Federal Student Aid
South Carolina State University offers and accepts a wide variety of aid for students.
Please review carefully the aid available and all processes and procedures for application
and administration.
To receive Federal aid, students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) immediately after October 1st. The school code for South Carolina State University
is 003446. Remember: Some funds are limited, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible.
Applying for financial aid and applying for admission to South Carolina State University
are separate processes. Students do not need to wait to be admitted to the University
to complete the FAFSA. Students’ data will be reviewed for financial aid eligibility
when they have been officially accepted for admission into a degree-seeking program.
New and transfer students need to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or College of Graduate & Professional Studies and follow their instructions regarding the admissions process.
Priority Application Filing Dates
Some financial aid funds are limited, so we recommend you complete your FAFSA and
apply as soon as possible. Be sure to file by the dates below
- Fall or Academic Year Enrollment – May 1st
- Spring Semester Enrollment – November 1st
- Summer Enrollment – April 1st
Federal and State Aid Eligibility
While we want to ensure as many students as possible can access and obtain aid as
needed, you must meet the requirements below to be eligible.
- Have a processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
- Be admitted as a regular student in a degree-seeking program.
- Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Males between the ages of 18-25 must register with Selective Service.
- Not be in default or owe a repayment of any Title IV funds.
- Register for a sufficient number of credit hours for certain types of aid.
In addition, some types of aid require that you register for a sufficient number of
credit hours. Review the requirements of your aid documentation carefully to ensure
you are meeting the required number of hours.
Federal Verification Process
Verification is a process in which a FAFSA is selected for review by the Department
of Education. South Carolina State University has partnered with Inceptia Verification
Gateway (VG), which is an online portal to guide students and parents to expedite
the verification process. If your FAFSA application is selected for verification
by the U.S. Department of Education, you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org , or a postcard from Inceptia, containing South Carolina State University’s unique
website link to start the verification process.
We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification
from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments.
Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of
your financial aid.
Follow these steps to complete your verification:
- Access our school’s unique website link in the email from VGCS@inceptia.org or listed below.
- Create your account and choose preferences for text messages and e-signatures. Complete
your Task List.
- Confirm your signature and review your information.
- Sign your account.
*If you are a dependent student, your parent also needs to create their own account
and complete each of these steps.
Verification Gateway Links and Deadlines for South Carolina State University
2023-2024 Federal Verification: https://bulldog.verificationgateway.org
The deadline for submitting these documents is 9-13-2024.
Questions about the verification process?
Contact Inceptia, Monday through Friday 8 am – 7 pm Central at 888.374.8427 or VGCS@inceptia.org .
About Inceptia
Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization
committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in financial aid management,
default prevention, and financial education. Our mission is to support schools as
they launch brilliant futures for students, armed with the knowledge to become financially
responsible citizens. Learn more at Inceptia.org
Important Forms and Documents
There are several additional forms that may be required as you pursue your financial
aid and other types of assistance in paying for school. For your convenience, they
are all linked below.
Contact Us
Have more questions about financial aid? Let us know and we'll respond as soon as
possible.