South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)
SCNG CAP provides state education assistance to members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard pursuing an approved program at an eligible in-state institution. It is not a scholarship for all veterans or every South Carolina student. Rules require completion of military training and good standing; the commission’s guidance also excludes recipients of certain HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows state scholarships. The commission lists a maximum of up to $12,000 per acad
About South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)
SCNG CAP provides state education assistance to members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard pursuing an approved program at an eligible in-state institution. It is not a scholarship for all veterans or every South Carolina student. Rules require completion of military training and good standing; the commission’s guidance also excludes recipients of certain HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows state scholarships.
The commission lists a maximum of up to $12,000 per academic year—$4,000 per semester at full-time enrollment—for cycles with that appropriation, and a $25,000 lifetime cap established beginning in fiscal year 2025–26. The program depends on funding, tuition, enrollment, and cost of attendance; each award is temporary and does not guarantee the next year. Combined scholarships and benefits cannot exceed allowed costs.
The fall 2026 window ran through August 1, 2026, and the Guard does not accept applications outside the period; it has closed as of this review. CHE announces a second winter window only for newly eligible students or those who missed fall, with dates to verify when the page opens. Apply through the SCNG CAP portal and ask your unit education officer which documents and campus enrollment certification are required before each term.
Who it serves and what it can cover: SCNG CAP provides state education assistance to members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard pursuing an approved program at an eligible in-state institution. It is not a scholarship for all veterans or every South Carolina student. Rules require completion of military training and good standing; the commission’s guidance also excludes recipients of certain HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows state scholarships. The commission lists a maximum of up to $12,000 per academic year—$4,000 per semester at full-time enrollment—for cycles with that appropriation, and a $25,000 lifetime cap established beginning in fiscal year 2025–26. The program depends on funding, tuition, enrollment, and cost of attendance; each award is temporary and does not guarantee the next year. Combined scholarships and benefits cannot exceed allowed costs.
How to apply or get help: The fall 2026 window ran through August 1, 2026, and the Guard does not accept applications outside the period; it has closed as of this review. CHE announces a second winter window only for newly eligible students or those who missed fall, with dates to verify when the page opens. Apply through the SCNG CAP portal and ask your unit education officer which documents and campus enrollment certification are required before each term. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program