Palmetto Fellows is a merit-based state scholarship for South Carolina high-school graduates with strong academic records. The Commission on Higher Education lists up to $6,700 for the first year and up to $7,500 for sophomore, junior, and senior years, if eligibility is maintained. An enhancement of up to $2,500 may raise the total to $10,000 in later years for approved majors; the supplement is not automatic for every science student.
For the early-award route, the 2027 materials list SAT 1200 or ACT 25, a 3.5 GPA, and a top-six-percent class rank; an alternative route uses SAT 1400 or ACT 31 with a 4.0 GPA. The late-award path has separate requirements and dates; early-award rules should not be treated as interchangeable. The counselor page maintains the 2026–27 timeline and student packet for the relevant class.
Unlike many scholarships students start alone, this process is coordinated with a school counselor or homeschool administrator, who verifies transcripts and class rank before the student completes their portion in CHEMIS Connect. Recipients must be South Carolina residents, enroll full time at a participating institution, and meet GPA and credit requirements for renewal. To prevent a classification error from delaying the file, ask the counselor to confirm in writing whether the school uses state ranking or alternate criteria.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Información de Palmetto Fellows para familias — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Recursos para consejeros y calendario 2026–27 — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Enhancement LIFE y Palmetto Fellows — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates refer to the stated cycle and may change; verify the official portal and your institution’s financial-aid office before applying. A scholarship or grant may not cover housing, food, transportation, and every fee.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
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Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Palmetto Fellows is a merit-based state scholarship for South Carolina high-school graduates with strong academic records. The Commission on Higher Education lists up to $6,700 for the first year and up to $7,500 for sophomore, junior, and senior years, if eligibility is maintained. An enhancement of up to $2,500 may raise the total to $10,000 in later years for approved majors; the supplement is not automatic for every science student. For the early-award route, the 2027 mat
State college scholarship and aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
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 13, 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 13, 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 13, 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 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship ↗
Primary source
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.