Scholarship Description
What is the SC HOPE Scholarship Program?
The SC HOPE Scholarship Program was established under the SC Education Lottery Act and was implemented beginning with the 2002-03 academic year. It is a one-year merit-based scholarship created for first-time entering freshmen attending a four-year institution who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, but graduate from high school with at least a B average. Funding for the program is dependent upon the annual proceeds generated by the SC Education Lottery.
Award Amount:
Students attending an eligible four-year public or private college or university will receive up to $2,800*
(including a $300 book allowance) towards the cost-of-attendance during the first-year of attendance only.
*Funding is awarded half in the fall term and half in the spring term. The HOPE Scholarship in combination with all other scholarships and grants shall not exceed the cost-of-attendance as defined in Title IV regulations for any academic year.
In order to qualify for the SC HOPE Scholarship, a student MUST meet the following general and
initial eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility Requirements
• Graduate from high school or complete an approved home school program as prescribed by law;
• Attend an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university;
• Be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment;
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (who meets the definition of a eligible non-citizen
according to State Residency Statutes);
• Be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student;
• Certify that he or she has never been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any second
alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year;
• Verify that he or she is not in default and does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State
financial aid; and
• Must not be a recipient of a LIFE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition
Assistance.
Initial Eligibility Requirements:
In order to qualify for the SC HOPE Scholarship, first-time entering freshmen must meet the following criteria:
• Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point ratio (GPR) based on the Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) upon high school graduation
Year of Need: College Freshman,
Type: Merit Based
Num Awards: 1
Min Award:
Max Award: 2,800
Deadline: 2025-12-31
Website: http://www.che.sc.gov/
Sponsoring Organization
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
Contact Person: Mrs. Stephanie Charbonneau, Program Manager
Phone: (803) 734-4397
Fax:
Email:
