Page 113 - 2020 Statistical Abstract

Scholarship Terminology

st
st
Academic Year (AY) – The academic year as measured by the CHE starts on August 1 and runs to July 31 of the following year. Enrollment
during the 2019-20 academic year includes any enrolled students reported to the CHE for semesters (or quarters) starting in August 2019 to
July 2020; this corresponds to the following semesters: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Summer I 2020, Summer II 2020.

Award Enhancements – LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipients enrolled in eligible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math) programs may qualify for an additional $2,500 per year. Student’s should check with their Institution’s financial aid office to determine

if they meet the additional eligibly requirements and ensure a specific academic program qualifies for a STEM enhancement award.

LIFE Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship established in 1998. Scholarship funds are awarded half in the fall term and half in the spring and

must be applied toward the cost of attendance. Students attending an eligible two-year or technical college may receive up to the cost of
tuition and fees, to include a $300 book allowance (total award not to exceed $5,000), for a maximum of two consecutive terms toward a
one-year program and up to four consecutive terms toward a two-year program (based on the date of initial college enrollment). Students

attending an eligible four-year public or independent institution may receive up to $4,700, plus a $300 book allowance (total award not to
exceed $5,000), for a maximum of eight consecutive terms toward the first Bachelor’s degree or the first CHE-approved 3 + 2 program. For

the first CHE-approved five-year undergraduate program, students may receive up to 10 consecutive terms of scholarship funding
(maximum terms of funding based on the date of initial college enrollment).

Lottery Tuition Assistance – The Lottery Tuition Assistance program was established in 2001 under the S.C. Education Lottery Act and
implemented fall 2002. Lottery Tuition Assistance is available at eligible two-year institutions in the State. Exact award amounts are

contingent upon the number of eligible students and funding available from lottery proceeds. Lottery Tuition Assistance funds can only be
used for payment of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees.

Merit-Based Award – A scholarship awarded based on quantified measures of academic performance; for example: high school GPA, high school
rank, or standardized test scores.

104