Tuition at an affordable cost, plus numerous scholarship opportunities.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

Incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students with the following grade point average (GPA) may be eligible for academic scholarships up to the amounts below:

Award Name & GPA Criteria Residential Commuter
Presidential Scholarship
Our highest award for outstanding students
3.8+ GPA
$8,000 $5,000
1854 Scholarship
Named for the year we founded 
3.5–3.79 GPA
$7,000 $4,000
Columns Scholarship
A symbol of perseverance on campus
3.0–3.49 GPA
$6,000 $3,000
Fountain Scholarship
Our fondest landmark on campus
2.7–2.99 GPA
$4,000 $2,000
Koala Scholarship
Named for our beloved mascot
GPA < 2.7
$2,000 $1,000

Additional College Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships

Student-athletes may also receive athletic scholarships in addition to any state or externally-funded scholarship programs. To learn more about Athletic Scholarships connect with a member of our coaching staff today.

Honors Scholarships

Applying for our Honors program? To learn more about Honors scholarship opportunities, connect with the Dr. John Zubizarreta Honors Director, Dr. Marlee Marsh at mmarsh@columbiasc.edu.

Program-Specific Scholarships 

As a Columbia College student, you may be eligible for an art, dance, music, or major-related scholarship. To check your eligibility for these scholarships, contact your program coordinator or visit your major page.

If you are seeking federal, state, or institutional financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study and/or loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Guidance

Transfer Eligibility 

If you wish to transfer from another collegiate institution you must demonstrate the same level of involvement and community commitment as a first-year student. You must also submit a recommendation from a school official, professor, church or community leader, Columbia College alum, or Employer.

South Carolina Scholarships

The State of South Carolina offers a number of scholarships for in-state residents who meet certain criteria:

South Carolina Palmetto Fellowship

The Palmetto Fellows program is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $6,700 in their first year and up to $7,500 for subsequent years.

Eligibility

A student must be a full-time South Carolina resident and: 

  1. Achieve a minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1400.
  2. A minimum 4.0 GPA based on SC Uniform Grading Policy.

OR meet two of the following three criteria:

  1. A minimum 3.5 GPA based on SC Uniform Grading Policy.
  2. Be graduating in the top 6% of their class.
  3. A minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1200. 

The scholarship is renewable for up to four years provided the student maintains state eligibility requirements for renewal.

South Carolina LIFE Scholarship

The LIFE Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $5,000 per year, which includes a $300 book allowance.

Eligibility

A student must be a full-time South Carolina resident and meet two of the following three criteria:

  1. A minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1100.
  2. A minimum 3.0 GPA (UGP).
  3. Be graduating in the top 30% of their class.

The scholarship is renewable for up to four years provided the student maintains state eligibility requirements for renewal.

Maintaining the Award

For the LIFE Scholarship, full-time students must earn thirty (30) non-remedial semester credit hours per year and enroll in twelve (12) non-remedial hours each semester. You must complete thirty (30) non-remedial hours for a rising sophomore, sixty (60) non-remedial hours for a rising junior, and ninety (90) non-remedial hours for a rising senior and meet the state GPA requirement.

South Carolina Hope Scholarship 

The HOPE Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $2,800 per year, which includes a $300 book allowance.

Eligibility 

A student must be full-time South Carolina resident and have a minimum 3.0 GPA based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy.

South Carolina Tuition Grant 

The South Carolina Tuition Grant is awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need determined by their FAFSA. Students may be awarded a maximum of $3,300 per year.

To remain eligible for SC Tuition Grant, full-time students must earn twenty-four (24) credit hours per year.

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