South Carolina Tuition Grants

Program Overview

The South Carolina Tuition Grants Program (SCTGP) is the state’s flagship need-based aid for students attending one of the 21 eligible independent (private, nonprofit) colleges within the state. Created in 1970, the program ensures that students choosing smaller church-affiliated or liberal arts institutions receive support comparable to students at public universities. Grants are “last-dollar” and reduce tuition after federal Pell Grants and institutional scholarships are applied. For 2025-26, the maximum award is projected at $4,200, disbursed half each semester directly to the college.

Unlike merit-based programs such as LIFE or Palmetto Fellows, Tuition Grants focus on affordability and access. They require completion of the FAFSA and a separate state certification form. Because awards are guaranteed for eligible students until funding is exhausted, filing early is critical. In FY2025 the General Assembly increased appropriations by $6 million, stabilizing awards despite rising enrollment at private colleges.

Why Tuition Grants Matter in 2025

South Carolina’s independent colleges serve 33% of the state’s undergraduate population, with strong representation of first-generation, rural, and working adult students. Private colleges often maintain smaller classes, specialized majors, and supportive environments, but carry higher sticker prices. Tuition Grants narrow the gap, making these institutions competitive with public options.

The 2025 cycle introduces several improvements:

• Streamlined Verification: The Tuition Grants Commission (TGC) now uses the MyGrant portal where students upload documents, view missing requirements, and sign award notices electronically.
• Adult Learner Flexibility: Students aged 25 and older may qualify with nine credit hours per term (instead of the traditional 12) if they participate in structured degree-completion cohorts.
• Workforce Alignment: TGC prioritizes awards for majors addressing teacher shortages, nursing, cybersecurity, and supply chain management. Colleges can award supplemental grants funded by state workforce dollars to students in these programs.
• Bridge Programs: Agreements with technical colleges allow students who earn associate degrees and transfer to eligible privates to receive prorated tuition grants in their junior and senior years.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Residency: Students must have lived in South Carolina for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Dependent students rely on parent residency. Active-duty military stationed in South Carolina qualify; out-of-state dependents of active-duty South Carolinians also qualify.
2. Institutional Eligibility: Only students attending the 21 participating independent colleges (e.g., Anderson University, Benedict College, Columbia College, Furman University, Wofford College) qualify. Enrollment must be full-time unless granted an adult learner exception.
3. Need Analysis: FAFSA data generates a Student Aid Index (SAI). TGC uses a state-specific formula considering family income, assets, household size, and number in college. Awards phase out at higher SAIs but even middle-income families often qualify when private college costs are high.
4. Academic Progress: First-year students must earn 24 semester hours and meet institutional academic progress standards. After freshman year, students maintain eligibility by achieving a cumulative 2.0 GPA and earning 24 credit hours annually. Adult learners using the nine-credit exception must complete at least 18 hours per year.
5. Maximum Terms: Students may receive up to eight full-time semesters. Transfer students subtract the number of terms already used at other institutions.

Application Steps

1. File FAFSA Early: Submit the FAFSA by June 30 listing your targeted independent college. Add school codes for backup options.
2. Monitor the MyGrant Portal: Within weeks of FAFSA submission, create a MyGrant account at sctuitiongrants.org. Complete the Student Certification Form acknowledging residency and enrollment plans.
3. Submit Documentation: Upload birth certificates or residency proof if requested. Dependent students may need parent tax returns if selected for verification. Independent students provide proof of independence (marriage certificates, tax returns, or military documentation).
4. Complete College Admissions and Financial Aid Requirements: Many colleges require additional institutional forms, CSS Profile, or verification. Align deadlines to avoid losing institutional scholarships.
5. Finalize Enrollment: Once admitted, confirm housing, orientation, and registration. Tuition Grants disburse after the college certifies enrollment each semester.

