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All University of South Carolina system institutions will be closed through the end of the spring semester. Columbia campus virtual instruction will continue through the end of the Summer II semester (Aug 1). Details can be found on the coronavirus landing page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Palmetto Fellows

Initial eligibility for the prestigious Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is determined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. In addition, STEM-related fields of study may qualify you for a Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement worth an additional $2,500.

You are eligible to apply for the state-awarded Palmetto Fellows Scholarship scholarship if you are a South Carolina high school student with exemplary academic credentials. Palmetto Fellows recipients are not eligible for LIFE or S.C. HOPE scholarships.


General Eligibility Requirements

  • US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident*
  • SC Resident*
  • No felony convictions
  • No second or subsequent alcohol/drug misdemeanors
  • Not in default of any state or federal loans
  • Enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible SC institution
  • Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

*Residency must be determined at the time of high school graduation.


Eligibility Requirements for Entering Freshman

There are two ways in which a student can meet the academic eligibility criteria for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship:

  • Rank in the top 6% at the end of the 10th, the 11th , or the 12th grade academic year
    • Rank can be used as an eligibility requirement for those schools/home school associations that have an official policy on rank that has been reviewed by the SC Commission on Higher Education for compliance with the established Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Regulations.
  • Earn a 1200 (math and critical reading only) on the SAT or 27 on the ACT (through the June test administration of the graduating year)
  • Earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA (based on the S.C. Uniform Grading Policy)

OR, you can qualify by meeting the alternate academic criteria eligibility requirements without regard to rank:

  • Earn a 1400 (math and critical reading only) on the SAT or 32 on the ACT (through the June test administration of the graduating year)
  • Earn a 4.0 Cumulative GPA (based on the S.C. Uniform Grading Policy)
  • Please note that you must apply to be a Palmetto Fellow during your senior year of high school to the SC Commission on Higher Education. Contact your high school guidance counselor for more information.

Eligibility Requirements for Transfer Students

  • You must meet all general eligibility requirements.
  • You must request a transfer of your Palmetto Fellows through the SC Commission on Higher Education.

Eligibility Requirements for Continuing Students

  • You must meet all general eligibility requirements.
  • You must also meet additional renewal requirements, including your GPA and how many credit hours you earn each academic year.

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