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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.