Discover the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based program established in 1988 and administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. First-year students receive $6,700 annually, while second through fourth-year students receive $7,500 per academic year, disbursed equally between fall and spring terms. This scholarship supports up to eight full-time semesters of study toward a first bachelor’s degree at eligible four-year institutions in South Carolina, applied directly to the cost of attendance after accounting for other gift aid received.
Initial Eligibility and Benefits
To qualify for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, South Carolina high school students must meet rigorous initial eligibility criteria set forth by the CHE. Eligible candidates are not only recognized for their academic prowess but may also receive additional funding through the Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement, particularly if they pursue studies in STEM-related fields. Notably, recipients of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship are ineligible for other state awards such as the LIFE Scholarship or SC HOPE Scholarship.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship and Residency: Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident and a resident of South Carolina at the time of high school graduation.
- Legal Background: No felony convictions or multiple alcohol/drug misdemeanors.
- Loan Status: Must not be in default on any state or federal loans.
- Academic Enrollment: Enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible South Carolina institution.
- Academic Progress: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
Eligibility Requirements for Entering Freshmen
Freshmen applicants can qualify for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship by meeting one of the following academic criteria:
- Class Rank: Rank in the top 6% at the end of the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade academic year, in schools or homeschool associations with approved rank policies.
- Standardized Test Scores: Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and critical reading only) or an ACT score of 27 (or 25 starting Fall 2023), or alternatively, a SAT score of 1400 (math and critical reading only) or an ACT score of 32 (or 31 starting Fall 2023).
- GPA: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 based on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy, or alternatively, a cumulative GPA of 4.0.
Prospective Palmetto Fellows must apply during their senior year of high school through the SC Commission on Higher Education, with guidance available from their high school counselors.
Eligibility Requirements for Transfer and Continuing Students
Transfer and continuing students must adhere to the general eligibility requirements and specific guidelines for transferring or renewing the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, including maintaining a specified GPA and earning sufficient credit hours annually.
Eligibility Requirements for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Here are the general eligibility requirements for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement among South Carolina students:
- Citizenship and Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen under state residency statutes. Must be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and continuously throughout the period of the award. Additionally, the student must have graduated from a South Carolina high school or have been a dependent of a parent or guardian who was a legal resident of South Carolina at the time of the student’s high school graduation.
- Academic Pursuit: Must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate seeking a first baccalaureate degree at an eligible institution in South Carolina.
- Legal and Behavioral Criteria: Must not have been judged delinquent nor convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any felony in any state. Additionally, the applicant must not have been convicted of any second alcohol- or drug-related misdemeanor in any state within the 12 months prior to the period of the award.
- Financial Aid Status: Must not be in default on any federal or state financial aid, and must not owe a refund or repayment on any federal or state financial aid.
These criteria ensure that recipients of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship are academically accomplished, of good character, and compliant with legal and financial obligations, maintaining the integrity and prestige of the scholarship program.
