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If you're a South Carolina resident, you may qualify for one of the merit-based scholarships provided by the state. More information about these programs is available from the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education.
The South Carolina General Assembly has passed legislation that enhances the value of LIFE and Palmetto Fellows awards for students majoring in math and science disciplines.
Basic eligibility requirements for the enhanced awards are:
-Recipients with at least 30 hours, and who, as a freshman, earned 14 hours worth of math and science (at least 6 hours math and 6 hours science with at least 1 lab), and who are math and science majors will receive an additional amount of up to $3,300 for a maximum of $10,000.
-Palmetto Fellows with at least 30 hours, but do not meet the conditions above, will receive an additional amount of up to $800 for a maximum of $7,500.
-Entering freshmen, regardless of major, will receive a maximum of $6,700.
-Recipients with over 30 hours, and who, as a freshman, earned 14 hours worth of math and science (at least 6 hours math and 6 hours science with at least 1 lab), and who are math and science majors will receive an additional amount of up to $2,500 for a maximum of $7,500.
-Entering freshmen, regardless of major, and upperclassmen who do not meet the above conditions, will receive a maximum award of $5,000.
In addition to defining eligible majors, individual courses must be identified that meet the 14 hours of math and science during the freshman year requirement. Please note that current interpretation of the new legislation precludes students from ever becoming eligible for the enhancements if the 14-hour requirement is not met by the end of the freshman year. AP credits and dual enrollment courses (college credit courses taken while still in high school) can satisfy the 14-hour rule.
Entering freshmen for fall 2008 should be prepared to meet the requirements prior to the fall of 2009.
Eligible South Carolina residents must have two of the three: a 3.0 grade point average (State Uniform Grading Scale), 1100 SAT or 24 ACT composite score, or top 30 percent of high school class in order to receive this $5,000 scholarship. Students can gain eligibility at Presbyterian College with an average of 30 hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms) and a 3.0 cumulative (Collegiate) GPA. To maintain eligibility, a Presbyterian College student must maintain a 3.0 GPA (Collegiate) and an average of 30 earned hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms). Eligibility for entering freshmen is based on the final high school transcript.
State scholarship of $6,700. Eligible students must have a 3.5 GPA, 1200 SAT and be in the top 6 percent of class in order to be considered. Students can apply through their high school guidance office. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn 30 hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms) in order to remain eligible.
Students who don't qualify for a LIFE Scholarship may be eligible for a South Carolina Hope Scholarship. To be eligible for this one-time grant of $2,800, the student have a 3.0 GPA and be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and college enrollment. A student who receives the Hope Scholarship can still be awarded a LIFE Scholarship later if he or she meets the requirements.
State law also provides South Carolina taxpayers a refundable $850 tuition tax credit for tuition paid to an eligible in-state, four-year college or university.
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