The LIFE Scholarship is South Carolina merit aid for residents attending eligible institutions in the state. The Commission on Higher Education (CHE) lists awards up to $5,000 per academic year for students who maintain eligibility; students in approved math, science, accounting, or education programs may qualify for enhancements starting in year two, up to an additional $2,500. Total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
Initial eligibility uses a state-defined academic pathway; criteria can combine GPA, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores, with different rules for two- and four-year colleges. Transfers, dual-enrollment credits, mid-year graduation, or homeschool records can change how the file is evaluated. Review CHE’s manual and send transcripts and scores to your institution’s financial-aid office.
Renewal depends on college academic progress, not only high-school grades. CHE and the college review LIFE GPA and completed credits each year; the general benchmark is a 3.0 LIFE GPA and 30 hours annually, with variations for specific circumstances and programs. An enhancement also requires an eligible major and is not available during freshman year.
Ask financial aid to evaluate your complete file: CHE describes the scholarship, but the institution certifies requirements and applies the award. Separate tuition from fees, books, transit, and housing, and ask how Pell, LIFE, and any enhancement coordinate. Do not confuse LIFE with Palmetto Fellows, which has another merit pathway, or HOPE, designed for certain freshmen who do not qualify for those scholarships.
To begin, identify the program administrator and the financial-aid office that certifies your enrollment. Review the program profile and requirements; for an individual account, also use the responsible state agency. Before accepting funds, compare the award letter with an itemized campus budget.
LIFE and Palmetto Fellows: becas y requisitos — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
LIFE Scholarship Enhancements — South Carolina CHE.
Información de apelaciones de becas — South Carolina CHE.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: funding, deadlines, and college requirements can vary. Confirm the cycle, outstanding tasks, and net cost directly with the agency and your institution’s financial-aid office.
LIFE requires the college to certify GPA and credits each year; separately check whether your major qualifies for an enhancement after freshman year.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
LIFE Scholarship
South Carolina residency and state merit criteria; renewal reviews LIFE GPA and completed hours. Enhancements require an approved major and do not apply to freshmen.
State student financial-aid program
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education — LIFE
The commission sets rules, while the college processes and certifies many individual files; contact both when general guidance does not resolve a case.
Public student financial-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
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 ↗
Primary source
South Carolina CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
South Carolina CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
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 LIFE Scholarship ↗
Primary source
South Carolina CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of South Carolina Commission on Higher Education — LIFE ↗
Primary source
South Carolina CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of South Carolina Commission on Higher Education — LIFE ↗
Primary source
South Carolina CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.