Freshmen Scholarships 2027 at University of South Carolina (Process)
Want to compete for the University of South Carolina’s strongest nonresident scholarships for Fall 2027? Submit your admission application and the separate South Carolina Honors College application by 15 November 2026. Applying for admission alone gives you general merit consideration, but does not complete the Top Scholar application.
The distinction matters if you are targeting Stamps, McNair or Horseshoe funding. These awards combine scholarships with reduced tuition, while selection examines academic achievement, leadership and your broader application.
What do South Carolina’s nonresident awards provide?
The published Top Scholar packages provide annual awards plus tuition charged at the in-state rate. USC currently lists:
| Award | Annual scholarship | Additional support |
|---|---|---|
| Stamps | Approximately $25,810 | In-state tuition rate; $15,000 enrichment fund |
| McNair | $24,000 | In-state tuition rate; $14,000 enrichment fund |
| Horseshoe | $11,000 | In-state tuition rate |
General Academic Scholar packages are listed at $6,500–$30,000 annually. Award amounts depend on the incoming class and available funding; tuition savings are not an additional cash stipend. Assess the actual offer against your full expenses.
Can international freshmen apply without SAT or IELTS?
SAT and ACT are optional for 2027, but English evidence remains required unless you qualify for an exemption. Accepted options include IELTS 6.5, PTE 53 or Duolingo 115. USC exempts qualifying applicants from listed English-instruction countries and graduates of US high schools.
These merit awards are for fall-entry first-time freshmen. Previous recipients’ weighted GPAs and test-score averages are not minimum eligibility thresholds. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time and maintain a cumulative USC-system GPA of 3.0.
How do you enter the Top Scholar competition?
Submit the freshman application early enough to access and finish the Honors College supplement.
- Follow the international freshman instructions. Apply through USC’s application or Common App, choose Fall 2027 and your major, complete the essay and activities section, and pay $100.
- Arrange official secondary-school transcripts and certified English translations where needed. Submit required English evidence and any SAT/ACT scores you elect to use.
- Select “Yes” for Honors College interest. Under the Carolina Elite application procedure, the supplement appears in your USC Admissions Portal approximately 48 hours later.
- Complete its two additional essays by November 15 and arrange one recommendation by December 1. A résumé is optional.
- Monitor your portal. Top Scholar semifinalists attend a mandatory virtual interview; finalists attend the in-person Top Scholar Weekend, scheduled for 27 February–1 March 2027.
Which deadline applies to your Fall 2027 scholarship route?
The last date to submit the University of South Carolina admission and Honors College applications for Fall 2027 Top Scholarship consideration is 15 November 2026. Required credentials, including the recommendation, are due on 1 December 2026.
For general merit consideration, apply by 1 December 2026 and complete required credentials by 15 January 2027. General scholarship decisions arrive by mid-March; the published acceptance deadline is 1 May 2027 with a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit. These dates were checked on 2 October 2026.