Life Scholarship Program

The State of South Carolina has established the LIFE Scholarship program for students graduating from high school with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on the Uniform Grading Scale ("B" average). Students who have earned a minimum of thirty credit hours, or an annual equivalent for students who began mid-year at an eligible institution, and who earned a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale at the end of the academic year, may also be eligible to receive the LIFE Scholarship as a continuing student.
 

South Carolina residents attending two-year colleges who qualify for the LIFE Scholarship are eligible to receive the cost-of-tuition plus a $300 book allowance per year ($150 per term) for a maximum of four terms for an Associate’s Degree Program, and two terms for a One-Year Certificate or Diploma Program. The maximum amount is $5,000. 

LIFE Scholarship:

  • Available for attendance at a two or four year institutions in South Carolina

  • Maximum Award – at a Four Year institution:
    • Up to $5,000 per year

  • Maximum Award – at a Two Year or Technical School: 
    • Up to Cost of tuition+ $300 book allowance

  • Initial Eligibility Requirements at a 4 year school:
    • Any two of these three:
      • 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
      • Top 30% of high school class 
      • 1100+ SAT (math and critical reading), or 24+ ACT

  • Initial Eligibility Requirements at a 2 year school: 
    • 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA

  • Continued Eligibility Requirements: 
    • 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year

  • Can earn the LIFE Scholarship while in college with 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year 

LIFE Scholarship Enhanced Awards:

  • Maximum Award:
    • $2,500 per year beginning in the Sophomore year

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Declare a major in Mathematics or Science* 
    • Have earned at least 14 credit hours of math or science courses* during the Freshman year (including AP courses taken during High School)

      • *A complete list of eligible majors and courses can be found on the SC Commission on Higher Education’s website,  SC Hope Scholarship
  • Freshman year only at four year institutions in South Carolina

  • Maximum Award:
    • Up to $2,800 towards the cost of attendance

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • 3.0 GPA at time of high school graduation 

 

 

To satisfy the requirements for receiving the scholarship for attendance at York Technical College, a student must: 

  1. Be admitted, enrolled full-time, and classified as a degree or diploma seeking student.

  2. Have earned a 3.0 cumulative high school grade-point average on the Uniform Grading Scale, or have earned a minimum of thirty collegiate credit hours or an annual equivalent for students who began mid-year at an eligible institution with a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.

  3. Be a South Carolina resident for in-state tuition purposes at the time of enrollment at the institution and graduated from high school.

  4. Be a United States citizen or a permanent resident that meets the definition of an eligible non-citizen under State residency statutes.

  5. Not have been adjudicated delinquent, convicted of any felonies, alcohol, or drug related offenses under the laws of this or any other State or under the laws of the United States except that a high school or college student who has been adjudicated delinquent, convicted, or pled guilty or nolo contendere of an alcohol or other drug related misdemeanor offense is only ineligible for the next academic year of eligibility after the date of the adjudication, conviction, or plea.

  6. Submit an official, final high school transcript, and official transcripts from each college or university where credit was attempted.

  7. Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of non-remedial coursework.

  8. Any credit hours attempted or earned before high school graduation, hours exempted by examination, or Advanced Placement (AP) credit hours do not count against the terms of eligibility but may be used toward the credit hour requirement for continuation.
 

Continuing eligibility and new student 2nd year enrollment for the LIFE Scholarship is based on the following conditions: 

  1. Earn a minimum of thirty non-remedial semester hours annually or an annual equivalent for students who begin mid-year.

  2. Earn a 3.0 cumulative LIFE grade point average each academic year.

  3. Meet all eligibility requirements as stated in 1 through 8 above.

  4. LIFE grade point average will be cumulative, and will include the student’s grade point average for all non-remedial courses taken at all South Carolina public or independent institutions. The LIFE GPA will not include credit hours earned in remedial courses, or non-degree credit courses.  

The following limitations apply to LIFE Scholarships:

  • No funds may be applied to the cost of remedial courses or continuing education.

  • The LIFE Scholarship, in combination with all other grants and scholarships, may not exceed the cost of attendance.

  • Students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must meet all eligibility requirements except for the full time enrollment requirement.

  • The student must be a “degree seeking undergraduate student.” (Degree-seeking undergraduate student is defined as any full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate program at an eligible institution, which leads to the first one-year certificate, first one-year diploma, or associate degree or to the first baccalaureate degree. Upon completion of the first award, the student cannot use scholarship funds to pursue a program in the same or preceding level.)

  • Students receiving a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, SC Hope Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition Assistance are not eligible for a LIFE Scholarship.

  • LIFE Scholarship is NOT available during the summer semester.