SCHOLARSHIPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Whether you are a native South Carolinian resident or will be moving to the "Palmetto State" to attend higher education, it is important that you are aware of the scholarships in South Carolina that can help dramatically lower your tuition costs.

With its position in the southeastern region as one of the original colonies of the United States, South Carolina has a rich legacy for being the first to declare independence from Britain in the American Revolution. Today, South Carolina has become a prominent educational resource for providing more than sixty top-notch institutions of higher learning.

Read on to learn more about 25 of the best scholarships offered to help students and residents receive their financial independence in all academic pursuits.

1. Abney Foundation Scholarship Fund

Deadline: November 15th

Each year, the Abney Foundation Scholarship Fund presents up to $2,500 to hundreds of students statewide who are currently enrolled at Anderson University, Benedict College, The Citadel, Claflin University, Clemson University, Converse College, Furman University, Lander University, Medical University of South Carolina, Presbyterian College, Tri-County Technical College, University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, and Wofford College. Applicants must be South Carolina residents, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and enroll in at least 12 credits.

Contact

Abney Foundation Scholarship Fund
100 Vine Street
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 964-9201

Scholarship Link

2. Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 7th

Administered through the South Carolina State Department of Education, the Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program will grant five $2,000 scholarships annually to public high school seniors statewide who plan to attend a South Carolina institution with a major related to creative writing, dance, theatre, music, or visual arts. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, be legal South Carolina residents, demonstrate artistic excellence, and submit an original composition.

Contact

Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program
1429 Senate Street Suite 607B
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-0323

3. Chelse Ward Elliott Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 11th

Established through the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce by Tony Elliott in honor of his wife who passed away in the spring of 2010, the Chelse Ward Elliott Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 to Business Week students with exceptional leadership abilities who are attending a South Carolina college or university of their choice. Qualified applicants must be rising sophomores or juniors, rank academically in the top one-third of their class, and display leadership qualities through community or school activities.

Contact

Chelse Ward Elliott Memorial Scholarship
1301 Gervais Street Suite 1100
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 255-2622

4. Chris Ebbers Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: October 31st

Sponsored by the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association, the Chris Ebbers Endowed Scholarship is designed to provide up to $5,000 in financial support to outstanding occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistant students throughout the state each year. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled full-time, have completed at least one full year of occupational therapy coursework, and have a record of scholastic achievements.

Contact

Chris Ebbers Endowed Scholarship
135 Ingle Oak Lane
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 551-3854

5. Cornelia G. Walker Music Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Named in honor of the founder and past state president for the South Carolina Federation of Music Clubs (SCFMC), the Cornelia G. Walker Music Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to graduating high school piano, vocal, or band/orchestral instrument students who plan to major in music at an accredited school of music in South Carolina. Applicants must be residents of South Carolina, submit a formal recommendation, and keep a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Contact

Cornelia G. Walker Music Scholarship
3630 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 419-2990

6. Edwin Hugh Agnew Scholarship Award

Deadline: April 30th

Through the South Carolina Farm Bureau (SCFB) Foundation, the Edwin Hugh Agnew Scholarship Award is distributed for $1,000 each year to rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are actively pursuing a higher education degree with an agriculture-related major at a university within South Carolina. Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievements, moral character, demonstrated leadership abilities, and dedicated to the agricultural field.

Contact

Edwin Hugh Agnew Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 754
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 259-5008

7. Frank R. Mundy Scholars Program

Deadline: February 28th

In memory of the late publisher of the Index-Journal of Greenwood and the first founding president for the South Carolina Press Association (SCPA), the Frank R. Mundy Scholars Program has been established to offer $3,000 annually to rising college juniors and seniors who are pursuing a degree for obtaining newspaper-related careers. Scholarships are open to all South Carolina college students majoring in journalism, advertising, and visual communications.

Contact

Frank R. Mundy Scholars Program
P.O. Box 11429
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 750-9561

8. Grace Brooks and E. Perry Palmer Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

For students who have graduated from high schools in Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter counties, the Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF) offers the Grace Brooks and E. Perry Palmer Scholarship is available to cover the costs of accredited post-graduate seminary programs. Applicants must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, complete at least 12 hours of coursework each semester, and demonstrate financial need.

