S.C. Need-based Grant Program –(SCNBG)

The financial aid office on each public college campus administers the Need-based Grant Program. S.C. Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission administers the Need-based Grant Program for independent colleges and universities as a part of the Tuition Grants Program.  A student may receive up to $2,500 annually if enrolled full-time and up to $1,250 annually if enrolled part-time.  Half of the grant is awarded in the fall semester and half is awarded in the spring semester, assuming continued eligibility.  The college at which the student is enrolled determines the exact amount, less any other gift aid received.  The grant must be applied directly towards the cost-of-attendance at the college for a maximum of eight full-time equivalent terms.  Students must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate's degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree.

Purpose:
PROVIDE additional financial aid to South Carolina's neediest students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a Need-based Grant?
The first step to apply for a Need-based Grant is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.  You may complete the FAFAS form online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.  Applicants should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1^st of each academic year.  If the student plans to attend a public college, the student should contact the institutional financial aid office.  These offices will advise the student of any additional steps that are necessary to be considered for a Need-based Grant.

Are there specific criteria I must meet in order to retain eligibility to participate in the program?

• Earn at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year (fall and spring terms) and maintain satisfactory academic performance according to Title IV Regulations;

 

• For graduation purposes, earn at least 24 credit hours each regular academic year if awarded a Need-based Grant as a full-time student or earn at least twelve credit hours each regular academic year if awarded a Need-based Grant as a part-time student.  If a student is awarded a Need-based Grant for one semester of the academic year as a part-time student and the other semester as a full-time student, the student must earn at least eighteen credit hours each regular academic year.  If a student is awarded a Need-based Grant for only one semester of the academic year, the student must earn at least twelve credit hours each regular academic year if a full-time student or earn at least six credit hours each regular academic year if a part-time student.  Credits earned during any additional semesters (i.e., interim, maymester, summer or other non-regular semester) cannot be used to replace or reduce the minimum credit hour requirement for the regular academic year; and

 

• Complete a FAFSA form and continue to meet all initial eligibility requirements annually.

Once a student completes a one-year program or an associate’s degree or two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, is he or she still eligible for a Need-based Grant?
Students who have obtained a recognized credential in a program less than a baccalaureate degree are initially eligible to apply for a Need-based Grant upon enrollment in a higher level degree program, such as an associate’s degree program, a two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, or a baccalaureate degree program.  Students cannot receive Need-based Grant funding beyond the first baccalaureate degree or beyond eight full-time equivalent terms (whichever comes first).

Am I eligible to receive the Need-based Grant if I am taking remedial coursework?
Students enrolled in an eligible program of study may include remedial courses as part of the minimum number of required credit hours for part-time or full-time status, as long as such courses carry credit hours and meet Title IV limitations on remedial coursework.

Am I eligible for the Need-based Grant if I qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
Students who qualify under the ADA must register with the institution’s Disability Services Office.  The institutional Disability Services Provider must provide written documentation to the Office of Financial Aid each academic year verifying that the student is approved to be enrolled in less than part-time status or earn less than the required annual credit hours.   In order to renew the grant each academic year, the student must complete the required number of hours approved by the institutional Disability Services Provider and earn a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for graduation purposes.

What happens if I want to transfer my Need-based Grant from one institution to another?
The Need-based Grant is not automatically transferable.  Once you enroll at your new institution, you will be compared with all other students at that institution who have submitted the FAFSA for the current academic year. Based on those results, each Financial Aid Office will determine if you are eligible at their institution.  If you are transferring mid-year, you should be aware that you may be placed on a waiting list since the Need-based Grant is awarded on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. To find out if you qualify for the Need-based Grant, you must check with the institution’s financial aid office that you will be transferring.

Where do I submit an appeal if I do not agree with the institution’s decision to award me a Need-based Grant?
Students wishing to appeal any award decision must submit a written request to the institution's Director of Financial Aid. This request will be handled in accordance with the institution's financial aid appeal procedures.  The institution's decision on appeals shall be final.