InstitutionalCollegiate/Graduate Scholars
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
South Carolina's merit scholarship system — funded partly by the state lottery — centers on the LIFE Scholarship and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. The LIFE Scholarship provides $5,000 per year toward tuition at South Carolina public colleges for students who graduate with a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 30% of their class (or score 1100+ SAT). The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is more competitive, providing up to $10,000 annually for students who rank in the top 6% of their class with a 1200+ SAT or 27+ ACT. Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wofford together represent a strong array of athletic programs across all three NCAA divisions. Clemson's football and soccer programs in particular are among the most scholarship-competitive in the ACC. South Carolina's relatively generous June 30 FAFSA deadline gives students more time than most states to organize their financial aid applications.
File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov by June 30, 2026 to maximize state aid eligibility.
These programs are available to students in every state and can be stacked with South Carolina state grants.
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
Bold.org · $665.7k
$665,729
Bold.org · $543.3k
$543,303
U.S. Department of Education · Up to $500k
Forgiveness program for loans of those who work full-time in qualifying public service jobs. 10 years of payments required.
National YoungArts Foundation · $500k
High school & college students focused on performing, visual & literary arts.
Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN · $430k
Grants aimed at increasing access and opportunity for underserved girls in sports.
Navy · $300k
Medical students including those studying pediatrics
United States Bowling Congress · $300k
Must enroll in an undergraduate program at an accredited college/university.
Bold.org · $270.4k
Khalil Mack 52 Scholars Program
Society for Science · Up to $250k
Oldest, most prestigious science competition for HS seniors.
Posse Foundation · Up to $250k
Full-tuition leadership scholarship for nominated high school juniors/seniors. Students attend college in supportive cohort of 10.
Breakthrough Prize Foundation · $250k
Competition for students ages 13-18 to create a two-minute video explaining a big idea in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Winner receives $250,000 scholarship plus prizes for their teacher and school.
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie · $250k
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Degree, High School, Professional Development, Vocational
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation · Up to $200k
Last-dollar full-ride scholarship for minority high school seniors with exceptional academic achievement from low-income households.
National Physical Science Consortium · $156k–$200k
US citizens with a GPA of at least 3.0 and relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree holders who have been out of school for at least 12 months
American Cancer Society · $165k
Graduate Degree
Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation · $100k–$150k
Graduate Degree
American Cancer Society · $135k
Professional Development
Marshall University · $125k
First-time, full-time freshmen in all majors; recommended ACT 30, SAT 1360, GPA 3.5.
Marshall University · $125k
Open to all first-time, full-time freshmen in all majors, recommend 30 ACT, 1360 SAT, and 3.5 high school GPA.
University of Missouri – Kansas City (Henry W. Bloch School of Management) · $125k
Business management degree candidates enrolled at the school.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine · $120k
N/A
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · $100k
Graduate Degree, Professional Development
Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund · $100k
Academic physicians continuing research at accredited medical schools.
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases · $50k–$100k
Fellows performing clinical research and/or translational research in a liver-related area.
Washington Indian Gaming Association · $100k
To promote tribal self-sufficiency by advancing student potential and broadening higher education opportunities.
Bush Foundation · $100k
N/A
Siemens Foundation · $1k–$100k
Students competing in regional and national rounds.
Davidson Institute · $25k–$100k
Awarded to gifted and high-achieving students who have completed a significant piece of work.
Deadline: Feb 12, 2027
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) · Up to $100k
Scholarships for NCAA Division I football (85 scholarships per program). Highly competitive recruiting.
| Scholarship | Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Breakthrough Junior Challenge | $250k | Sep 15, 2026 |
The LIFE (Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence) Scholarship provides $5,000 per year for up to 4 years to South Carolina residents attending a public SC college. Requirements: 3.0 high school GPA, rank in top 30% of class or 1100+ SAT, full-time enrollment, and a SC high school graduation. Must be renewed each year with a 3.0 college GPA.
Palmetto Fellows is for the top academic students in South Carolina — approximately 6% of eligible applicants receive it. Requirements include a 3.5 GPA, top 6% class rank, and 1200+ SAT or 27+ ACT. Awards are $6,700–$10,000 per year at SC public colleges and can be combined with institutional scholarships at private SC colleges.
Yes. Clemson University has one of the most storied soccer programs in the ACC, with both men's and women's teams competing at a high Division I level. Athletic scholarships are awarded by the coaching staff based on recruiting needs and NCAA equivalency limits. Soccer at Clemson is an equivalency sport (men's: 9.9 scholarships; women's: 14 full scholarships).
Yes. LIFE can be combined with Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and need-based aid up to the total cost of attendance. Athletic scholarships can also be stacked with LIFE under NCAA rules, provided the total does not exceed cost of attendance. This makes LIFE particularly valuable for student-athletes who also demonstrate financial need.
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