The South Carolina LIFE Scholarship provides merit-based financial aid to residents attending college within the state. This award, a key resource for many searching for a “life scholarship,” helps reduce the financial burden of higher education. The program’s primary goal is to encourage the state’s brightest students to pursue their degrees at South Carolina institutions, fostering local talent and strengthening the state’s workforce.
The South Carolina General Assembly funds the LIFE Scholarship. The scholarship supports students at eligible public and private colleges across the state. It has become a foundational piece of college funding for thousands of families. This guide details the scholarship coverage, eligibility rules, and application steps. It provides a clear roadmap for students and parents navigating the financial aid process.
This article gives you all the necessary information to secure the award. You will learn about the specific academic achievements required for eligibility. We will also cover the renewal criteria needed to keep the scholarship throughout your college career. Following this guide will help you meet the eligibility criteria and fund your education effectively.
About the LIFE Scholarship
The LIFE Scholarship, which stands for Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence, is a state-funded program designed to make college more affordable for South Carolinians. The program is managed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). It was created to recognize academic achievement and retain talented students within the state. The LIFE Scholarship works alongside two other state awards, the Palmetto Fellows and HOPE Scholarships, to create a tiered system of merit-based aid for residents.
Eligible Programs
The LIFE Scholarship supports students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. The scholarship is versatile and can be used at various accredited institutions across South Carolina. The funds are not restricted to just four-year universities.
Awardees can use the scholarship funds at three types of institutions:
- Four-year public and private universities
- Two-year public and private colleges
- Public or independent technical colleges
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship provides a significant annual award to help cover the cost of attendance. The funds are disbursed directly to the institution on the student’s behalf.
- Stipend: The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year toward the cost of attendance. This amount includes a $300 book allowance. Students in approved math and science degree programs may also qualify for the LIFE Scholarship Enhancement, which provides an additional $2,500 beginning in their second year.
- Degree: The scholarship funds a student’s first associate’s or bachelor’s degree. It can be received for a maximum of eight consecutive semesters for a four-year degree or four semesters for a two-year degree.
- Location: The scholarship must be used at an eligible public or private institution located within the state of South Carolina.
Eligibility Criteria
There are two sets of criteria for the LIFE Scholarship: initial requirements for high school graduates and renewal requirements for current college students.
Initial Eligibility (First-Time Freshmen)
To receive the scholarship as a graduating high school senior, a student must meet two of these three criteria:
- Graduate from high school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP).
- Score at least 1100 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT.
- Rank in the top 30% of their graduating class.
Renewal Criteria (Current College Students)
To get strong consideration for renewal, you must meet three key requirements annually.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 LIFE GPA at the end of each academic year.
- Earn an average of 30 credit hours for each academic year.
- Remain a resident of South Carolina.
Application Process
To apply for the LIFE Scholarship, you must complete the necessary applications for college admission and federal student aid. There is no separate application specifically for the LIFE Scholarship itself; eligibility is determined by the college’s financial aid office.
The college financial aid office verifies eligibility using three key documents from your admission file: your final official high school transcript, your official SAT or ACT test scores, and your final class rank verification.
The application process has three primary steps:
- Apply for admission to one or more eligible South Carolina colleges or universities.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Ensure your high school sends your final, official transcript to your chosen college.
You must be a full-time, degree-seeking student to receive the scholarship funds.
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Official Website (Check the deadline information: The website will contain details about the application timeline and deadlines, such as for the S.C. LIFE Scholarship)
