Grants are gifts that generally do not require repayment, but are often based on financial need or other criteria. Your eligibility will be determined by your FAFSA.
Federal grants are funded by the federal government. State Need-Based Grants are only for South Carolina residents. Entering freshmen, transfer students, and continuing students who meet the requirements are eligible.
Federal Pell Grant
The federal Pell Grant is the largest federally funded student financial aid grant program. It serves as the foundation upon which all other undergraduate aid is awarded. Typically, it is available only to undergraduate students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree. Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined according to federal law and is based on the financial information you and your family provided on your FASFA.
You are notified of your possible eligibility to receive a federal Pell Grant via the Student Aid Report (SAR). The financial aid office will receive this information directly from the federal processor and determine the amount of your federal Pell Grant. You should carefully review the information on your SAR and, if it is correct, keep it for your records. If you discover mistakes, follow the instructions and submit corrections as soon as possible.
If you or your family experiences a major change in your financial situation after your Pell Grant eligibility has been determined, you should notify the financial aid office immediately. A counselor will be able to determine if you qualify for an adjustment of your Pell Grant award and/or other financial aid.
Additional information can be found on the Federal Student Aid Pell Grants page.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is a grant that does not need to be repaid. The financial aid office awards USC Upstate’s limited allocation of FSEOG funds. Recipients must be undergraduates who have not already earned a baccalaureate degree and who demonstrate exceptional financial need. FSEOG recipients must be eligible to receive a Pell Grant and have the lowest expected family contributions from among those students being considered for an award.
Additional information can be found on the Federal Student Aid FSEOG page.
TEACH Grant Program
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program was established by the federal government to encourage highly qualified teachers to serve low-income schools in high-need fields. Institutional participation in the program is optional; Upstate began its participation in 2009. Visit the TEACH grant page at studentaid.gov, or contact the Financial Aid office if you are interested in learning more about the program.
Upstate Education majors eligible for the TEACH Grant:
Middle Grades – Math and Science emphasis only
Secondary Education – Math
Secondary Education – Sciences
Special Education
Spanish Education
State Need-Based Grant Program (SNBG)*
The South Carolina Need-Based Grant is a state-funded grant for undergraduates attending public colleges and universities within South Carolina. Recipients may not have already earned a baccalaureate degree. To be considered, you must be a South Carolina resident, be admitted or currently enrolled with a minimum GPA of 2.00, complete the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need, be of good moral character, and have never been convicted of a felony. Additionally, to renew a state grant award, you must maintain an annual 2.00 GPA and complete 24 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters. Funding is limited and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. FAFSA results received by the Financial Aid Office by March 1 will receive priority consideration. Follow-up documents, if required, should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office promptly to ensure consideration for these funds. Awards are made for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) only. The State Need-Based Grant does not need to be repaid.
More information about State Need-Based Grants can be found on the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education website.
*DISCLAIMER: Changes could occur at any time for these programs. You may access the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) website for the latest information available. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds to be appropriated by the South Carolina Legislature.