Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2025/2026 – Free Applications

Introduction

If you’re a high-achieving high school senior in South Carolina, the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2025/2026 is one of the most prestigious financial aid opportunities available. Established by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, this merit-based program rewards academic excellence and encourages top-performing students to pursue their education at in-state colleges and universities.

This scholarship not only recognizes outstanding academic performance but also promotes talent retention helping South Carolina’s brightest students stay and thrive within the state’s higher education system.

READ MORE; Navy ROTC Scholarship 2025/2026: Full College Tuition Award

What Is the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship?

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (PFS) is a merit-based award designed to attract and retain talented high school graduates in South Carolina. It provides significant financial assistance to help cover college tuition and related costs at eligible public and private institutions across the state.

Each year, hundreds of students receive this scholarship as a reward for their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to higher learning.

Scholarship Value and Duration

The amount awarded through the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship depends on the institution and the student’s chosen major.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

• Up to $6,700 for the first academic year (freshman year)

• Up to $7,500 per year for sophomore, junior, and senior years

• Renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains eligibility

In addition, students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees may qualify for enhanced funding through the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement, increasing the total financial support.

Eligibility Requirements for 2025/2026

To qualify for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, students must meet specific academic and residency criteria as outlined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

Here are the general requirements:

1. Residency

Applicants must be South Carolina residents at the time of high school graduation and during the scholarship application process.

2. Academic Achievement

Students must meet one of the following sets of criteria by the end of their junior year in high school:

Option 1:

• Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA (based on South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale)

• Minimum 1200 SAT or 27 ACT composite score

• Rank in the top 6% of their class at the end of the junior year

Option 2:

• Minimum 4.0 GPA on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale

• Minimum 1400 SAT or 32 ACT composite score

3. College Enrollment

Students must enroll full-time at an eligible South Carolina college or university within one year of high school graduation.

How to Apply for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

Applying for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2025/2026 is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines.

Step 1: School Nomination

Students must be nominated by their high school guidance counselor or school official. Most high schools automatically identify eligible students based on academic records.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

The counselor submits official transcripts, test scores, and class rank verification to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

Step 3: Application Review

The Commission reviews applications during two cycles:

• Early Awards: Applications due by April 15, 2025

• Late Awards: Applications due by June 30, 2025

Step 4: Notification

Students who qualify are notified of their award and receive instructions for claiming the scholarship through their chosen institution.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

To renew the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship each year, students must:

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year

• Earn at least 30 credit hours per year (or equivalent)

• Remain enrolled full-time in an eligible South Carolina college

Failure to meet these standards may result in losing the scholarship, though reinstatement may be possible under certain conditions.

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement (STEM Majors)

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancement provides additional financial support for students majoring in STEM disciplines such as engineering, computer science, biological sciences, mathematics, and technology-related fields.

Eligible students may receive up to an additional $2,500 per year, bringing their total scholarship value to $10,000 annually  a major incentive for pursuing high-demand fields within South Carolina.

Participating Institutions

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship can be used at nearly all accredited South Carolina public and private colleges, including:

• University of South Carolina

• Clemson University

• College of Charleston

• Coastal Carolina University

• Winthrop University

• South Carolina State University

• Furman University

• Wofford College

• Presbyterian College

This wide eligibility gives students the flexibility to choose the best institution for their goals.

Why the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Matters

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship doesn’t just offer financial aid  it’s a symbol of achievement and opportunity. By rewarding academic excellence, it helps ensure that South Carolina’s best students remain within the state, contributing to the future workforce and economy.

It empowers students to pursue their dreams without the weight of excessive student loans, making higher education both attainable and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship outside South Carolina?
No, it can only be used at eligible South Carolina institutions.

2. Can homeschool students apply?
Yes, as long as they meet the same academic requirements and are verified by the Commission.

3. What if I lose my eligibility?
Students may regain eligibility if they restore their GPA and credit hour requirements within the following year.

4. Can I combine it with other scholarships?
Yes, but total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Conclusion

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship 2025/2026 is one of South Carolina’s most generous academic awards. It honors hard work, dedication, and leadership  giving deserving students a chance to pursue higher education with less financial strain.

VISIT  THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE;https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/financial_aid/scholarships/scholarships_for_sc_residents/palmetto_fellows/

If you meet the requirements, don’t miss this opportunity. Talk to your guidance counselor, check the deadlines, and take your first step toward a brighter academic future.