Maskay guide

South Carolina Tuition Grant: need-based aid at 21 private colleges in the state

South Carolina Tuition Grant is state need-based aid for undergraduates pursuing a first bachelor’s degree at one of 21 participating independent nonprofit institutions. It is not the South Carolina Need-Based Grant for public institutions,

South Carolina Tuition Grant is state need-based aid for undergraduates pursuing a first bachelor’s degree at one of 21 participating independent nonprofit institutions. It is not the South Carolina Need-Based Grant for public institutions, nor does it automatically cover a college’s full price. For 2026–27, the commission set a maximum of up to $5,000 for eligible full-time students; each award depends on need, cost of attendance, SAI, enrollment, and other sources already paying tuition.

Published criteria require an annual FAFSA, financial need, state residency—12 months of domicile before fall for an independent student or the dependent student’s parent—at least 12 eligible credits per semester, degree-seeking status, and no completed bachelor’s degree. The campus must appear on the current list. Aid is credited to the student account by semester and may be reduced if other benefits, such as employer or veterans’ tuition assistance, pay tuition directly.

For 2026–27, the FAFSA had to reach the federal processor by August 1, 2026; that date has passed as of this review. The official page sets an absolute December 15 deadline during the academic year for certain files, but it is not an automatic extension for every new applicant. Ask the commission and college about review, appeal, or an approved spring-only application. For 2027–28, recheck the deadline when the cycle is published; do not enroll counting on aid that has not been awarded.

Before accepting aid, compare the net balance with tuition, fees, and other costs; confirm requirements and deadlines with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.

Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.

Elegibilidad oficial y residencia — South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.

Instituciones participantes e importe máximo 2026–27 — South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.

Solicitud FAFSA y cierre del 1 de agosto — South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.

Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Requirements, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. An estimate or preliminary eligibility does not guarantee an award; confirm your file, covered costs, and obligations with the agency and the college financial-aid office.

Bottom line

Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of South Carolina Tuition Grant ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of South Carolina Tuition Grant ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website of South Carolina Tuition Grant ↗ Primary source South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.