Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The University of South Carolina is working with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor the novel coronavirus outbreak and any potential impact to our campus community.
UofSC Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund
CARES ACT FEDERAL GRANT
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides economic relief to students who incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. The availability of this award is not continuous.
To fulfill the Department of Education’s guidance, USC Lancaster will be awarding grants to students across all levels as determined by the FAFSA with amounts ranging from $300 to $650. Pell Grant recipients will be awarded $650 and all other eligible students may receive $300. In early September, any CARES funding that had been declined by awardees was reallocated to students who accepted an initial CARES award and maintained eligibility for Title IV federal student financial aid. This additional award was $281 per recipient. The grants must be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare). The grants may not fully cover the expenses a student has incurred due to the disruption.
The grants will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- USC-Lancaster has received an official FAFSA as of May 7, 2020
- Meet the Title IV Federal eligibility requirements
- Be a degree-seeking student enrolled for Spring 2020 term
- Not enrolled in an exclusively online program on or prior to March 13, 2020
- Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
This one-time award will be placed on the student’s account for Spring 2020 and an award notification email will be sent to students to view their awards on SSC. The student must also accept the certification to receive the funds. However, if you did not incur any expenses, please decline the awards via SSC. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our campus Financial Aid Office at usclfa@mailbox.sc.edu or by phone 803-313-7068 . You can also chat with us online.
Palmetto College CARES Act Federal Grant frequently asked questions, click here.
Beware of Scams about CARES Act Funding
Cares Reporting
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Reporting as of 12/31/2020 (Lancaster)
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Reporting as of 09/30/2020 (Lancaster)
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Reporting as of 08/15/2020 (Lancaster)
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Reporting as of 06/30/2020 (Lancaster)
CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants Reporting as of 05/19/2020 (Lancaster)
Important Information
- Academic Bulletin: Looking for information USCL Policies, Degree Programs, and other public information? See our academic bulletin.
- Apply: The FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Borrowing: Information for First Time Direct Loan Borrowers
- Checklist (Everything you need to know, step by step)
- Community Resources (Free services for students in need)
- Cost: The Net Price Calculator
- Forms and Certifications (Submit required forms)
- Get Smart SC (South Carolina Financial Aid Information)
- Self Service Carolina (Check your application status and accept your financial aid)
- Student Privacy Information (FERPA)
- Student Tax Filing Information (1098-T form is on SSC, under Account Information)
- USCL Scholarships (Apply for USCL Scholarships)
- Veteran Affairs (Apply for your VA Benefits and Certify your classes)
Academics and Financial Aid
- Academic Calendars (know the drop/add and withdrawal dates)
- Dropping and Withdrawing from Classes (how dropping and withdrawing affect aid)
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (Know how grades and withdrawals affect you)
Presentations about Financial Aid
- How to Apply for Financial Aid
- Types of Financial Aid
- Financial Aid Information for ADN
- Financial Aid Information for BSN
- Freshmen Orientation
News
Financial Aid Reminders: FAFSA, Textbook Scholarship, Child Care Grant
What is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth?
- “Among workers with liberal arts B.A.s, 82 percent are working (70 percent full-time), and the average full-time worker earns $55,000 annually, $20,000 more than high school graduates,” the report says. “Two out of five liberal arts graduates, however, go on to earn graduate degrees, which further boosts their earnings to $76,000 annually, on average.”
2020-2021 FAFSA
- File
- Available on October 1st, 2019
- File using 2018 income tax information
- Priority deadline April 1st
- Fall Deadline August 1st, 2020 (after this you may not be awarded before the bill comes due)
Thelathia Bailey Emergency Textbook Scholarship Application
- Not able to afford your books without a loan? Apply for our $300 Scholarship.
Quick Points
- Don't pay for the FAFSA, it is free!
- Don't pay for help to apply for other Financial Aid. We do it for free!
- Don't share your SSN or FSA ID with anyone you do not trust.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Deadlines
- Fall - Priority Deadline: August 1st; Final Deadline: December 1st
- Spring – Priority Deadline: December 1st ; Final Deadline: April 1st
- Summer - Priority Deadline: April 1st; Final Deadline: June 1st
- Appeal Forms
South Carolina Teacher Loan/Career Changer
SC Student Loan has now updated the online application for the SC Teacher Loan/Career Changer program for the 2019/2020 academic year.
Summer Aid
- If you had Pell Grant in Fall and Spring you can now also get it in summer!
- Application will be available on Self Service Carolina by April 1st
- Priority deadline May 1st ; Final Deadline June 1st
- More Information
Dual Enrollment
SC Residents in Dual Enrollment Courses taking 6 or more credit hours in a single semester are eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance. You must complete the Dual Enrollment Packet (admissions, citizenship, immunization, residency, school LTAP form, and student LTAP form). For more information on Dual Enrollment, the forms to complete and the deadlines for Lottery Tuition Assistance, please see the Dual Enrollment Website.