Starting this fall, students enrolled in the state’s College Transition Programs and students in foster care will have access to increased scholarship and grant support following changes in the FY 2025-26 state budget.
The General Assembly, with input from South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, approved increases to both the CTP Scholarship and the Need-based Grant for Foster Youth which will make higher education more affordable for these groups of students.
“These investments in the College Transition Program scholarships and foster youth grants reflect South Carolina’s commitment to providing everyone with the chance to benefit from the college experience,” said Dr. Jeff Perez, President and Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. “We are grateful to Governor McMaster and our General Assembly for their support in expanding financial aid for these two programs.”
CTP Scholarship Cap Increase
The annual CTP Scholarship cap will increase from $10,000 to $15,000 per student beginning this fall. These scholarships support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending approved non-degree CTPs at South Carolina’s four-year institutions.
Six South Carolina institutions currently offer CTPs: Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, the College of Charleston, University of South Carolina – Columbia, Winthrop University, and University of South Carolina – Aiken. These innovative certificate programs offer academic coursework, career training, independent living opportunities, and social experiences, preparing students for more independent and fulfilling lives.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 76 students received more than $775,000 in CTP Scholarships, with 35 students completing programs to earn certificates of postsecondary education.
Expanded Need-based Grants for Foster Youth
Foster youth attending South Carolina institutions will be eligible for additional Need-based Grant support of up to $3,500—an increase from the previous $2,000 maximum. The total amount that may be expended statewide for foster youth has also been increased from $100,000 to $250,000 annually. This will help reduce financial barriers to higher education for one of South Carolina’s most vulnerable student populations.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 46 students received $74,654 in Foster Youth Need-based Grant funding at 21 different South Carolina institutions.
For more information about state-funded scholarships and grants, visit https://che.sc.gov/students-families-and-military/scholarships-and-grants-sc-residents .