Increasing South Carolinians’ access to a high-quality college education is vital to their success and the future of our state.  And it’s the right thing to do. 

That’s why the University of South Carolina has launched Gamecock Guarantee, a need-based financial- and academic-support program that will help make attendance at the University more affordable—and a South Carolina degree attainable—for academically qualified residents of our state.

The Gamecock Guarantee promises that each eligible student’s tuition and technology fee will be covered for up to four years if the student meets the program’s academic, financial, and participation criteria. 

And while all University students have access to an array of programs and services that help bolster their academic achievement, students who qualify for the Gamecock Guarantee will benefit from a coordinated network of offerings that can enrich their undergraduate experiences. 

To become acclimated to campus and the University’s academic expectations, first-year Gamecock Guarantee recipients will attend an extended orientation program, receive intensive academic advising, and enroll in University 101 sections designed especially for them.  Career exploration sessions and academic-support services will help these students excel and achieve their academic and personal goals.

Students are eligible for the Gamecock Guarantee if they are South Carolina residents, dependent students, and they meet the following criteria:

Academic

• they apply for admission by December 1
• they are admitted to the University of South Carolina Columbia
• they enroll as first-time, full-time freshman students in a fall semester
• they pursue a bachelor’s degree

Financial

• they submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 28
• their families’ adjusted gross incomes (AGI) are no more than $25,000
• they are eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant

After they’ve received the Gamecock Guarantee, students maintain their eligibility by doing the following:

• continue to meet the financial criteria
• make satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility
• participate in the array of programs and services the University offers to ensure their success