School Grants in South Carolina

It seems like money is what makes the world go around. Without enough money, college dreams may seem distant or unreachable. But don’t fear, there are school grants in South Carolina and other forms of financial aid to help students reach their college dreams.

If you live in South Carolina, then you may be able to get the HOPE Scholarship in your freshman year of college. The award amount is $2,800. You need to be a full-time, 1st-year undergraduate student seeking your first bachelor’s degree. Additionally, you can’t be receiving the South Carolina Palmetto Fellows of LIFE Scholarships. You have to have a sparkling perfect legal record (no felony, alcohol or drug-related misdemeanor, in any state), and you must not be in default or owe a refund on any Federal or State financial aid. And your final high school GPA must be 3.0. After your first year of receiving the HOPE Scholarship, you might be eligible for the LIFE Scholarship. It is important to know that the amount you receive for the HOPE Scholarship in your freshman year combined with any other financial aid, can’t be greater than the cost of attendance at college in South Carolina according to Title IV regulations.

Another scholarship available for students in college in South Carolina is the LIFE Scholarship. Students need to have a 3.0 GPA to qualify, and the monetary aid helps defray tuition costs at college. The LIFE Scholarship is partly funded by the South Carolina lottery.

The South Carolina Scholars award may grant you $10,000 per academic year, renewable, for four years total. Additionally, you may be granted $7,000 if you are a finalist, also renewable, for four years total. Each year, 20 people can get the South Carolina Scholars award, and 30 people can get the finalist award. You need to have good high school grades and an SAT score over 1350 on math and critical reading averaged together. Apply to your college for this scholarship. Students at the University of South Carolina can apply for this award.

The Lieber Scholarship available at the University of South Carolina gives up to $10,000 per year, renewable, for four years total. You need to take the PSAT/NMAQT in your junior year of high school, and you need to keep up a B average. Apply for the Lieber Scholarship through your college by applying for either the National Merit program, or the National Achievement program, or the National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

The Carolina Alumni Association is known to award about 15 freshman awards of $5,000 per year, for up to 4 years. You need to have a SAT score at or above 1350 on math and critical reading combined. Or you must have an ACT composite score of at least 30. And you need to have a GPA of 3.8 or higher. You also need to be accepted at University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus. Apply directly to the University of South Carolina.

If you have a B average, then you may be able to get $4,000 in money for college in South Carolina from the Trustees’ Endowment Scholars Award. This award is for freshman students, and it can be received for up to four years total, by renewal. You need to have high SAT or ACT scores.

The Valedictorian Scholars Award is given to a student who is ranked first in his/her class in South Carolina. The award amount is $3,000 per academic year, and it is renewable. Your high school guidance counselor needs to note on your application for admission to the University of South Carolina that your are ranked first in your class, to be able to get this award.

Due to the many grants and scholarships available to students in South Carolina, start early at working at maintaining good grades in high school so that you will be eligible for funds to meet your college needs.

South Carolina School Grants for 2011

South Carolina colleges and universities can offer students in the state a top notch education and a start in the right direction for a professional career. For many however money is an obstacle to attending an institution of higher learning. If you fall into that category then you need to find out what school grants are available in your state. Here we look at the top picks for 2011.

South Carolina Need-Based Grant Program

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant Program is open to undergraduate students in the state who wish to attend two or four year public or private postsecondary schools. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens and also must be permanent residents of South Carolina. Applicants must be able to provide proof that they are in financial need. As well applicants must be enrolled in school for at least 12 credit hours per semester if attending school full-time or if attending school part-time, six credit hours per semester.

South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grant

The South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grant is open to residents of South Carolina who has either made a score of 900 on  their SAT’s or is entering their freshman year of college or university who rank in the top 75 percent of their high school class. This grant is also open to upperclassmen that pass 24 credit hours on a yearly basis. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a financial need for the grant money and must be attending or planning to attend an independent South Carolina accredited college or university to study for their bachelor’s degree.

South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Grant Program

Another education grant for those who live in the state of South Carolina is the South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Grant Program. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and permanent residents of the state of South Carolina. Applicants must be able to meet the requirements for financial assistance that have been established by the school they are attending.  Eligible individuals must be attending or have plans to attend two year private or public colleges and technical schools in the state of South Carolina.