Loan now, you must review your NDSL Promissory Note to determine the terms and conditions that apply to your loan. Under certain conditions of reenrollment, employment, or extenuating circumstances, payments may be deferred or cancelled. Further information concerning repayment is available in the financial aid office.

Work Opportunities

Federal Work-Study Program. The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for needy students to meet their educational expenses. To be eligible for employment under this program, a student must be enrolled in the University or fully accepted for admission and demonstrate financial need.

Students who are enrolled at least half-time work an average of 15 to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods it is sometimes possible to work up to 40 hours per week. Pay rates vary with the job assignment.

Refunds and Financial Aid

The official USC Lancaster policy and procedure concerning refunds which result from the withdrawal or reduction of hours is contained in the "Expenses" section of this bulletin. Students who withdraw or reduce hours may be eligible to receive a refund as provided by the official University policy; however, recipients of financial aid generally do not receive the refund. The refundable portion of institutional costs must be credited to the appropriate student aid fund.

Federal regulations require that whenever a student has received any amount of federal assistance, a portion, or the entire refund, must first be returned to the appropriate student aid fund. In accordance with these guidelines, the financial aid office will determine the portion of the refund to be returned to the student aid account(s). The amount applied to each account will not exceed the amount disbursed from that account. Remaining funds will be distributed to other student aid accounts with priority given to federal aid accounts.

Effective fall 2000, refunds for students who receive Title IV assistance and who completely withdraw from school will be calculated based on the newly implemented "earned and unearned" federal policy. When federal aid is unearned, students may owe an additional balance beyond what has been captured during the refund process. Students who fall into this category may not only owe a refund to the federal accounts, but may also have an additional balance owed to the institution (see campus policy on return of Title IV funds).

If the student received any non—Title IV student aid, such as scholarships or institutional loans, any portion of the refund applicable to non—Title IV student aid will be distributed to those accounts.

Any remaining refund amount not applied to the previous accounts will be returned to the student.

Academic Scholarships and Awards

Who Should Apply

Scholarship recipients are selected by the Student Scholarships and Special Awards Committee of the University of South Carolina Lancaster. Completed applications must be submitted no later than February 15. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of high-school records, SAT scores, and other qualifications as established by the selection committee. Admissions acceptance is required before consideration may be given to a scholarship applicant. These scholarships range in value from $200 to more than $9,000 and are awarded to students who show outstanding academic achievement and talent and/or demonstrate significant leadership ability. Students must maintain the required standards in order to retain their scholarship. This includes but is not limited to participation in the honors program.

How To Apply

Submit an application for undergraduate admission to USC Lancaster and a USC Lancaster Academic Scholarship Application.

When To Apply

Completed applications must be submitted no later than February 15.

Where To Apply

Applications should be mailed to Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid, USC Lancaster, P.O. Box 889, Lancaster, SC 29721, or hand delivered to the Office of Admissions, Records, and Financial Aid, Starr Hall, at USC Lancaster.

University of South Carolina Lancaster Academic Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to students at USC Lancaster.

Eugenia Adams Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was endowed in 1984 in memory of Eugenia Adams.

James Preston Allison and Edward C. Allison Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1993 in memory of James P. Allison and Edward C. Allison.

Robert Erasmus Allison and Mary Chambers Allison Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1993 in memory of Robert E. Allison and Mary C. Allison.

Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship. Awarded annually to a student in the field of education.

Theodore Roosevelt Barnes and Emma McMullen Barnes Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. Student must be African American and show promise and interest in majoring in and pursuing a career in education.

Robert Barnwell and Lois Marion Allison Memorial Scholarship. Two scholarships awarded to students of the region. The scholarships were endowed in 1978 in memory of Robert Barnwell Allison and Lois Marion Allison.

Mrs. Claude Shell Billings Scholarship. Established for a student in the top 10 percent of their graduating class or with an SAT of at least 1000. To retain for two years at USCL, the recipient must complete at least 30 semester hours with a GPA of no less than 3.00 during the calendar year. Honors courses must be taken as applicable and at a minimum of at least one per

K.C. Billings Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1984 in memory of K.C. Billings.

Mildred Billings Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1986 in memory of Mildred Billings.

R. Hacker Billings Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1986 in memory of R. Hacker Billings.

Robert Hacker Billings, Robert Kennedy Billings, and Ruth Billings Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was endowed in 1994.

