The Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program awards grants to eligible undergraduate students as determined by a formula used by the Department of Education. An undergraduate student is defined as one who has not received a bachelor's degree or a professional degree in any area. Graduate students are ineligible for this grant.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available to first and second year students only. Recipients must be Pell eligible, a U. S. citizen, and enrolled full-time in a degree program. Students classified as a second year student must have earned at least 30 credit hours but less than 60 credit hours. Second year students must also earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Recipients must have completed a rigorous high school program of study as defined by the U. S. Department of Education.
The Science Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)
The Science Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant is available for third and fourth year students only. Recipients must be Pell eligible, a U. S. citizen, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time within a degree seeking program. Third year students must have earned at least 60 credit hours Fouth year students must have earned at least 90 credit hours. Recipients must also be enrolled in an eligible major as defined by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program awards grants to eligible undergraduate students. Awards are dependent on the availability of funds. Graduate students are ineligible for this type of grant.
The Federal Perkins Loan Program
The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low interest rate loans to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Awards are dependent upon the availability of funds. This is a loan and it must be repaid.
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students is for parents of dependent students; students must be enrolled at least half time. This is a loan and it must be repaid.
The Federal College Work Study Program (FCWS)
Provides students with part-time employment on or off campus. In order to be eligible for work study, the following guidelines are applicable to all students:
1) must be enrolled at South Carolina State University
2) must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
3) must be capable of doing acceptable work
In order for a student to find out if he or she qualifies, the student, along with a supervisor of his or her choosing, must complete the Federal Work Study Recommendation form located within the Office of Financial Aid (Room 123, Wilkinson Hall). Participation in the Federal College Work Study Program is determined by a student’s financial need. Earnings received from the Federal College Work Study Program are not applied directly to the tuition’s billing account but are used at the student’s discretion to cover educational costs.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
The student should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Office nearest his/her hometown.
Veterans Benefits
These benefits include aid for veterans and their dependents under the GI Bill. Contact Veterans Services in the South Carolina State University Veterans Affairs Office.
Stafford Loans
Federal Stafford loans are available to students at SCSU through various lenders. A Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) is a low interest loan made to students. Stafford loans are available to graduate and undergraduate students. At least half-time attendance (6 credit hours per semester) is required in order to be eligible. This is a loan and it must be repaid.
Before you borrow, please remember that loans must be repaid. Consider carefully how much you will need to borrow and the burden your loans will impose after you leave school. The Financial Aid Administrator at SCSU can provide you with more information on the responsibilities you assume when you borrow money.