FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find more answers from:

- Undergraduate Admissions
- Financial Aid and Scholarships

•  What is the Gamecock Guarantee?
The University of South Carolina Columbia has launched the Gamecock Guarantee as a need-based financial and academic support initiative that will help make attendance at the university more affordable--and a South Carolina degree attainable--for academically qualified first-time freshmen who are residents of South Carolina.

•  What is the financial support provided by the Gamecock Guarantee?
For students meeting the financial eligibility criteria, the Gamecock Guarantee supplements other grants and scholarships that the participant is receiving to meet the full cost of tuition and the standard technology fee.  Students retaining eligibility will graduate after four years without paying any tuition or technology fee from their own pocket.

•  What is covered by the Gamecock Guarantee?

• The program guarantees that full-time in-state tuition and the university technology fee are paid through grants and scholarships.
• Individual course fees, equipment and lab fees are not specifically covered by the grant, but other financial aid the student receives may cover these charges.
• Other college costs such as room, board, books and miscellaneous expenses are not covered by the grant.

 • What if participants total grants and scholarships exceed the total tuition and fee charges?
Many eligible students will find that their tuition and fees are initially covered or nearly covered by other grants and scholarships they have been awarded.  However, if this not the case, the university guarantees that the total charges for tuition and standard fees will be covered for Gamecock Guarantee recipients.  All participants will benefit from program opportunities, guidance and support.

•  Can recipients receive other financial aid and or scholarships in addition to the Gamecock Guarantee?
Students can receive other types of financial aid to meet the full cost of university attendance including room, board, books and transportation. However, the Gamecock Guarantee applies only to the cost of tuition and the university technology fee. Most USC students receiving financial aid do so in a combination of aid programs including work-study and loans.

•  In addition to the grant, what else do Gamecock Guarantee recipients receive?
The goal of the Gamecock Guarantee is to ensure that University of South Carolina students from low-income families succeed in all facets of college life and earn their degrees. To that end, the Gamecock Guarantee program will coordinate student engagement in various campus services and programs that enrich the undergraduate experience.

Program components include:

• An extended orientation program prior to the beginning of classes in the first year
• Intensive and ongoing academic advising
• Special sections of the nationally recognized University 101 program
• Career exploration programs
• Comprehensive academic support services

 • What are the criteria for program eligibility?
To be eligible a student must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of South Carolina

• Apply for university admission on or before the priority application deadline of December 1
• Be admitted to the University of South Carolina Columbia
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 28 as a dependent student
• Have a family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $25,000 or less
• Be eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant
• Enroll as a first-time, full time freshman for fall semester
• Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree

There is no special application required.  The university will identify and notify eligible students.

• How do students continue in the program?
Students will continue in the Gamecock Guarantee program for a total of four years (eight semesters) if they meet the financial criteria and satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility.  Students are expected to participate in the programs and services offered to the recipients.