Black Awareness Group Academic Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1985 by the USC Lancaster Black Awareness Group.

Richard Blackmon Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County student with financial need majoring in nursing, computer science, business, criminal justice, or a profession which will directly serve society.

Bowater Scholarship. Awarded to a student from Lancaster, Chester, York, Kershaw, or Chesterfield County. Recipient must show promise and interest in the paper products field, must be in the top 10 percent of their high-school class and/or score 950 or higher on the SAT, and must have financial need.

The Elsie Boyce Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1992.

Theodore Williams Boyce Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1977 in memory of Theodore Williams Boyce.

Thomas Boyd Bradley Academic Scholarship. Awarded for one or two years to an incoming freshman majoring in business. The scholarship was endowed in 1984 in honor of Thomas Boyd Bradley.

Legare H. Calhoun Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1987 in memory of Legare H. Calhoun.

Katherine J. Carnes Academic Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1981.

Carolina Chapter Professional Secretaries International, Lancaster, S.C., Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident who shows promise and interest in office careers. The scholarship was established in 1980.

Walton H. and Mary Frances Catoe Scholarship. Awarded to a resident of Kershaw, S.C. Preference given to financial need.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Collins Sr. Scholarship. Preference will be given to an active member of the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Lancaster, S.C., majoring in a discipline that will lead to the ministry, youth services, church leadership, medicine, or social services provided they meet the criteria; if not, worthy students with at least a 3.00 GPA residing in Lancaster County or Chester County may be considered.

Commencement Speaker Scholarship. A one-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually in honor of the commencement speaker.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Connelly Jr. Academic Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was established in 1975 and endowed in 1993.

Dr. R.L. Crawford and Mrs. Tennessee "Tennie" Calhoun Crawford Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident majoring in premedical or medical research to include chemistry, physics, or biology related majors. The scholarship was endowed in 1981.

Stanley Crew Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1979 in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Crew.

Crockett Family of Lancaster County Scholarship. Awarded to assist a student with financial need. The scholarship was endowed in 1989 in memory and honor of the Crockett family of Lancaster County.

Dr. Donald L. Crolley Scholarship. Established in 2000 by friends and family as a tribute to Dr. Donald L. Crolley’s life. Awarded to assist students who are earning a degree at the University of South Carolina Lancaster.

Dr. Deborah Cureton Academic Scholarship. Awarded to an incoming freshman with priority given to a potential BAG member.

The Derrick Academic Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1985.

Don Dixon Scholarship. To be awarded to a Lancaster County resident who will major in education.

Dr. and Mrs. William W. Duke Academic Scholarship. Restricted to a qualified full-time student who is a member of JAARS.

Peggy and Williford Faile Criminal Justice Scholarship. Recipient will be from Lancaster County majoring in a criminal justice field.

First Citizens Bank and Trust Scholarship. Awarded with preference given to company employees or their dependents, provided they meet the criteria; if not, then to an academically talented student majoring in business or banking. The scholarship was established in 1990.

Margaret K. Foster Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1984 by friends and family of Marnie Foster, a former professor at USCL. Restricted to a student majoring in the humanities.

Dr. J. Reece Funderburk Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a student from Lancaster County whose interest is in civic and governmental science. The scholarship was endowed in 1989 in memory of J. Reece Funderburk Jr.

Jessie Morrison White Gibson Scholarship. A full-tuition annual scholarship for two years with preference given to an employee or a dependent of an employee of Morrison Textile. The scholarship was established in 1992 by Morrison Textile.

A.W. Hagins Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was established in 1975 by Porter-Belk Lumber Company, Inc., in memory of A.W. Hagins.

Clara P. Hammond Scholarship Award. Awarded to an outstanding freshman or sophomore who shows exemplary scholarship and leadership.

Adele A. Hubbard Nursing Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident with a nursing major. The scholarship was established in 1985.

D.H. and Tommie Jernigan Scholarship. Endowed in 1998 by their daughter, this scholarship is awarded to a student from Lancaster High School who has successfully completed the mathematics program through calculus.

Kanawha Insurance Company Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. This scholarship was established in 1976 by Kanawha Insurance Company.

Lancaster County Educational Foundation Scholarship. The number of these scholarships varies from year to year depending upon need and available funds, usually three or more are awarded ranging from $100 to $500 per student annually.

