The South Carolina Need-Based Grant provides additional aid to undergraduate students with significant financial need at eligible public institutions. Unlike the South Carolina Tuition Grant, which targets certain private colleges, this grant is handled through public-college financial aid and CHE lists participating schools.
Eligibility generally requires FAFSA, South Carolina residency, and calculated financial need, plus enrollment in an eligible program toward a first undergraduate degree under program rules. Other scholarships and gift aid are applied to the account first. Each institution confirms academic standards, enrollment, and documentation, so one school’s list does not replace the determination by the college you will attend.
The state page lists annual maximums up to $3,500 for full-time enrollment and $1,750 part time; the college determines the actual award based on need, funds, and regulation. It may apply in fall, spring, or summer if the student remains eligible. The amount is not the total cost of attendance and is distinct from private-college aid.
File FAFSA early and ask campus financial aid whether additional forms or verification are needed. Confirm your college is on the eligible public-school list and that scholarships, Pell, and other sources are recorded before the balance is calculated. Students do not submit one central CHE application for the award; the college determines the amount.
Before accepting an aid package, compare your individual notice with the bill and ask what happens if you change enrollment, major, or campus. Read the program profile and consult the administering agency; your institution’s financial-aid office confirms your individual determination.
Scholarships and grants for South Carolina residents — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Need-based grant eligible institutions — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
SC Need-Based Grant regulation — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Deadlines for the 2026–27 cycle have passed for several programs; they are identified as past dates where relevant. Eligibility does not guarantee funding: confirm the academic year, your file, and net cost with the program and your campus financial-aid office.
Ask financial aid for an estimate after Pell and other scholarships; the commission does not set one uniform award for every recipient.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
SC Need-Based Grant
Up to $3,500 a year full time or $1,750 part time; the college calculates the exact amount after other gift aid.
State student financial-aid program
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE)
The college decides eligibility and amount using FAFSA, need, residency, program, enrollment, and available funds.
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 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 Commission on Higher Education · 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 SC Need-Based Grant ↗
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 South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) ↗
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 South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.