South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) with the South Carolina National Guard
Up to $12,000 a year ($4,000 a term) for SC Army and Air National Guard members at SC colleges; $25,000 lifetime cap.
- How much
- Up to $12,000 per academic year (max $4,000 per term full-time); $25,000 lifetime maximum (2026-27)
- Who qualifies
- SC Army or Air National Guard member in active drilling status
- Army: completed Basic Combat Training and AIT; Air: completed BMT and initial active-duty training. Not flagged; under the $25,000 lifetime cap; no bachelor's degree unless enrolled in an associate's or certificate program; term of service cannot expire during the funded semester. Enrolled at an SC-headquartered college.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual: fall window June 1 - Aug 1; spring window Nov 20 - Dec 15 (new students only); first-come, first-served.
- How to apply
- Apply online during the window (Army Guard and Air Guard have separate applications at che.sc.gov/scngcap)
- 2026-27 windows: Fall, June 1 - August 1, 2026
- Spring (new or missed-deadline students only
- Funds spring and summer) November 20 - December 15, 2026
- Fall-approved students don't reapply in spring
- Reapply every academic year
- What you'll need
- state application + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (che.sc.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Education incentive for drilling members of the SC Army and Air National Guard at SC-headquartered colleges, two-year or four-year. Per term: $4,000 full-time (12+ credit hours), $3,000 three-quarter time, $2,000 part-time, $1,000 less than part-time; up to $12,000 per academic year (fall, spring, summer) and a $25,000 lifetime maximum for 2026-27, set annually by the General Assembly. Awards cannot exceed cost of attendance with other aid. Eligible programs: short certificates approved by SCTCS, education components of registered apprenticeships, certificates/diplomas, the first associate's (or a second after five years), and the first bachelor's degree. First-come, first-served; apply every academic year.
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
- LIFE Scholarship (Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence)Up to $5,000 per year (includes a $300 book allowance)
- 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
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.