A Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid 2024-25
Each year, the University of South Carolina gives out millions of dollars in aid. See what types of scholarships and aid the university had to offer its latest freshman class.
Video Tutorials
For more video tutorials, visit sc.financialaidtv.com.
PDF Tutorials
Text Tutorials
Complete the following steps to determine if you are eligible for Financial Aid and Scholarships:
1. Review your academic records to determine eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
2. Speak with your parent or guardian to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.
3. Complete the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov. Be sure to enter our school code 003448.
4. Check your email account for updates or additional instructions.
Follow the steps below to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as early as October 1 each year:
1. Navigate to StudentAid.gov.
2. Create an account if you do not already have one or log in with your credentials.
3. Complete the student portion of the FAFSA:
- Complete the Personal Circumstances and Demographics Section of the FAFSA.
- Invite contributors to complete their portion of the FAFSA if required.
- Complete the Financials Section of the FAFSA.
5. Select schools to include on your FAFSA. Be sure to enter our school code 003448.
6. Review, sign and submit your FAFSA.
The application is complete when the student and all contributors have completed their portion of the FAFSA application. For help completing the FAFSA, the Federal Student Aid Information Center offers live chat support. You may also visit our YouTube channel to learn more.
The Financial Aid Dashboard is where you will be able to complete any unsatisfied requirements, manage financial aid and scholarship offers, review Satisfactory Academic Progress and more. Please follow the steps below to access the Financial Aid Dashboard:
1. Navigate to Self-Service Carolina at my.sc.edu.
2. Select your campus: Columbia.
3. Log in with your credentials.
3. Complete the Duo Authentication Process if necessary.
4. Click on the Financial Aid tab.
5. Click on the Financial Aid Dashboard link under the Financial Aid tab.
The Financial Aid Dashboard is where you will be able to complete any unsatisfied student requirements, manage financial aid and scholarship offers, review Satisfactory Academic Progress and receive important messages and updates about your account. Please complete the following steps to receive and maintain your financial aid and scholarships:
1. Click on the Home tab to complete any unsatisfied student requirements.
2. Click on the Offer tab to view, accept and/or decline your offers.
3. Click on the Notifications tab for additional updates or instructions.
4. Review the Satisfactory Academic Progress tab to make sure you are meeting the requirements to retain your awards.
The United States Department of Education requires the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to collect certain information from students, parents, faculty, and staff. This information is typically requested through Dynamic Forms. Forms and documents that are unable to be submitted electronically must be submitted by fax at (803) 777-0941, by email at [email protected], by mail or in person at 1244 Blossom St., Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29208.
Dynamic Forms
Dynamic Forms is an electronic form submission process that allows requested documentation to be submitted securely. There are two types of form users: the initiator and the co-signer. The initiator is the student or the financial aid office, and the co-signer is the parent. In some cases, the co-signer may be a faculty or staff member as well. Each user must create an account with Dynamic Forms and then confirm their email address in order to activate their account. This will enable users to complete the required form(s), save their progress, and review their form(s) after submission. When completing a dynamic form, each user will only be able to type or click on the section of the form that they are required to complete. All other sections will be faded out and for reading purposes only. Before our office can process a form, all users must have completed their section of the form.
File Uploads
Before uploading files, please verify that all documents are legible and have the appropriate handwritten signature(s) and dates included. Write the Student's Name and VIP ID on all documents and remove all Personally Identifiable Information (SSN, Date of Birth) unless it is specifically requested by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. When uploading files, please upload one file for each item requested. Acceptable file types include: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, JPEG, JPG, and PNG. We cannot accept compressed, zipped, password protected files and/or login credentials to an FTP site. HEIC, MOV, and files over 25 MB will not be accepted. If you submit a file type that is not listed, your document will be rejected, and you will be required to resubmit an acceptable file type that can be opened by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Signatures
Electronic signatures will appear as a timestamp with the user's name in signature format and includes the date and time of signature. If you are submitting a federal tax return, a handwritten signature is required. Typed/digital/electronic signatures are not accepted. You must download and sign the tax return before submitting it to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Student Forms | Faculty and Staff Forms
Helpful Tips
Incoming Freshman
Meet with your High School Guidance Counselor during your senior year of high school to determine eligibility for merit-based scholarships, for assistance completing scholarship applications, and for help preparing for scholarship interviews if required.
Freshman & Continuing Students
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible each year. The application opens October 1 and the priority deadline is April 1.