Contact

Grace Brooks and E. Perry Palmer Scholarship
2711 Middleburg Drive Suite 213
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 254-5601

9. Harry Hampton Wildlife Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

With the goal of promoting higher education in the natural resources area throughout South Carolina, the Harry Hampton Wildlife Scholarship is granted annually for $2,500 to graduating high school seniors who will be attending a South Carolina institution full-time with a major in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, or environmental science. Along with the application, students must submit an autobiographical essay, official high school transcript, College Board test scores, and ranking in their high school class.

Contact

Harry Hampton Wildlife Scholarship
P.O. Box 2641
Columbia, SC 29202
(803) 600-1570

10. Hessie Morrah Horticultural Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Annually, the Garden Club of South Carolina presents the Hessie Morrah Horticultural Scholarship for $2,000 to four-year undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a major related to the study of agriculture, forestry, floriculture, botany, agronomy, landscape architecture, land management, plant pathology, preservation, or city planning. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited South Carolina college, be enrolled in nine or more credits per semester, and attach at least three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Hessie Morrah Horticultural Scholarship
713 Huntington Circle
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 366-4054

11. James and Charlotte Gignilliat Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Ranging in value from $500 to $1,250 annually, the James and Charlotte Gignilliat Scholarship is awarded through the South Carolina Historical Society to college undergraduate students or graduating high school seniors who descended from the Huguenots that immigrated to the United States from Switzerland and France prior to November 18, 1787. Qualified candidates must be attending college full-time, have a good academic record, show leadership qualities, and be involved in extra-curricular activities.

Contact

James and Charlotte Gignilliat Scholarship
100 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-3225 ext. 10

Scholarship Link

12. James F. Byrnes Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 15th

In honor of one of South Carolina's most distinguished citizens who dedicated his public service career to inspiring hundreds of young men and women to achieve a college education, the James F. Byrnes Foundation Scholarships offer $3,250 annually to current high school seniors who have lost one or both parents by death. Candidates must be South Carolina residents, be planning to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited four-year college, have financial need, and exhibit a satisfactory scholastic record.

Contact

James F. Byrnes Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 6781
Columbia, SC 29260
(803) 254-9325

13. Kids' Chance of South Carolina Scholarships

Deadline: Ongoing

Each year, Kid's Chance of South Carolina provides numerous scholarships for up to $2,500 apiece to college-bound students with a parent or legal guardian who has been fatally or catastrophically injured as the direct result of a work-related accident in the state. Qualified applicants must have received a high school diploma, be under the age of 25, be entering an accredited two or four-year university of South Carolina, and have documentation from the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.

Contact

Kids' Chance of South Carolina Scholarships
P.O. Box 2957
Georgetown, SC 29442
(843) 546-5837

14. Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Within the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarships are provided for up to $5,000 annually to cover the costs of attendance at a two or four-year state institution for deserving students enrolled in their first associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program. Candidates must be South Carolina residents, be enrolled as full-time students, earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and rank in the top 30% of their graduating class.

Contact

Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence Scholarships
1122 Lady Street Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-8348

15. Mary Dean Brewer Gold Award Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

As part of the Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina (GSEC), the Mary Dean Brewer Gold Award Scholarship is granted annually for up to $4,000 to an outstanding Girl Scout member who has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher throughout high school. Applications must be accompanied by a personal essay, a copy of an acceptance letter from a U.S. institution, and three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Mary Dean Brewer Gold Award Scholarship
7951 Dorchester Road N
Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 552-9910

16. Palmetto Fellows Scholarships

Deadline: June 15th

Designed to recognize the state's most academically talented high school seniors, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarships are granted through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to provide up to $7,500 annually for a maximum of eight full-time terms of study to outstanding students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. Eligible candidates must be enrolling full-time at a four-year South Carolina institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, and score at least 1200 on the SAT by the June national test administration.

Contact

Palmetto Fellows Scholarships
1122 Lady Street Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-2262

17. Randall G. Heffron Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

In honor of his outstanding contributions to the dental profession and his commitment to becoming a top-ranked adult tennis player until his untimely death in 1994, the South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation offers the Randall G. Heffron Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 annually. Eligible applicants must be entering their freshman year at a South Carolina college, display a strong academic record, exhibit sportsmanship in notable tennis achievements, and compose an essay on the impact of tennis in their life.