Lancaster Retired Educators Academic Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County schools graduate. The recipient must have a GPA of 3.00 or higher and have an interest in preparing to teach. Preference given to a continuing student.

Lancaster Rotary Club Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was established in 1975 by the Lancaster Rotary Club.

Mr. James B. Lasley Endowed Scholarship. Endowed in 1998 by his wife, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate of Lancaster County schools majoring in math or science with SAT scores of 1,000 or better and in the top 10 percent of the graduating class.

Lehigh-Lancaster, Inc./Thomas & Betts Scholarship. Awarded with preference given to employees or dependents of employees of the company provided they meet other criteria; if not, then to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was established in 1976.

Lemforder Corporation Scholarship. Awarded annually to one male and one female student who show interest and commitment to community service and family values and who are graduates of Lancaster County.

Lions Club Scholarship. Established in 2000 by the Catawba Lions Club. Awarded to provide a one-time scholarship for one student from each of Lancaster County’s high schools in memory of the late Roy Kirven.

Tom Mangum Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County resident. The scholarship was endowed in 1976 by friends of Tom Mangum.

Tom Gibson Mangum Academic Scholarship. Eight scholarships are underwritten by the Tom Gibson Mangum Endowment established in 1986. Two scholarships will be awarded per year, each for a maximum four-year period. The recipients shall normally be expected to remain at USC Lancaster for a minimum of two academic years or as long as the recipients can complete a full semester in their major. Recipients must be residents of Lancaster County who graduated from a Lancaster County public high school.

Ernest K. and Brenda B. Mathis Scholarship. Awarded to a freshman or sophomore who graduated from one of the public high schools of Lancaster County and who is pursing a career in education or nursing.

The Don S. and Betsy McConnell Rushing Scholarship. Awarded to a graduate of Lancaster County schools. Based on financial need and is not based on academic achievement since it is the opinion of the Rushings that there are a lot of average students who are passed over for many scholarships and their need is just as great.

Linda W. Melton Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a pre-medical, nursing, or medical research student. This scholarship was endowed in 1977 by Melvin B. Melton.

Michael R. Melton Endowed Memorial Scholarship. An undergraduate scholarship. Preference given to students whose families are members/consumers of Lynches River Electric Co-op. who need financial assistance. Recipients must live in Chesterfield, Kershaw, or Lancaster counties.

Albertine Moore Scholarships. Awarded for two years at USC Lancaster and two years at USC Columbia to Kershaw and Lancaster County residents with preference given to Heath Springs residents.

James L. Morrison Memorial Scholarship. A full tuition annual scholarship for four years with preference given to employees or dependents of employees of the company provided they meet other criteria; if not, then to a resident of Lancaster County. This scholarship was established in 1975 and endowed in 1977 by Morrison Textile Machinery Company in memory of the founder, James L. Morrison.

Eliza Parks Nunnery Nursing Scholarship. Given annually to a nursing student. Preference is given to financial need, academic promise/potential, and interest in geriatrics.

James M. and Patricia B. Price Scholarship. Awarded to a graduate of Buford High School with a GPA of 2.50 or better.

Claude Davis Robertson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1986.

D.L. Robinson Memorial Scholarship. Awarded for two years. These scholarships were endowed in 1984 in memory of D.L. Robinson.

Mrs. D.L. Robinson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was endowed in 1986 in memory of Mrs. D.L. Robinson.

Helen L. Robinson Scholarship. Recipient must be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class or have an SAT score of at least 1000. To retain for two years at USCL, the recipient must complete 30 semester hours with a GPA of no less than 3.00 during the calendar year. Honors courses must be taken as applicable and at a minimum of at least one per year.

Frank L. Roddey Memorial Scholarship. Two scholarships awarded to students of the region. The scholarships were established in 1979.

Sara Jane Scholarship. Awarded to a student based upon need. The scholarship was endowed in 1991 in honor of Sara and Jane.

Donald B. and Carolyn W. Scott Academic Scholarship. Awarded to a Lancaster County student majoring in business or music. Preference given to a student who is physically challenged. The student should be in the top 10 percent of the graduating class and have SAT scores of 1100 or higher.

D.L. Scurry Foundation Scholarship. Awarded to students of the region. The scholarships were established in 1976 by the D.L. Scurry Foundation of Columbia, South Carolina.