Maximizing Your Award

• Stack With Institutional Aid: Private colleges often match Tuition Grants dollar-for-dollar or provide “gap grants” covering remaining tuition. Ask your financial aid office about matching policies.
• Pursue South Carolina Need-Based Grant (SCNBG): Some students attending private colleges remain eligible for SCNBG through cross-enrollment programs. Coordinate with financial aid to avoid double counting.
• Combine with LIFE or Palmetto Fellows: Students who qualify for merit scholarships may hold both, dramatically lowering tuition. Maintain GPA and credit requirements for each program.
• Apply for Outside Scholarships: Many church denominations, civic organizations, and foundations target independent college students. Use SC’s College Goal events and TGC’s scholarship directory for leads.
• Consider Work-Study: Federal work-study can cover living expenses without increasing loan debt. Many private colleges offer campus jobs aligned with academic interests.

Maintaining Eligibility During College

• Track Credit Pace: Schedule at least 15 credits per semester to buffer against withdrawals or failed courses. If withdrawing, consult financial aid to avoid dropping below the 24-credit requirement.
• Appeal Process: Students facing health issues, family emergencies, or academic difficulties can appeal for probationary status. Provide documentation (doctor’s notes, counseling letters). Probation allows one term to regain standards.
• SAP Alignment: Institutional Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies may be stricter than TGC requirements. Keep both sets of standards in mind to avoid losing multiple aid sources.
• Renewal Deadlines: File FAFSA annually by June 30 and update the MyGrant portal. Late submissions risk waitlisting if funds run low.

Addressing Common Challenges

• Verification Backlog: Verification is the most common delay. Submit documents within 10 days. Use the IRS Direct Data Exchange to avoid tax transcript requests.
• Residency Questions: Students with divorced parents, blended families, or guardians should clarify residency early. Provide custody agreements, tax records, or court orders showing domicile.
• Study Abroad or Off-Campus Programs: Tuition Grants can cover approved study abroad if billed by the home institution. Prior approval from TGC is required.
• Part-Time Enrollment: Adult learners seeking the nine-credit exception must enroll in approved programs and sign a completion plan. Falling below nine credits forfeits the exception.
• Exceeding Eight Semesters: Students in five-year programs (e.g., architecture, some nursing programs) can request an extension by submitting degree plans and institutional letters.

Wraparound Support and Resources

• College Financial Aid Offices: Each participating college has a Tuition Grant liaison who monitors compliance, coordinates appeals, and helps plan course loads.
• SC Tuition Grants Commission Hotline: 803-896-1120 offers real-time assistance, deadline reminders, and translation services.
• SC Thrive & College Goal Events: Provide FAFSA workshops, tax preparation assistance, and budgeting sessions for families statewide.
• Career Services: Private colleges integrate career coaching, internships, and alumni networks. Early career planning ensures tuition investments translate into job placements.

Case Study: First-Generation Student at Anderson University

Jamal, a first-generation student from Florence, chose Anderson University for its engineering partnership with Clemson. His family income of $58,000 produced an SAI of 2,300. After Pell Grants ($3,600) and Anderson’s institutional aid ($12,000), tuition still left a $5,000 gap. The Tuition Grants Commission awarded $4,200, leaving only $800 due for tuition. Jamal secured a campus job in the engineering lab covering books and fees. When he struggled with calculus, academic success coaches provided weekly tutoring, helping him maintain a 3.2 GPA and meet the 24-credit requirement. He plans to complete a co-op with BMW Manufacturing, aligning with the state’s workforce priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can graduate students receive Tuition Grants? No. The program supports undergraduate degrees only. However, some institutions offer graduate discounts for Tuition Grant alumni.

Does attending a public university disqualify me? Tuition Grants apply only to eligible independent colleges. Public university students should explore the South Carolina Need-Based Grant or SC Tuition Waiver programs.

What happens if my financial situation changes mid-year? Report changes (job loss, disability, death of wage earner) to your college and TGC. You can request a professional judgment review that may increase your award.

Can I transfer between eligible colleges? Yes. Submit a transfer form through MyGrant and ensure the new institution certifies your enrollment. Awards adjust based on remaining terms.

Are DACA or undocumented students eligible? Only U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens qualify due to federal aid linkage. DACA students should seek private scholarships and institutional aid programs.

The South Carolina Tuition Grants Program remains a vital lifeline for families seeking the personalized education offered by the state’s independent colleges. By filing early, staying organized, and leveraging campus support services, students can maximize grants and graduate with manageable debt while contributing to South Carolina’s economic growth.