Top 5 Scholarships for South Carolina Students in 2025
College is an investment—but if you’re a student in South Carolina, there’s good news. The state offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country, and with the right planning, you could save thousands each year.
Here are the top 5 scholarships for South Carolina students in 2025 that you don’t want to miss.
🎓 1. LIFE Scholarship
Award: Up to $5,000 per year (plus a $300 book allowance)
Eligibility: SC resident, 3.0 GPA, and meet 2 of 3 benchmarks: class rank in the top 30%, 1100 SAT/22 ACT, or GPA requirement.
Bonus: STEM majors can receive an extra $2,500 per year starting sophomore year.
Why It Matters: This is one of the most accessible scholarships in SC—many students qualify automatically.
🎓 2. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Award: $6,700 for the first year, up to $7,500 for each following year
Eligibility: Highly competitive—minimum 1200 SAT/25 ACT and top 6% of class or a 3.5 GPA.
Why It Matters: This award is one of the largest in SC and designed for the state’s top-performing students.
🎓 3. HOPE Scholarship
Award: $2,800 (freshman year only)
Eligibility: 3.0 GPA in high school; designed for students who don’t qualify for LIFE or Palmetto Fellows.
Why It Matters: A strong backup award that ensures nearly every student with solid academics has access to aid.
🎓 4. SC Tuition Grants Program
Award: Up to $4,800 annually
Eligibility: For SC residents attending private colleges in the state (like Anderson, Furman, or Columbia College).
Why It Matters: This grant helps keep private education competitive with in-state public tuition.
🎓 5. Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTAP)
Award: Up to $2,100 per year
Eligibility: For students attending SC technical or two-year colleges.
Why It Matters: Great for students pursuing associate degrees, certifications, or transfer pathways.
💡 Pro Tips for South Carolina Students
Stack Aid: You can often combine state scholarships with federal grants and institutional merit awards.
Stay Eligible: Most SC scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA in college—don’t lose funding by letting grades slip.
Plan Ahead: Some awards (like Palmetto Fellows) have early deadlines—know them before senior year starts.
🧭 Final Thoughts from College Refocus
South Carolina makes college more affordable with strong scholarship options at every level. From merit-based awards like LIFE and Palmetto Fellows to grants supporting private or technical education, there’s money on the table—you just need to plan ahead to grab it.
🎯 Call to Action
Want to make sure you maximize your South Carolina scholarship opportunities?
📅 Book a Scholarship Planning Session with College Refocus and let’s create a financial aid game plan for 2025.