South Carolina Need-based Grant
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE)
Need-based grant up to $3,500 a year (full-time) or $1,750 (part-time) at SC public colleges.
- How much
- Up to $3,500 per year full-time; up to $1,750 per year part-time
- Who qualifies
- SC resident; enrolled at least 12 credit hours (full-time) or 6 (part-time) at an eligible SC public institution; demonstrates need per the FAFSA; first undergraduate credential level; no felony or second alcohol/drug misdemeanor in the past year; not owing a grant refund or in loan default.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (legal permanent resident) under SC residency statutes
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; no fixed state deadline, but colleges award from limited allocations (often first-come, first-served), so file the FAFSA early each year.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA as early as possible (2027-28 FAFSA is open now)
- The financial aid office at your SC public college determines eligibility and the amount
- Ask it about any extra steps
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (che.sc.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Extra aid for SC students with the greatest financial need at eligible SC public institutions. Up to $3,500/yr full-time or $1,750/yr part-time; can be used in fall, spring or summer (no more than 50% in one term); up to eight full-time-equivalent terms. Awarded by each college's financial aid office within its allocation after all other gift aid, often first-come, first-served. Must be in the first one-year program, associate, bachelor's or pre-professional degree. Renewal: 2.0 cumulative GPA, 24 credit hours per year if full-time both terms (12 if part-time), and a new FAFSA each year. Can be combined with one merit scholarship (LIFE, HOPE or Palmetto Fellows). Foster youth can receive the maximum plus extra funds (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
- 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 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.