Opportunity Scholars Program
The TRIO Opportunity Scholars Program (OSP) encourages student success at the University of South Carolina by creating a small college atmosphere that includes academic support services and allowing students to take core freshman-level classes from faculty and staff especially prepared to meet the needs and concerns of our OSP students.
The program provides tutoring assistance, academic advising, guidance on undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, mentoring, workshops, and cultural enrichment opportunities. Additionally, freshmen taking three or more OSP courses receive significant tuition reduction.
Related Documents/Information
OSP Program benefits and a look at the freshman year.
OSP Eligibility
OSP has a history of success. Participants generally graduate at a rate higher than the average for the general student population.
Eligible Students Must:
- Be a resident of South Carolina.
- Be admitted to the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus.
- Have a family taxable income for the preceding year that is not greater than 150% of the Department of Human Services’ poverty guidelines.
- Be a first-generation college student.
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
- Apply for admission on or before the December 1st priority application deadline.
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st.
- Be eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Enroll as a first-time, full-time freshman for the fall semester.