USCB Covering Tuition, Fees for Talented Students Across the State
The University of South Carolina Beaufort is offering the USC Commitment, a new affordability initiative to cover tuition and academic fees for in-state students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class and whose family’s annual household income is below $80,000.
The USC Commitment, which will begin with the fall 2024 freshman class, follows an admissions plan unveiled in August offering guaranteed admission to South Carolina high school students who are ranked in the top 20 percent of their class.
“Across South Carolina, we know there are bright, hard-working students who deserve the opportunity to earn their college degree but who do not have the financial resources to make this happen. We want them to know the doors are open for them at USC,” President Michael Amiridis said. “Together with our plan to admit the state’s top high school graduates, the USC Commitment ensures that a USC degree is within reach for all students who demonstrate merit and financial need.”
The USC Commitment will cover four years’ worth of tuition and academic fees. In-state tuition at USCB is $10,334 per year and academic fees are $736 per year.
“Access and affordability continue to be a priority at USCB as reflected in our current commitment to offering the lowest tuition among the state’s comprehensive institutions,” USCB Chancellor Al Panu said. “We are pleased to further this commitment by participating in this innovative program that helps us recruit and retain our top talent in the state.”
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
South Carolina residents who graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class.
Students whose annual family income is below $80,000.
Students who have completed a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students must continue to meet academic eligibility requirements.
The program is made possible by combining state and federal gift aid, private donor and other external scholarships, and part of the recent funding provided from the Governor and members of the General Assembly for tuition mitigation.
USCB has held tuition steady for six consecutive years for South Carolina residents. In partnership with the state, USCB has also increased both the number of students receiving need-based aid and the average award.
Over the past four years, USCB has almost tripled the number of students receiving state need-based aid from 239 to 715. USCB has also increased its maximum need-based award from $2500 to $3500 per student. This year, the university received an allocation of $1.8 million in need-based aid or funding.
“We have made access and affordability for South Carolina students a priority and will continue to look for innovative ways to make earning a degree attainable for more South Carolinians across the USC system,” said Board Chairman Thad Westbrook.
Additional details about the USC Commitment will be available on USCB’s financial aid website.
