Scholarships for South Carolina Residents
Carolina Scholars Award
Annual Value: $10,000 ($7,000 for finalists)
Four-Year Value: $40,000 ($28,000 for finalists)
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 are selected through an interview process for the Carolina Scholars Award. Last year's candidates presented an average SAT score of 1491 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 34) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.81. 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 scholarship application must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The postmark deadline for the applications is November 15.
Lieber Scholarship
Annual Value: Up to $10,000
Four-Year Value: Up to $40,000
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.
Trustees' Endowment Scholars Award
Annual Value: $5,000
Four-Year Value: $20,000
You may receive this scholarship if you are an incoming freshman who is academically talented or who demonstrates financial need. The award is worth $ 5,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years as long as you maintain at least a "B" average. This scholarship is one of our most prestigious awards, and candidates typically present high SAT or ACT scores and achieve an excellent GPA. No scholarship application is required.
Valedictorian Scholars Award
Annual Value: $3,000
Four-Year Value: $12,000
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.
Dean's Leadership Scholarship
Annual Value: $3,000
Four-Year Value: $12,000
Freshmen recipients of the Dean's Leadership Scholarship generally present an average SAT score of 1384 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite of 31) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.54. 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.
University Scholars Award
Annual Value: $2,000
Four-Year Value: $8,000
Freshman recipients of the University Scholars Award generally present scores an average SAT score of 1298 on critical reading and math sections combined (or ACT composite score of 29) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.05. 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.
Thornwell Scholars Award
Annual Value: $500
Four-Year Value: $2,000
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 4.15. 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.