University of South Carolina Nonresident Academic Scholar Award

About this scholarship

The University of South Carolina Academic Scholar Award is the current general merit package for high-achieving first-time, nonresident freshmen. Applicants who complete their university admission file by December 1 are considered automatically; a separate Honors College application is not required for this general award. Current packages range from $6,500 to $30,000 per year, or approximately $26,000 to $120,000 across four years. The final level is not guaranteed and depends on academic achievement, the size and competitiveness of the entering class, and available funding. The university publishes prior recipient averages only as context, not minimum cutoffs. At the highest recent level, recipients averaged roughly a 1450 SAT or 33 ACT, a 4.7 high school GPA, and placement in the top six percent of their class. Lower award bands had different averages, and applicants without those exact figures may still be considered. A recipient generally may hold only one Admissions Merit Award, although the Provost Scholars Award for qualifying National Merit Finalists can be added. Renewal requires full-time enrollment each semester and at least a 3.0 cumulative USC system GPA, together with compliance with the university’s scholarship policy. This current official program replaces the older “Alumni Scholars Award” label still shown by some directories, so the live name, current range, and direct university application are used here.

Eligibility

• Apply as a first-time freshman entering the University of South Carolina in a fall semester
• Be classified as a nonresident for tuition purposes
• Submit a complete first-year admission application by December 1
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement in the context of the competitive applicant pool
• Enroll full time if selected
• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative USC system GPA for renewal
• Comply with the university rule limiting most students to one general Admissions Merit Award