South Carolina LIFE Scholarship

South Carolina residents entering an eligible SC public or independent college as a first-time freshman qualify by meeting two of three criteria: a cumulative 3.0 GPA on the SC Uniform Grading Scale, an SAT score of at least 1100 (or 22 on the ACT), or a class rank in the top 30%. The award is applied automatically by the college's financial aid office based on the student's official high school transcript — there is no separate scholarship application. It renews for up to eight consecutive terms for a standard four-year degree (other program lengths get different term limits) as long as the student keeps a 3.0 cumulative "LIFE GPA" and earns enough credit hours each year to stay on pace toward a degree.

Eligibility

DemographicsMust be a U.S. citizen or eligible permanent resident, classified as a South Carolina resident at high school graduation, and enrolled full-time as a first-time entering freshman at an eligible SC college.

Applying

Four-year institutions: up to cost-of-attendance not to exceed $4,700, plus a $300 book allowance (effectively up to $5,000/year). Two-year and technical institutions: up to cost-of-tuition plus the $300 book allowance, not to exceed $5,000/year total.