The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit award for high-achieving graduates who maintained legal South Carolina residency at graduation. For the Class of 2027, the early application runs from September 1, 2026 through May 1, 2027; the late window opens June 1 and closes July 15, 2027. The student must submit the electronic application by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. A counselor cannot extend it.
At a school that ranks students under the SC Uniform Grading Policy, the early path combines a 3.50 cumulative GPA at the end of junior year, an SAT score of 1200 or ACT 25, and a rank in the top six percent at the end of sophomore or junior year. For the late path, the 3.50 GPA is measured at the end of senior year and the top-six-percent rank may come from sophomore, junior or senior year, with the same minimum test score. Schools that do not rank, and students applying without rank, may use the alternative path: a 4.00 GPA and SAT 1400 or ACT 31. GPAs are reported to two decimals and are not rounded; CHE specifies superscore formulas that vary by ACT/SAT format. Homeschool, private-school and out-of-state applicants should ask CHE which rank report or alternative criteria apply.
Testing has separate cutoffs. For early review, the last accepted SAT is March 6, 2027 and the ACT is April 10. For late review, the last administrations are the June 5 SAT and June 12 ACT; scores must reach CHE by July 15. Use SAT code 4313 or ACT code 6326. The student completes the application; the counselor submits class rank and transcript information with the required calculation date. Keep checking email and the dashboard: the Commission reviews applications on a rolling basis and sends status through both.
After CHE confirms academic eligibility, you still must complete the College Designation Form in the portal to name your fall institution. The scholarship is intended for full-time enrollment at an eligible institution, and the campus may verify residency. Current maximums are $6,700 in year one and $7,500 in later years. An enhancement of up to $2,500 a year beginning in year two applies only to approved STEM, Education or Accounting programs; some paths require 14 specific credits before the second year, and Education may carry a service commitment. Ask the college for an estimate after other aid, because the ceiling is not necessarily the amount credited to your account.
Renewal checks a 3.0 institutional GPA, 30 earned credits during the academic year, residency and full-time enrollment. AP/IB, dual-enrollment and pre-graduation credits do not count toward the 30; submit the campus certification each year. A student may receive only one of Palmetto Fellows, LIFE or HOPE, but may also qualify for the SC Need-Based Grant. CHE’s guidance also addresses a common question: an award may take time to appear because state review and campus posting are separate steps. If your dashboard is pending, first confirm that the counselor sent the records and that you completed the designation; then ask the college about the amount and CHE about the application file.
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Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 400, Columbia, SC 29201
Palmetto Fellows is a state merit scholarship for high-achieving high-school graduates who were legal South Carolina residents at graduation. Strong grades do not trigger an automatic award: the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) reviews academic eligibility, while a counselor verifies class rank
Merit scholarship for South Carolina residents at high-school graduation, requiring an online application, counselor-verified records and full-time enrollment at an eligible institution. Up to $6,700 in year one and $7,500 in later years; an enhancement o
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.