Dr. W.E. Sims Jr. Health Science Scholarship. Awarded to a student majoring in public health, nursing (four year), pre-medicine, or prepharmacy. The scholarship was established in 1986 in memory of Dr. W.E. Sims Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Snipes Academic Scholarship. Restricted to the best qualified, full-time student who is a member of JAARS.

The Richard Steele Academic Scholarship. Restricted to the best qualified, full-time student who is a member of JAARS.

Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Stevens Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a graduate of Buford High School. The scholarship was established in 1989 in memory of Betsy Stevens.

The Hazel Calhoun Strange Memorial Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1986 in memory of Hazel Calhoun Strange.

Blake E. and Ann S. Taylor Scholarship. Recipient must be a resident of Heath Springs, S.C., and have financial need.

Thompson & Davis Scholarship. Awarded to a deserving, well-rounded Lancaster County or Great Falls high-school graduate with first preference to an employee or dependent of an employee of Thompson & Davis. Preference is also given to a student enrolled in a four year program. The scholarship was established in 1993 by W. Carlton Thompson and James K. Davis.

USC Lancaster Bookstore and Campus Shop Scholarship. Awarded to a student of the region. The scholarship was established in 1982.

USC Lancaster Faculty and Staff Scholarship. Awarded to a deserving student of the region. The scholarship was established by USC Lancaster faculty and staff in 1975 and is underwritten annually by their contributions.

USC Lancaster Scholarship. Created in 2000 by a group of USCL supporters by monies raised through golf tournaments. Award restricted to a Lancaster County resident.

USCL Full-Tuition Valedictorian/Salutatorian Award. A full-tuition annual award for two years awarded to entering freshmen who are graduates of South Carolina public and private high schools and who ranked first or second in their class. The award is renewable for undergraduate study at USC Lancaster only.

University 101 Scholarship. Awarded to an entering freshman who is an undeclared major and a resident of South Carolina and plans to take University 101.

D. Glenn Yarborough Scholarship. Awarded to an entering freshman of the region. The scholarship was endowed in 1979 by friends of D. Glenn Yarborough.

Veterans Benefits

The following policies and procedures are of primary concern to veterans, servicepersons, members of guard and selected reserves, and other eligible persons who receive VA educational assistance while enrolled at the University.

Please note: Academic standards of progress and attendance are covered under school standards of progress as specified by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, License Division, and required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Enrollment Certification

Certification by the University VA certifying official in the financial aid office is required for eligible students who wish to receive VA educational assistance checks. Students must initiate their own requests for enrollment certification, as the certifying official will process certifications and other forms to the VA only for those students who have made such a request and completed the necessary paperwork.

Normally, the VA requires that eligible students must have completed full University admissions requirements and matriculation into degree-seeking status before they may receive VA educational benefits. However, those students admitted as "Provisional," "Military Special," or "Transient," or students enrolling for prerequisite courses required for admission into a professional degree program or school, may request VA certification if they provide appropriate documentation. VA students in these categories should contact the University Office of Veterans Services for details. Only the federal VA has the final authority to award benefits to students in such admissions categories.

All VA students who have earned college credit at another school, or in another USC degree program, are required to provide the University Office of Veterans Services with a transfer credit evaluation from their academic department. The VA generally pays such students for one semester only pending receipt of the amount of "prior credit" applied to their current degree program. It is also recommended that undergraduate veterans or servicepersons contact Brenda Johnson in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on USC’s Columbia campus at 803-777-7323 or toll-free at 800-868-5872 for consideration of college credit for military schools.

Students can best ensure receipt of benefits by informing the school VA office of their intent to register for classes and by supplying the number of credit hours for which they will enroll each semester. Eligible VA students may request certification on an annual basis and should recertify for each new academic year at least 45 days in advance. However, pursuant to federal law, servicepersons and VA students who are enrolled less than one-half time must request certification on a semester-by-semester basis.

Normally, VA payments may be made only for those courses which are required by the academic department for the student’s current degree program. All students receiving educational assistance checks from the VA are responsible for notifying the school VA office of any changes in their degree program and/or course load during a semester, to include drop/add, withdrawal, audit status or invoking Pass-Fail option in a course, or enrollment in any distance education course, independent study, internship or practicum courses.

Appropriate forms and benefits-related information are available at the financial aid office. Each student request will be handled individually according to VA benefit program and enrollment status at the University.