South Carolina is home to several financial aid programs, but none are quite as prestigious, or as financially rewarding, as the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.
For high-achieving high school seniors graduating in the Class of 2026, this merit-based award offers a significant opportunity to graduate college debt-free.
Unlike need-based aid, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is awarded strictly on academic merit. It recognizes the state’s most talented students and encourages them to attend eligible four-year institutions within South Carolina.
With a potential payout of nearly $30,000 over four years (even more with enhancements), understanding the application nuances is vital.
Scholarship Summary and Coverage
Before diving into the complex eligibility rules, it is important to understand what is at stake.
The scholarship is administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and provides funding for up to eight consecutive terms (four years) toward a first bachelor’s degree.
Award Amounts for 2025-2026
- Freshman Year: Up to $6,700
- Sophomore, Junior, & Senior Years: Up to $7,500 per year
Enhancements
Students majoring in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Education, or Accounting may qualify for an additional $2,500 per year starting in their sophomore year.
This brings the potential maximum award to $10,000 per year for upperclassmen.
Note: Palmetto Fellows recipients cannot receive the LIFE Scholarship, SC HOPE Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition Assistance in the same academic year.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The selection process for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is rigorous. Applicants must meet general residency requirements and specific academic benchmarks.
General Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
- Residency: Must be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and college enrollment.
- Legal Standing: Must not have been convicted of any felonies or second/subsequent alcohol/drug-related misdemeanors.
- Enrollment: Must enroll full-time at an eligible four-year SC institution immediately following graduation (unless an approved Gap Year is taken).
Academic Criteria
There are two distinct pathways to qualify. You do not need to meet both; meeting the criteria for either Path A or Path B is sufficient.
| Criteria Path | Standardized Test Score (SAT/ACT) | Cumulative GPA (SC Uniform Grading Policy) | Class Rank |
| Path A (Rank) | 1200 SAT or 25 ACT | 3.50 | Top 6% of class (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year) |
| Path B (Alternate) | 1400 SAT or 31 ACT | 4.00 | Rank not required |
Crucial Eligibility Nuances
Test Scores
The SAT score counts Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math only. The ACT score is the composite. Scores must be sent directly to the CHE (Codes: SAT 4313, ACT 6326).
GPA
The GPA must be calculated using the SC Uniform Grading Policy (SC UGP). It must be reported to two decimal places and cannot be rounded up (e.g., a 3.49 does not round to 3.50).
Private/Home Schools
If your school does not rank students, you must use Path B.
2026 Application Timeline
One of the biggest errors students make is assuming they can apply whenever they want. There are strict windows for application.
Unlike college applications that students submit themselves, the initial application must be submitted by your school counselor.
Here is the projected timeline for the Class of 2026.
| Application Phase | Action Item | Deadline |
| Early Awards | Application window for students meeting criteria by the end of Junior year. | May 1, 2026 |
| Late Awards | Application window for students meeting criteria by the end of Senior year. | July 15, 2026 |
| Test Scores | Last accepted test administration date (June). | June 2026 |
| Transcripts | Date transcripts must be calculated by. | June 15, 2026 |
| Designation Form | Student deadline to designate their college choice. | August 31, 2026 |
Warning: If the deadline falls on a weekend, it generally moves to the preceding Friday. Always confirm the exact date with your guidance counselor early in your senior year.
How to Apply for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
The application process is unique because it is a collaboration between the student and the high school counselor. You cannot simply log on to a website and apply on your own behalf.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Review your transcript and test scores. If you believe you meet the criteria (Path A or Path B), schedule a meeting with your school counselor immediately.
Step 2: Counselor Initiation
Your school counselor identifies eligible students and initiates the application through the CHE portal. They will upload your transcript, rank report, and verification of test scores.
- Tip: Do not assume your counselor has started this. Be proactive and ask for confirmation that you are on their list for the “Early Award” or “Late Award” cycle.
Step 3: Student Action (Designation Form)
Once the CHE processes the application submitted by your counselor and deems you eligible, you will receive a notification (usually via email).
You must then log in to the Palmetto Fellows student portal to complete the Designation Form. Th
His form tells the state which university you plan to attend so they know where to send the money.
Renewal Requirements: Keeping Your Scholarship
Winning the scholarship is the hard part; keeping it requires discipline. To renew the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship each year, you must:
Credit Hours
Earn 30 credit hours each academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Critical Detail: AP (Advanced Placement), IB, and Dual Enrollment credits earned during high school do not count toward this annual 30-hour requirement.
You must earn 30 new hours every year once you start college.
GPA
Maintain a minimum 3.0 institutional cumulative GPA.
Continuous Enrollment
Remain enrolled full-time without taking a semester off (unless an appeal is granted for medical/military reasons).
Final Thoughts
Securing the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a game-changer for South Carolina families.
By tracking the 2026 deadlines closely and working hand-in-hand with your counselor, you can ensure you don’t leave this money on the table.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
