Palmetto Academic Excellence Award
Palmetto Academic Excellence
For eligible students who qualify for both the Palmetto Fellows Enhancement Scholarship and the federal Pell Grant, we’re removing financial barriers to success. This opportunity is specifically for pell-eligible students who are going into STEM, Nursing, *Accounting, *Aeronautics, Kinesiology, Education. Full tuition is covered for all four years, plus housing and meal costs for sophomore, junior, and senior year.
Students from all economic backgrounds who have shown grit and intellect deserve the opportunity to attend CSU. You will not have to pay back this aid. You can also be assured that if tuition increases and you remain eligible, the financial aid you receive will increase as well.
*These programs are pending approval for the enhancement program through the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
How Does the Award Work?
Tuition is covered first by your federal and state grants—such as the Pell Grant or Life Scholarship.
If your eligibility for these programs does not equal the full cost of tuition, CSU will make up the difference with institutional funding. Funds awarded for Buc Promise will cover up to your calculated financial need and can be reduced if you receive other private scholarships or funded resources.
Buc Promise applies to tuition only; however, there are additional grant, scholarship, work-study, and loan funds available to assist with other educational costs, such as on-campus housing and food.
In High School:
- Meet South Carolina’s requirements for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and then maintain your eligibility throughout your time at CSU
- Meet requirements for the federal Pell Grant through the FAFSA, and then maintain that eligibility throughout your time at CSU
In Your First Year At CSU:
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- Declare an eligible SC Enhancement program (STEM, Nursing, *Accounting, *Aeronautics, Kinesiology, Education)
- Complete 14 credit hours of college-level science and math courses
- CSU will cover your tuition cost through our Buc Promise!
In Your Last Three Years At CSU:
- Remain in an eligible enhancement program
- CSU will cover tuition, housing, and food through our Buc Promise and the Palmetto Academic Excellence Award!
Not eligible for Palmetto Fellows or planning to pursue a STEM degree? As a reminder, Charleston Southern’s Buc Promise guarantees that tuition will be covered forall traditional students who are South Carolina residents, are eligible for the federal pell grant, and graduate from high school with at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA. Learn more!