Scholarships FAQ
The university checks cumulative grades following the end of the spring semester or at the end of the summer semesters if you attended Maymester, Summer I, and/or Summer II.
No, the only requirement is a 3.0 USC GPA and reasonable progress toward your degree.
You may appeal a scholarship suspension under limited conditions as outlined in the Scholarship Appeal Policy for General University and Financial Aid Committee Scholarships. However, once such a scholarship has been terminated it cannot be reinstated.
If you have a pending grade change or incomplete grade that will result in your meeting the scholarship renewal requirements once changed, you must provide documentation of this situation to our office before the beginning of the fall semester or your university scholarship will be terminated. Documentation must include a letter from the instructor, your academic advisor, or from your Dean and a letter from you explaining the circumstances. The University Registrar must update the grade change or incomplete grade by the end of the fall semester.
Yes, only coursework taken within the USC system affects the renewal criteria for your university scholarship. If you take courses outside of the system, such courses will not assist you in raising your system GPA.
No, the University does not round up your system GPA.
No, eligibility for the reduced tuition charge is contingent upon your receipt of a General University Scholarship. If your scholarship is terminated, your reduced tuition benefit is terminated as well.
No, if your General University Scholarship is terminated, you are not able to regain that particular scholarship. However, you may qualify for departmental or need-based scholarships at a later date in the same manner as other currently enrolled students.
We usually are able to have awards made by July 15th of every year for the following academic year. If you do not see yours by then, please ensure that the Undergraduate Admissions has received all of your final high school or college transcripts and/or make sure that the South Carolina Legal Residency Office has all necessary paperwork for your in-state residency.
No, you must meet all renewal or continuing eligibility requirements for your scholarship. Please review the Renewal Eligibility Requirements for Palmetto Fellows or Eligibility Requirements for Continuing Students for LIFE Scholarship on our website.
Our office will automatically review for Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship Enhancement eligibility. Please review our South Carolina State Scholarship section for specifics about eligible majors and courses.