🌱 South Carolina College & Career Opportunities
Explore affordable college pathways, skilled trade programs, dual enrollment, and scholarships available to South Carolina students. Whether you’re attending public school, a private school, or learning at home, this guide is here to support your journey.
🎓 South Carolina Public Colleges & Universities
South Carolina is home to a variety of excellent public colleges and universities, including:
- University of South Carolina (USC) – Columbia and regional campuses
- Clemson University
- College of Charleston
- Winthrop University
- Coastal Carolina University
- Francis Marion University
- Lander University
- South Carolina State University (HBCU)
- The Citadel (military college)
Many of these schools offer in-state tuition, merit-based scholarships, and transfer pathways from technical colleges.
🎓 South Carolina Technical Colleges
The South Carolina Technical College System includes 16 colleges offering associate degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs. These colleges are a great option for:
- Students planning to transfer to a 4-year university
- Students interested in high-demand skilled trades
- Students looking for affordable education close to home
Many SC technical colleges offer dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and are eligible for state scholarships like LIFE and SC•WINS.
💸 South Carolina Scholarships & Grants
- Palmetto Fellows Scholarship – up to $6,700 for the first year and $7,500 for future years
- LIFE Scholarship – up to $5,000/year
- HOPE Scholarship – one-year award of $2,800
- Enhancements – up to $2,500 more for students in math, science, and related fields
- SC Tuition Grants – need-based awards up to ~$5,000/year for private colleges
- SC Teaching Fellows Program – up to $24,000 for future educators
- Lottery Tuition Assistance – for technical college students
- SC•WINS Scholarship – supports workforce students at technical colleges
💼 Apprenticeships & Career Training
- Apprenticeship Carolina – paid apprenticeships in multiple industries
- Youth Apprenticeships – work-based learning for high school students
- SC•WINS Scholarship – helps cover tuition and expenses for workforce training
🎯 Dual Enrollment in South Carolina
- Available to public, private, and homeschool students
- Offered by technical colleges and some universities
- Low cost or free with SC•WINS or Lottery Tuition Assistance
- Credits can transfer to 4-year colleges
🏡 Homeschool & Private School Families
- Eligible for dual enrollment and most state scholarships
- Must meet state residency and GPA/test score requirements
- Palmetto Fellows and LIFE require official documentation
- Can apply for SC Tuition Grants when attending private colleges
🔗 Helpful State Resources
💬 Have suggestions for this page?
We’d love to hear your feedback or any helpful resources specific to South Carolina. Feel free to share your insights so we can keep this page as useful and up-to-date as possible!