Palmetto Fellows College Scholarship 2026 – South Carolina

Scholarship Description

The Palmetto Fellows College Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving South Carolina residents. Administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), the scholarship provides significant tuition coverage to support students pursuing their undergraduate degrees at eligible public and private colleges and universities in South Carolina.

This scholarship recognises academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to higher education. It is one of South Carolina's most competitive and generous state-funded scholarships, designed to encourage the state's brightest students to attend college in South Carolina and contribute to the state's workforce and economy.

Palmetto Fellows Scholars join a community of high-achieving students who benefit from not only financial support but also leadership development opportunities and a network of peers and mentors.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at eligible public and private colleges and universities in South Carolina. Approved institutions include all public four-year institutions, public two-year institutions (for certain programs), and eligible independent (private) institutions in the state.

Scholarship Deadline

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship has specific application and eligibility deadlines for high school seniors. Deadlines are typically set in the early spring for the upcoming academic year.

Host Institution

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) – the state agency responsible for coordinating and administering higher education in South Carolina. The scholarship is awarded to students attending any eligible South Carolina public or private college or university.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree).

Fields of study: All fields of study are eligible. Students may pursue any undergraduate major offered at an eligible South Carolina institution.

Target Group

South Carolina residents who are high-achieving high school seniors or current college students meeting the eligibility criteria. The scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a commitment to their education.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: The scholarship is renewable for up to four years (or five years for certain programs) of undergraduate study, subject to continued eligibility and academic progress.

Amount: The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship provides tuition coverage at eligible South Carolina institutions. The specific award amount varies depending on the institution type:

• Public four-year institutions: Covers a significant portion of tuition and required fees
• Public two-year institutions: Covers tuition and required fees
• Independent (private) institutions: Provides a fixed award amount, which may be applied toward tuition

Additional funding: In some years, an additional stipend may be available for students majoring in certain fields or participating in specific programs.

Scholarship Eligibility

General eligibility criteria for the Palmetto Fellows College Scholarship:

• Citizenship/Residency: Must be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of application.
• High school: Must graduate from a South Carolina high school or a high school operated by the federal government located in South Carolina.
• GPA: Must have a minimum cumulative GPA (typically 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) at the end of the junior year or first semester of senior year.
• Standardised tests: Must meet minimum SAT or ACT scores (e.g., SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math, or ACT Composite). Specific scores are set annually by the Commission.
• Class rank (alternative): In some cases, students may qualify based on class rank (e.g., top 10% of the graduating class).
• Enrolment: Must be accepted and enrol at an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university.
• Full-time status: Must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours per semester).
• Application: Must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the state deadline.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Review the specific requirements on the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) website for the current year's scholarship criteria.
2. Take standardised tests – Ensure you have taken the SAT or ACT and have scores that meet or exceed the required minimums.
3. Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the state deadline. The FAFSA is required for Palmetto Fellows Scholarship consideration.
4. Apply for admission – Apply for admission to an eligible South Carolina college or university and be accepted.
5. Submit scholarship applications – The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship requires a separate application in addition to the FAFSA. High school guidance counsellors typically assist students with this process.
6. Meet deadlines – Ensure all application components are submitted by the deadline (typically in March for the upcoming academic year).
7. Notification – Students are notified of their scholarship status by the CHE.
8. Maintain eligibility – To renew the scholarship, students must maintain the required GPA and complete a minimum number of credit hours each year.

Important notes: The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is competitive and based on academic merit. Early application is strongly encouraged. Contact your high school guidance counsellor or the CHE for assistance with the application process.

Official Website & Application Links

South Carolina CHE – Scholarships and Grants for SC Residents

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education: https://www.che.sc.gov

Contact: For specific questions about the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, contact the CHE or your high school guidance counsellor.