Amount: $6,700 (freshmen), $7,500 (sophomores, juniors, and seniors). About: The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is offered by the state of South Carolina to undergraduate students. A student’s initial eligibility as an incoming college freshman is determined by the South Carolina General Assembly, which also sets the annual amount to be awarded. Currently, college freshmen receive $6,700 while sophomores, juniors, and seniors receive $7,500. Additionally, students in STEM-related fields of study may qualify for an extra $2,500 in Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement. To qualify, students must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation, have graduated from a South Carolina high school or home school program (graduates from non-SC high schools qualify if they’re dependents of a parent or legal guardian who is a legal SC resident), attend an eligible private or public college or university in SC, have no felony convictions or second or subsequent alcohol/drug misdemeanors, enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible SC institution, and meet satisfactory academic progress. Entering freshmen students are eligible if they rank in the top 6% at the end of their high school sophomore, junior, or senior year, earn a 1200 (math and critical reading only) on the SAT or 27 on the ACT, and earn a 3.5 cumulative GPA, OR if they earn a 1400 (math and critical reading only) on the SAT or 32 on the ACT, and earn a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Transfer students and continuing students must meet certain eligibility requirements as well. Note that Palmetto Fellows recipients are not eligible for the LIFE Scholarship or the SC HOPE Scholarship. Applications for the scholarship must be completed by a high school senior’s guidance counselor or school representative.
Eligible Grade Levels: High School Senior
Eligible Majors: All majors
Residency Requirement: South Carolina
Minimum GPA: 3.5
Deadline: April 15, June 30 (annually) Please note that scholarship deadlines often change, so make sure to check the scholarship sponsor’s website for up-to-date deadlines.