Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Many scholarship awards are what we refer to as merit-based. They are based on your GPA and do not need to be repaid. 97% of full-time freshmen receive a merit-based scholarship. Additional CSU scholarships, for athletics, fine arts and more are available for students based on eligibility.
Grants
Several grant programs are available to qualifying CSU students. Unlike loans, grants are based on need and qualifications, and do not have to be paid back.
Loans
Student loans are based on need and determined by the information you submit on the FAFSA. These funds, along with interest, do need to be repaid.
On-Campus Employment
Students may qualify for on-campus employment during their time at CSU through our federal work-study program. This is determined by the information you submit on the FAFSA. Earnings are paid directly to students and do not need to be repaid.
2025-2026 Academic Scholarships
In-State First Time Freshmen
| GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 3.90 or above | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($17,000) |
| 3.89 – 3.50 | Buccaneer ($14,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($13,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($10,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($5,000) |
*Commuter student awards will be reduced by $1,000
Out-of-State First Time Freshmen
| GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 3.90 or above | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($19,000) |
| 3.89 – 3.50 | Buccaneer ($16,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($15,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($12,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($7,000) |
*The out-of-state scholarships listed above include a $2,000 out-of-state grant
Transfers and Readmits
| Primary GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 4.00 – 3.50 | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($13,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($11,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($9,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($7,000) |
97% of full-time freshmen receive a merit-based scholarship
Our Buc Promise program covers tuition for all Pell grant-eligible students with a greater-than 3.5 GPA
$88 million in financial aid awarded to students during the 2023-24 academic year
Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
2025-2026 Freshman or Transfer Estimated Cost of Attendance
| Undergrad Costs | Per Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $33,430 |
| Fees* | $650 |
| Housing* | $9,300 |
| Food* | $2,950 |
| Transportation** | $1,150 |
| Personal Expenses** | $1,950 |
| Yearly Total | $49,430 |
2025-2026 Commuter Estimated Cost of Attendance
| Undergrad Costs | Per Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $33,430 |
| Fees* | $650 |
| Commuter Meal Plan* | $520 |
| Housing** | $2,200 |
| Food** | $2,980 |
| Transportation** | $2,010 |
| Personal Expenses** | $1,950 |
| Yearly Total | $43,740 |
Tuition is based on 18 credit hours per semester and varies for our nursing, organizational management and criminal justice programs. See individual program pages for information. Housing pricing varies based on your selection. All full-time traditional, undergraduate commuter students are required to carry the commuter meal plan at $260 per semester and may opt to upgrade their plans.
*Indicates Direct Costs
**Indicates Indirect Costs
Spotlight on Scholarships
Buc Promise – Tuition Promise Program
Students from all economic backgrounds who have shown grit and intellect deserve the opportunity to attend CSU. This is our promise: if a student is admitted to CSU and qualifies for Buc Promise, CSU will pay their tuition.
Buc Promise guarantees full tuition will be covered by a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid for eligible South Carolina residents. 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.
Palmetto Academic Excellence Award
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.
“I chose CSU due to its excellence in scholarships, as well as the school’s commitment to academic progression for each student. At the end of the day, what’s better than being surrounded by a Christian atmosphere and local beaches.”