Contact

Randall G. Heffron Memorial Scholarship
18 Woodcross Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 781-2574

Scholarship Link

18. Richard Furman Vocational Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

Through the South Carolina Baptist Collegiate Ministry (SCBCM), the Richard Furman Vocational Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 to master's-level graduate students who are attending one of the six Southern Baptist seminaries or one of the three South Carolina Baptist Convention universities. Qualified candidates should be seeking a church-related vocation, be approved by their home church in South Carolina, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full-time with a GPA of at least 2.0.

Contact

Richard Furman Vocational Scholarship
190 Stoneridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 765-0030

19. SCCTM Preservice Scholarships

Deadline: September 15th

The South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SCCTM) provides Preservice Scholarships on an annual basis for $1,500 apiece to deserving college students enrolled in student teaching at a South Carolina college who demonstrate a clear commitment for specializing their career in teaching mathematics. Candidates must be preparing to teach in grades PreK-12 in South Carolina, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit an example of a lesson plan that highlights their teaching abilities.

Contact

SCCTM Preservice Scholarships
P.O. Box 14302
Florence, SC 29504

20. South Carolina HOPE Scholarships

Deadline: Varies

Since it was approved by the General Assembly in 2001 for administration through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the South Carolina HOPE Scholarships have provided up to $2,800 annually to first-time incoming freshmen who are enrolling in a four-year public or private college in the state. To qualify, applicants must be South Carolina residents, be matriculated as a full-time degree-seeking student, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Contact

South Carolina HOPE Scholarships
1122 Lady Street Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-8348

21. South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 14th

Annually, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Foundation awards one $5,000 scholarship and two $2,000 scholarships for deserving graduating high school seniors who will be continuing their education in South Carolina at any approved two or four-year institutions. For consideration, applicants should submit a completed application, official high school transcript, letter of recommendation from principal or guidance counselor, and a 1,000-word essay.

Contact

South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 210709
Columbia, SC 29221
(803) 781-5913

Scholarship Link

22. Terry Lewis Memorial Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Established by the South Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association, the Terry Lewis Memorial Graduate Scholarship is presented annually for current senior-level undergraduate students in the state who are interested in furthering their education to provide preventative services, emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries in athletic training. Applicants must be current members, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, submit two recommendation letters, and write a one-page essay on professional goals.

Contact

Terry Lewis Memorial Graduate Scholarship
205 Confederate Circle
Taylors, SC 29687
(864) 567-0311

23. Virginia C. Phillips Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

Sponsored by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation (SCNF) in memory of a state nursing leader whose contributions to public health nursing revolutionized the field, the Virginia C. Phillips Scholarship is granted annually for $2,500 to an extraordinary undergraduate or graduate nursing student who is committed to pursuing a career related to community/public health. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited South Carolina nursing program, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit a letter of recommendation.

Contact

Virginia C. Phillips Scholarship
1821 Gadsen Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 989-0801

24. Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 15th

For students residing in one of the approved 18 counties of South Carolina and Georgia, the Watson-Brown Foundation distributes $5,000 scholarships annually as financial support for attending a four-year non-profit college accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In order to qualify, candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, take a full course load of 12 credit hours a semester, and have financial need.

Contact

Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarships
310 Tom Watson Way
Thomson, GA 30824
(706) 595-8886

25. WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship

Deadline: June 2nd

Sponsored by Palmetto Electric Cooperative, the WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship is awarded each year for $2,500 to a deserving woman who is returning to college to further her education beyond a high school diploma. Qualified applicants must be a member/customer of a South Carolina electric cooperative, have graduated at least ten years ago, exhibit financial need, and be accepted at an accredited university in the state.

Contact

WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship
P.O. Box 23619
Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
(843) 681-2256
Scholarship Link

Although tuition and other academic expenses are steadily rising each year across the state, higher education is still one of the most important investments that you can make for building successful career opportunities later in life. If you need assistance to meet the financial challenges associated with higher education in achieving your dreams in the "Palmetto State," you are strongly encouraged to peruse through and apply for these great scholarships in South Carolina for receiving tuition assistance.