Financial Aid

South Carolina State University has helped thousands of students get the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs and build rewarding careers. It can do the same for you, too. 

To ensure that we're able to offer a high-quality education to as many students as possible, we're proud to offer a variety of financial aid options to help cover the cost of attendance.

Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Tuition and fees are due and payable as part of your registration with SC State, so it's essential that you secure any needed aid before you register.  

In addition to federal aid programs,  you can seek out a number of scholarships, grants, and student loans [link to page detailing scholarship information] to help you pay for school. If you are from a state other than South Carolina and are interested in certain select programs, you can also try the Academic Common Market for a tuition savings program. 

In fact, if you are from North Carolina or Georgia and have a grade point average of at least 3.5, you qualify for in-state tuition. We also offer a Legacy Discount: if at least one of your parents or grandparents graduated from SC State and you have a minimum 3.5 GPA, you will only have to pay the in-state tuition and fees.

Applying for Aid

While the academic record of a student is important for admission to the college, and for certain scholarships, most financial aid is awarded primarily based on financial need. Financial need is determined by comparing the amount a student and their family can provide toward their college education with the actual cost of attending South Carolina State University. The purpose of financial aid is to award students within the guidelines of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

Tuition and fees are due and payable as a part of the student’s registration. The need for financial assistance should be anticipated and all arrangements for aid should be made with the Office of Financial Aid before registration.

Read on to learn about the steps to apply for financial aid. Please also review our 12 Steps to a Successful Financial Aid Experience for more information and helpful tips.

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.

• Financial Aid Adjustment Form
• Verification Gateway Flyer 23-24
• 2023-24 Unusual Enrollment History
• 2023-24 TEACH Grant Form
• 2023-24 SAP Appeal
• 2023-24 Special Condition Form
• 2023-24 FERPA Form
• 2023-24 Affidavit Form
• 2023-24 Dependency Override
• 2024 Summer School Financial Aid Form

Contact Us

Have more questions about financial aid? Let us know and we'll respond as soon as possible.