COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina is extending a generous offer to the state's brightest high school graduates.
USC recently declared that it will provide full tuition coverage to high school graduates who rank in the top 10% of their graduating class and have a family income of less than $80,000.
According to Scott Verzyl, the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of South Carolina, the $80,000 income threshold aligns with the average family income in the state.
“So these students will be students who do have some financial need and we want to make sure the cost of an education is not a barrier to enroll,” said Verzyl.
While this program covers tuition and fees, students are still responsible for covering costs related to room, board, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses.
“We want to be able to enroll students from every corner of the state. For Some students, even with financial aid, it's difficult to pay because we're not able to meet 100 percent of their needs, but this program gets us closer to that for those students,” said Verzyl.
For the past five years, USC has maintained a steady in-state tuition rate of $6,344 per semester, thanks to support from the state legislature. This consistent pricing, combined with the new initiative, is anticipated to encourage more high-achieving students to consider USC for their college education.
Rachel Brown, a senior at Westwood High School, highlighted the importance of cost in her college decision-making process.
“I know my family we always talk about getting a debt-free degree. Leaving college without owing any money so starting early and looking for different ways to pay for college is very beneficial,” said Brown.
That’s why she’s among those applying to USC in the hopes of securing a debt-free education.
Brown believes that USC's initiative sets a positive precedent for higher education institutions across the state and hopes that other colleges will follow suit, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating students from diverse economic backgrounds.
“I do hope other colleges will follow suit,” said Brown.
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This initiative will be in effect for incoming freshmen starting next fall.
Students interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should be aware that the deadline for applying to USC is December 1st, and they must also apply for federal financial aid by April 1s
Beginning with the Fall 2024 freshman class, the USC Commitment will cover four years worth of tuition and academic fees for high school students who are:
- SC residents who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class
- students whose annual family income is less than $80,000
- students who have completed a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- students must continue to meet academic eligibility requirements