Service members using the South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP) will be eligible for a significant boost in state financial assistance beginning this academic year, thanks to changes in the 2025-26 state budget.

The SCNG CAP program provides financial assistance to eligible members of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard and is administered in partnership between the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the SCAANG to incentivize and reward service while supporting educational attainment for those who serve.

The budget provides the following increases to SCNG CAP benefits:

• $12,000 per academic year, more than doubling the previous cap of $5,500.
• $25,000 lifetime cap, up from $22,000.
• $4,000 available per semester for full time students in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

“The increased funding for the South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program demonstrates the state's deep appreciation for its service members.” said Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina. “This investment reaffirms South Carolina’s commitment to valuing service, believing in the potential of its Guardsmen, and supporting the futures of its Guard members.”

“These enhancements clearly demonstrate the state’s appreciation for military service and will strengthen South Carolina’s future workforce,” said Dr. Jeff Perez, President and Executive Director of the CHE. “We are grateful to the General Assembly and Governor McMaster for recognizing the importance of investing in the success of those who selflessly serve our state and nation.”

In the 2023-24 academic year, 910 service members participated in the program, receiving a total of $3,797,417 in assistance. The program was established in 2007: SCNG CAP funding is appropriated annually through a state budget proviso and is not guaranteed year-to-year. 

Eligibility requirements remain the same: recipients must be active drilling members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard and must have completed Basic Training and AIT/IADT, among other criteria. Eligible programs of study include:

• A less than one-year certificate approved by South Carolina Technical College System.
• Courses completed as an education component of a registered apprenticeship.
• An eligible educational program that leads to a certificate or credential (e.g. diploma).
• The first associates degree, or after five years from completion of the first associates degree, a second associates degree
• The first bachelor's degree or a two-year degree program that can be used towards a bachelor's degree.

For more information about the SCNG College Assistance Program, including eligibility and application details, visit https://che.sc.gov/scngcap.