The University of South Carolina awards over 1000 scholarships each year to entering freshman.  In order to be considered for one of these awards, students should apply early and follow the application instructions provided by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  Students who wish to be considered for the Carolina Scholars, McNair Scholars, and Alumni Scholars awards will need to complete the appropriate resident or non-SC resident University Honors College and Scholarship Application also provided by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and available at most high-school guidance offices in the state.  The University Honors College and Scholarship Application must be returned to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, postmarked by November 15.  The postmark date applies to both South Carolina residents and non-South Carolina resident students.  A student may receive only one general University Scholarship with the exception of the Lieber Scholarship.

The information below is subject to change without notification. The purpose is to give you a broad overview of the various kinds of scholarships for which you may be eligible. It does not constitute an offer or an agreement. The requirements listed below are general guidelines that are subject to change.

Actual award criteria are established annually based on the size and strength of the class and availability of scholarship funds. The University reserves the right to revoke or change the award terms due to actions such as, but not limited to, violation of the student code of conduct. Scholarship programs are subject to change due to financial constraints. For more information, please review the scholarship polices at www.sc.edu/admissions.

Scholarships for South Carolina Residents

If you have a strong academic record and are a leader in your high school and community, we encourage you to apply for the Carolina Scholars competition.  Fifty Carolina Scholars Finalists are chosen.  Of these finalists, 20 students will be selected through an interview process for the Carolina Scholars Award.  Last year's candidates presented an average SAT scores of 1477 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 33) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.91.  Finalists receive awards of $28,000 ($7,000 per year), and Carolina Scholars receive awards of $40,000 ($10,000 per year).  These awards are renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a B average.   To apply for this scholarship, both an application for general University admission and a University Honors College and Scholarship Application must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The postmark deadline for the applications is November 15.

The University annually awards scholarships to National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.  The competition for these awards begins when you take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year of high school.  The award is up to $10,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average.  To be eligible, National Merit Finalist must list the University of South Carolina as their first choice through the National Merit Corporation.  National Achievement Finalists must send a copy of the National Achievement Finalist certificate to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  The National Hispanic Recognition Program will send us the names of the scholars selected for the program.  No scholarship application is required.

Students with outstanding academic records may receive awards of $5,000 from the Carolina Alumni Association.  Successful candidates typically present SAT scores above 1350 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 30) and achieve a GPA above 3.80.  Students must also be accepted for enrollment at USC’s Columbia campus.  Criteria used in choosing Alumni Scholars include academic achievement, leadership, talent, and service.  This award is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average.  To apply for this scholarship, both an application for general University admissions and a UniversityHonorsCollege and Scholarship Application must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The postmark deadline for the applications is November 15.  The student does not have to be a dependent of a USC alumnus to be considered. Due to financial constraints, this scholarship may not be awarded.

If you are ranked first in your class at the end of your junior year or later, be sure your high school guidance counselor notes it on the guidance counselor evaluation form (part of your University application) and on your transcript as you may be eligible for the Valedictorian Scholars Award.  The award is worth $3,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average.   The award is offered automatically if you are ranked first in your class or named valedictorian.  No scholarship application is required.

Freshmen recipents of the Dean's Leadership Scholarship generally present an average SAT score of 1337 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite of 30) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.61. Candidates are selected based on a strong academic curriculum, leadership, and community service. This award is worth $ 3,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average. No scholarship application is required.

Freshman recipients of the University Scholars Award generally present scores an average SAT score of 1305 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 29) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.01.  The award is worth $2,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average. No scholarship application is required.

Freshman recipients of the Thornwell Scholars Award generally present an average SAT score of 1223 on critical reading and math combined (or ACT composite score of 27) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.06.  The award is worth $500 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average.  No scholarship application is required.

Scholarships for Nonresidents

The McNair Scholars Award is one of the most prestigious awards at the University. Forty out-of-state students with strong academic records who are leaders in their high schools and communities will be selected as McNair Scholar Finalists.  Of these finalists, 20 students will be chosen through an interview process to receive the McNair Scholars Award.  Last year's candidates presented and average SAT scores of 1507 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 33) and average weighted high school GPA of 4.44. Finalists receive awards of $44,000 ($11,000 per year), and McNair Scholars receive awards of $60,000 ($15,000 per year). These awards are renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average.   To apply for this scholarship, both an application for general University admission and a University Honors College and Scholarship Application must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The postmark deadline for the applications is November 15. All nonresidents students receiving this scholarship receive significant tuition reduction by qualifying for the in-state tuition rate.

The University annually awards scholarships to National Merit Finalists, National Achievement Finalists, and National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.  The competition for these awards begins when you take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year of high school.  The award is up to $6,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average.  To be eligible, National Merit Finalist must list the University of South Carolina as their first choice through the National Merit Corporation. National Achievement Finalists must send a copy of the National Achievement Finalist certificate to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The National Hispanic Recognition Program will send us the names of the scholars selected for the program. No scholarship application is required. All nonresidents students receiving this scholarship receive significant tuition reduction by qualifying for the in-state tuition rate.

Students with outstanding academic records may receive awards of $5,000 from the Carolina Alumni Association. Successful candidates typically present SAT scores above 1350 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 30) and achieve a GPA above 3.80. Students must also be accepted for enrollment at USC’s Columbia campus. Criteria used in choosing Alumni Scholars include academic achievement, leadership, talent, and service. This award is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average. To apply for this scholarship, both an application for general University admissions and a UniversityHonorsCollege and Scholarship Application must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The postmark deadline for the applications is November 15. The student does not have to be a dependent of a USC alumnus to be considered. All nonresident students receiving this scholarship receive significant tuition reduction by qualifying for the in-state tuition rate. Due to financial constraints, this scholarship may not be awarded.

Freshman recipients of the Cooper Scholars award generally present an average SAT score of 1444 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 32) and an average weighted GPA of 4.43. The award is worth $4,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average. No scholarship application is required. All nonresidents students receiving this scholarship receive significant tuition reduction by qualifying for the in-state tuition rate.

Freshman recipients of the McKissick Scholars Award generally present an average SAT score of 1344 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 30) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.13.  The award is worth $2,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average. No scholarship application is required. All nonresidents students receiving this scholarship receive significant tuition reduction by qualifying for the in-state tuition rate.

Woodrow Scholars Award

Annual Value: $500

Four-Year Value: $2,000

Freshman recipients of the Woodrow Scholars Award generally present an average SAT score of 1264 on critical reading and math combined (or ACT composite score of 28) and an average weighted high school GPA of 3.84. The award is worth $500 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average. No scholarship application is required. All nonresident students receiving this scholarship receive a reduced tuition benefit as well.

Sims Scholars Award

Annual Value: $500

Four-Year Value: $2,000

Freshman recipients of the Sims Scholars Award generally present an average SAT score of 1251 on critical reading and math combined (or ACT composite score of 28) and an average weighted high school GPA of 3.35.  The award is worth $500 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a “B” average. No scholarship application is required.  All nonresident students receiving this scholarship receive a reduced tuition benefit as well.