University of South Carolina Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded & Merit-Based Awards)
The University of South Carolina (UofSC) offers a wide range of prestigious merit-based scholarships for non-resident undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships significantly reduce tuition costs—often lowering them to the in-state tuition rate—and are automatically considered when students apply for admission. Designed for first-time freshmen entering the fall semester, UofSC nonresident scholarships make studying in the United States more affordable for high-achieving domestic and international students.
The University of South Carolina (UofSC) is a major public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, USA, and serves as the flagship institution of the state. Founded in 1801, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as business, engineering, arts and sciences, education, public health, and international studies. UofSC is nationally recognized for its research activity, strong global engagement, and highly ranked programs, including its international business program. With a vibrant campus life, modern facilities, and strong community and industry connections, the university provides students with comprehensive academic and career-focused opportunities.
Degree Level
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Available only for first-time freshmen entering the Fall semester
Available Subjects
- All academic majors offered at the University of South Carolina
- Includes STEM, Business, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Education, and more
Benefits
Selected students may receive one of the following high-value merit awards:
Top Scholar Awards (Most Prestigious)
Stamps Scholars Award
- ~$23,610 per year
- Tuition reduced to in-state rate
- $15,000 enrichment fund
- Four-year value: ~$225,000
McNair Scholars Award
- $22,000 per year
- Tuition reduced to in-state rate
- $12,000 enrichment fund
- Four-year value: $198,000+
Horseshoe Scholars Award
- $11,000 per year
- Tuition reduced to in-state rate
- Four-year value: $142,000+
Other Merit-Based Awards
- Provost Scholars Award: Up to $6,000 annually + in-state tuition
- Alumni Scholars Award: $8,000 annually + in-state tuition
- Academic Scholars Awards (Elite, Excellence, Superlative, Distinction, Merit & Recognition)
- Tuition reduction + annual awards ranging from $500 to $4,000
Eligible Nationalities
- Non–South Carolina residents
- Open to U.S. domestic nonresidents and international students
Applicants must apply as freshman undergraduate students
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for UofSC nonresident scholarships, applicants must:
- Apply as a first-time undergraduate freshman
- Enter the university in the Fall semester
- Be a non–South Carolina resident
- Have an outstanding academic record
- Demonstrate leadership, service, or extracurricular involvement
- Meet competitive GPA and SAT/ACT benchmarks
- Submit the South Carolina Honors College application (required for top awards)
- Apply by the Honors College deadline: November 15
Note: Only one Admissions Merit Award is allowed per student, except the Provost Scholars Award, which may be combined.
Application Procedure
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of South Carolina
- Scholarships are automatically considered—no separate scholarship application required
- Submit the South Carolina Honors College application (required for top-tier awards)
- Competitive applicants may be invited to:
- Mandatory interviews
- In-person Top Scholar Weekend
- National Merit Finalists must list UofSC as their first-choice institution
Important Deadline: Honors College Application – November 15
