South Carolina Scholarships to Apply for in 2025 

Introduction to South Carolina scholarships

The state of South Carolina is home to over 80 four-year public universities, two-year community colleges, and private undergraduate and graduate universities combined. Whether you’re a high school senior looking at attending a South Carolina college or university, or you’re a current college student at one of South Carolina’s many institutions, this post highlights many great scholarships and resources for you to take advantage of.

Let's go over a few of South Carolina's best scholarships for students.

South Carolina scholarships offered by private organizations

  • Amount: $1,000

    Deadlines: Quarterly

    Details: Before we get into all of the South Carolina-specific private scholarships, check out our very own. No essay or minimum GPA required to apply. Open to US citizens, international students in the US, and students with DACA and undocumented status.

  • Amount: $25,000

    Deadline: Rolling monthly

    Eligibility:

    -Open to all high school, college & grad students! One easy form to fill out...

  • Amount:  $2,500 Monthly

    Deadline: Expires on the last day of each month

    Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

  • Amount: up to $2,800

    Deadline: Varies

    Details:  The SC HOPE Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship created for students attending a four-year institution who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.

  • Amount: $6,700 to $7,500

    Deadline: Varies

    Details: The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program recognizing the most academically talented high school seniors and encouraging these students to attend college in the state.

  • Amount: up to $5,000

    Deadline: Varies

    Details: The LIFE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent college and university in South Carolina. Students must submit the minimum documents to their institution’s financial aid department.

  • Amount: up to $3,500 

    Deadline: Varies

    Details:The S.C. Need-based grant is to provide additional financial aid to South Carolina’s neediest students. A student may receive up to $3,500 annually

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: Varies

    Details: South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance (SCLTA) is available for students enrolled in 6 credit hours or more. 

  • Amount: $8,000

    Deadline: Varies

    Details: For the opportunity to win an $8,000 scholarship, submit a video or written essay about an individual you know personally (who lives in your community) who has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals.

  • Amount: $45,000

    Deadline:  January 31

    Details: Open to high school seniors.  Compose an impactful essay (500 words or less) explaining how your education will empower you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of South Carolinians and your community.

  • Amount: $20,000

    Deadline: January 31

    Details:The recipient must have a major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science to qualify.

  • Amount: $3,000

    Deadline: February 8

    Details:  Eligible students must be from one of the 18 counties listed on the scholarship page. A student’s permanent address must be within the designated county region at the time of high school graduation. Current high school seniors or current undergraduate students may apply for the scholarship.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: February 14

    Details:  Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarships of the Simon Youth Foundation are available to high school seniors living near a Simon mall or in the surrounding communities.

  • Amount: $5,000

    Deadline: March 1

    Details:  Scholarships are presented annually to deserving high school seniors who participated in the Dixie Youth Baseball program while age 12 and under.

  • Amount: $2,000

    Deadline: March 1

    Details:  Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to college-bound students from North and South Carolina who are pursuing a major in engineering, math, science, computer science, accounting, finance or business administration.

  • Amount: Varies

    Deadline: March 15

    Details: Applicant must be a South Carolina resident and enrolled in an accredited school and be well-qualified, with a serious interest in pursuing a degree specific to International Trade or a related course of study.

  • Amount: $10,000

    Deadline: March 25

    Details: Open to high school seniors, as well as college freshmen and sophomores. Must be planning to pursue a non-performing career in theater.

  • Amount: $1,500

    Deadline: March 31

    Details:  Award available to a deserving student (high school senior, college freshman, sophomore, or junior) based on their academic ability, need, and desire to enter the construction industry.

  • Amount: $6,000

    Deadline: April 1

    Details: All eligible students must be enrolled in a college or university during the coming school year and plan to pursue a career in broadcast or digital media.

  • Amount: $10,000

    Deadline: April 17

    Details: 80% of scholarships will be awarded on a combination of need and merit with the remaining 20% awarded on the basis of merit.

  • Amount: $6,000

    Deadline: December 1

    Details: Award available to high school seniors interested in the teaching profession. Each year, the program provides fellowships to up to 200 high school seniors.

Additional paying for college resources for South Carolina students

A great resource for South Carolina students comes from South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

Students should also search for local scholarships. If you are a college-bound high school student, be sure to check-in with both your high school’s college counselor and the financial aid department at your future college.

Be sure to also check the website of both your high school and your college. Oftentimes, they maintain a page of scholarships in the community that offers some great options.