LIFE Scholarship — Commission on Higher Education of South Carolina

LIFE—Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence—is a state merit scholarship that may support a South Carolina resident at a participating public or independent institution. CHE allows it for certain first certificate, associate, transfer and bachelor’s programs; most students pursuing a first four-year degree may receive up to eight terms. Unlike HOPE, it is not defined as a first-year-only award: continued funding depends on academic progress and program limits.

For students entering from high school, CHE and USC describe meeting two of three academic entry measures: a final 3.0 GPA under the state uniform grading policy, at least 1100 combined SAT or ACT 22, or graduating in the top 30 percent of the class; residency, citizenship or eligible status, a participating school and a first degree also apply. Transfer applicants and students graduating outside the state follow different rules. LIFE has no separate state application: the campus reviews the record and sends the decision, but students should self-identify if their high school is outside South Carolina.

Renewal is where many students are surprised. CHE’s published rule requires a cumulative 3.0 LIFE GPA and enough completed credits: usually 30 by the end of the first year, 60 for the third year and 90 for the fourth; credits at other institutions and, under the rules, dual-enrollment work can count. The academic year includes summer, which may help restore credits or GPA. Before withdrawing from a class, transferring credits or changing course load, ask the financial-aid office in writing; the LIFE GPA may differ from the academic average shown in a student portal.

A student wrote in July 2026 that she lost the scholarship after falling short on credits, enrolled in summer courses and then faced a family emergency that disrupted the plan; she asked whether to provide medical records, course enrollment and travel documents for an appeal. That story cannot predict another appeal. CHE says only defined extraordinary circumstances may be considered, the student must be enrolled after returning, the file must be complete and the appeal must meet the deadline. The university also recommends distinguishing a state appeal from a campus administrative correction.

Do not treat the award amount as universal: CHE’s current page directs students to their institution and current-year rules; the University of South Carolina lists its own amount and warns that combined grants and scholarships cannot exceed cost of attendance. Compare your award letter with tuition, fees, room, meals and supplies. For LIFE, contact the CHE coordinator at 803-856-0609; for appeals, call 803-856-0672 or email appeals@che.sc.gov. Keep FAFSA, official transcripts, credit records and renewal notices together when reviewing your case with the campus.