Palmetto Fellows is South Carolina’s merit scholarship for academically accomplished high-school graduates. It is intended to encourage students to pursue a degree at an eligible in-state institution. It is not an automatic tuition waiver or a general benefit for someone who moves to South Carolina after graduation: residency and entry timing are part of the eligibility review.
The Commission on Higher Education publishes two initial achievement pathways that combine GPA, class rank, and ACT/SAT scores, depending on the route. Full criteria vary by graduating class and school type, and the high school must certify academic records. A GPA alone is not enough to assume eligibility; students should review the packet for their class and ask a counselor to confirm which pathway can be documented.
Published award ceilings are up to $6,700 for the first year and up to $7,500 in the second, third, and fourth years, subject to continued eligibility and program limits. Students in approved STEM, education, or accounting fields may seek an enhancement in later years; the education enhancement requires service in a South Carolina public school or repayment of that supplement. The college’s financial-aid office determines the actual award.
For the 2027 graduating class, the early application cycle is underway: CHE published its 2026–27 timeline and counselor workshops for fall 2026. The electronic application depends on high-school certification and its deadlines; prior cohorts had a later pathway for some applicants, but the class of 2026 dates should not be reused. Ask now about the invitation, test-score cutoff, and documents, and confirm renewal rules with the college.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Scholarships and Grants for South Carolina Residents — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
High School Counselor Resources — 2026–27 timeline — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Palmetto Fellows award amounts and enhancements — South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
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Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program
Palmetto Fellows is South Carolina’s merit scholarship for academically accomplished high-school graduates. It is intended to encourage students to pursue a degree at an eligible in-state institution. It is not an automatic tuition waiver or a general benefit for someone who moves to South Carolina after graduation: residency and entry timing are part of the eligibility review.
College scholarship and financial-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 program information and application ↗
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 Program ↗
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 Program ↗
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.