The Ultimate Guide to the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (2025)


Everything You Need to Know to Qualify—and Maximize Your Aid

💬 What Is the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship?

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is one of South Carolina’s most prestigious academic scholarships—worth up to $29,000 over four years.

Awarded to top-performing students attending in-state colleges, this scholarship helps reward academic excellence and reduce college debt.

✅ For South Carolina residents only
✅ Renewable each year
✅ Accepted at nearly every SC college and university

📋 How Much Is the Award?

  • $6,700 in your freshman year

  • $7,500 each subsequent year

  • Additional enhancement for STEM majors at certain schools

🧠 How to Qualify (Two Pathways)

Option 1 – Early Award (Junior Year)

  • SC resident

  • 3.5 cumulative GPA (UGSC Uniform Grading Scale)

  • 1200 SAT (or 25 ACT) by end of junior year

  • Top 6% of class (at the end of either sophomore or junior year)

Option 2 – Final Award (Senior Year)

  • 3.5 GPA

  • 1400 SAT (or 31 ACT)

  • No class rank required

Important: Must apply through your school counselor.
The early deadline is typically April 15, and the final deadline is June 30.

📌 Schools That Accept Palmetto Fellows

  • University of South Carolina

  • Clemson University

  • Furman University

  • Anderson University

  • Wofford College

  • College of Charleston

  • North Greenville University

  • And more than 30 others!

🛠️ How College Refocus Helps

Applying for Palmetto Fellows can get confusing—especially around GPA calculations, test score deadlines, and counselor coordination.

We help families:

  • Confirm eligibility and maximize academic timeline

  • Strategize ACT/SAT retake options

  • Gather and submit documentation on time

  • Combine Palmetto Fellows with other SC awards

💡 Bonus: How to Combine with Other Aid

Many students also qualify for:

  • LIFE Scholarship (as a backup if Palmetto is lost)

  • SC Tuition Grants (for private colleges)

  • Institutional merit aid (from the college itself)

  • FAFSA-based financial aid

We help you build a total scholarship strategy—not just one award.

💬 What Families Say

“We thought my son had missed the Palmetto deadline—but College Refocus helped us get everything in place and submit through his counselor. He’s attending USC with $7,500/year covered.”
— Taylors, SC

📞 Need Help Navigating Palmetto Fellows?

College Refocus knows the fine print—and we’ll help your student qualify, apply, and follow through without stress.

🎯 Book a free strategy session to:

  • Confirm eligibility

  • Create a GPA + test prep plan

  • Align your timeline with SC deadlines

👉 Schedule a Free Scholarship Planning Session »

🔗 Helpful Links