Government-Sponsored Scholarships

• The South Carolina Commission on Higher Aid offers several scholarship programs to graduating high school seniors. Both the LIFE Scholarship Program and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program are awarded to prospective freshmen from South Carolina high schools, and awarded on the basis of high school achievement markers such as GPA and standardized test scores. The SC HOPE Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted to a public or private university, and provides up to $2,800 of support and a $300 book allowance.
  
  

Professional Organizations

• Several professional organizations in South Carolina offer scholarships to high school seniors who plan to pursue specific courses of study. For example, the Upstate Association of Educational Office Professionals offers a $275 scholarship to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree related to business. The South Carolina Education Association offers the J.P. Coates/SCACT Scholarship to high school students planning to major in education.
  
  

Civic and Community Organizations

• Many civic and community organizations in South Carolina offer scholarships available to high school seniors. The Center for Scholarship Administration administers a variety of scholarships to high school seniors, such as the Stago Scholarship and the Ricky Hendrick Scholarship Fund. The Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina offers a variety of scholarships to seniors ranging in value from $500 to $5,000. The South Carolina State Fair offers $6,000 Ride of Your Life Scholarships to high school seniors throughout the state.
  
  

School-Specific Scholarships

• Most colleges and universities in South Carolina offer some scholarship programs open to high school seniors who are prospective students. For example, the University of South Carolina offers the Carolina Scholars Award in amounts of up to $10,000 per year for up to four years, and the Trustees' Endowment Scholars Award in the amount of $4,000 per year for up to four years. In addition, many individual departments offer scholarships to prospective freshmen. Be sure to explore all scholarship opportunities offered by the South Carolina institution you plan to attend.