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
About 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 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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State college scholarship and aid program