LIFE Scholarship (Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence)
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE)
Automatic SC merit scholarship: up to $5,000 a year at SC four-year, two-year and technical colleges.
- How much
- Up to $5,000 per year (includes a $300 book allowance)
- Who qualifies
- SC resident at high school graduation and college enrollment; full-time, degree-seeking at an eligible SC college, in the first one-year, associate, bachelor's or first professional degree program. Four-year: 2 of 3 (3.0 SC UGP GPA, 1100 SAT/22 ACT, top 30% rank); two-year/technical: 3.0 SC UGP GPA. No felony; no second/subsequent alcohol or drug misdemeanor in the past year; not in default. Cannot be combined with Palmetto Fellows, SC HOPE or Lottery Tuition Assistance.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) at high school graduation
- When to apply
- Apply any time No application; colleges determine eligibility each year (renewal checked at the end of each academic year: fall, spring, summer).
- How to apply
- No application
- Your SC college's financial aid office determines eligibility from your final high school records (and college GPA/hours after year 1) and notifies you
- If you think you qualify and haven't heard, contact the financial aid office
- What you'll need
- transcript + test scores
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (che.sc.gov), page 2, page 3, page 4 and page 5
The details
Merit scholarship administered by each eligible SC public and independent college's financial aid office. Four-year colleges: up to $5,000 a year (cost of tuition up to $4,700 plus a $300 book allowance). Two-year public and technical colleges: up to the cost of tuition for 30 credit hours plus a $300 book allowance, max $5,000. Two-year independent colleges: up to the max tuition at the USC two-year regional campuses plus $300 books, max $5,000. Paid half fall, half spring. Initial eligibility at a four-year college: meet 2 of 3 - 3.0 SC UGP GPA, 1100 SAT / 22 ACT, top 30% of graduating class. At a two-year or technical college: 3.0 SC UGP GPA only. Renewal / earning it in college: 3.0 cumulative LIFE GPA (grades from all colleges, including dual enrollment) and an average of 30 credit hours per academic year (AP, IB, dual enrollment and CLEP may count). Up to 8 consecutive terms at a four-year college, 4 at a two-year (6 for certain 68+ hour associate programs), 10 for approved five-year bachelor's programs. Students who miss it as freshmen (including SC HOPE recipients) can earn it from year 2 by meeting the GPA and hours rules. STEM, education and accounting majors can add up to $2,500/yr through the Scholarship Enhancement (separate record).
More money from South Carolina
- Palmetto Fellows ScholarshipUp to $6,700 freshman year; up to $7,500 per year for sophomore, junior and senior years
- SC WINS Scholarship (South Carolina Workforce & Industry Needs Scholarship)Up to $5,000 per academic year after all other scholarships and grants
- South Carolina Tuition GrantsUp to $5,000 for 2026-27 (amount based on need and funding)
- South Carolina Need-based GrantUp to $3,500 per year full-time; up to $1,750 per year part-time
- South Carolina HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,800 for the freshman year (includes a $300 book allowance)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Georgia, North Carolina
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.