State Aid

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STATE PROGRAMS:

All state programs require students to:

  • Meet state residency requirements as outlined in SC statue 59-112
  • Be enrolled in a diploma, certificate or associate degree program
  • Certify that he or she has not been convicted of any felonies, has not been convicted of any alcohol or drug related misdemeanor offenses within the past academic year, and is of good moral character.
  • Certify that he or she does not owe a refund or repayment on any State or Federal Grant and is not in default on a student loan.
SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTA)

The SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program was established in 2001 under the SC Educational Lottery Act and implemented for the first time during 2002-03 academic year. It was created to provide a supplemental resource to South Carolina residents attending two-year public or independent institutions.

LTA is available to S.C. residents who meet the required eligibility criteria (explained below).

For 2024-2025, full- and part-time students are eligible for $75 per credit hour (with a six-credit-hour minimum and a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester).

  • LTA is not available to assist with book expenses.
  • Students whose tuition is fully covered under another grant are not eligible for LTA.

SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTA) Criteria

Students still in High School or students with a bachelor’s degree:

  • Complete the Lottery Certification Form
  • Be enrolled and maintain six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree or diploma program.

All other students:

  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be enrolled and maintain six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree or diploma program.
  • Students cannot receive the LIFE, HOPE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship in addition to lottery funded tuition assistance.
  • Federal and state grants will be applied against tuition before LTA can be applied.

As a returning student, the additional eligibility requirements are:

  • After attempting 24 credit hours, required GPA is at least a 2.0
  • Only one certificate, diploma or degree within a five year period can be funded through LTA unless the additional program constitutes progress in the same field of study.
  • Maintain satisfactory progress toward the completion of the program of study
Life Scholarship

What is the LIFE Scholarship?

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent institution in South Carolina. The LIFE Scholarship may be used towards the cost of attendance for two semesters f