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Undergraduate Scholarships
We understand the importance of investing in your future, and we are proud to offer a private education at an affordable cost. On average, college tuition increases three to four percent every year. To address this issue, we recently reset our tuition to an affordable rate for our students and we also offer a number of scholarships for eligible students. Learn more about scholarship opportunities below.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students with the following grade point average (GPA) may be eligible for academic scholarships up to the amounts below:
| AWARD NAME & GPA CRITERIA | RESIDENTIAL | COMMUTER |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship 3.8+ GPA | $8,000 | $5,000 |
| 1854 Scholarship 3.5–3.79 GPA | $7,000 | $4,000 |
| Columns Scholarship 3.0–3.49 GPA | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| Fountain Scholarship 2.7–2.99 GPA | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| Koala Scholarship GPA < 2.7 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| *Honors | $1,000 | $1,000 |
- Presidential Scholarship: Our Presidential Scholarship is the highest award offered at Columbia College. This scholarship is an annual award that is given to outstanding students who have a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- 1854 Scholarship: Named after the year Columbia College was founded, this annual scholarship is awarded to students who have a GPA between 3.5–3.79.
- Columns Scholarship: This award is named after “The Columns”, a significant symbol on our campus. In 1964, Columbia College survived a fire that destroyed the main building on campus. The Columns remained and became a symbol of the great perseverance of the College. This annual scholarship is awarded to students who have a GPA between 3.0–3.49.
- Fountain Scholarship: The Fountain Award is named after the well-known fountain in front of the Breed Leadership Center. The Fountain is renowned by Columbia College students as the host of one of the most unique traditions of the College. This annual award is offered to students who have a GPA between 2.7–2.99.
- Koala Scholarship: Named after our beloved mascot, this award is designed to help support students with a GPA of 2.7 or lower.
- *Honors: Eligible Honors students will receive an additional $1,000 on top of the level they’re originally eligible for. Click here for the Honors Scholarship Application.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Student-athletes may also receive athletic scholarships in addition to any state or externally funded scholarship programs. To learn more about Athletic Scholarships connect with a member of our coaching staff today.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS
As a Columbia College student, you may be eligible for an art, dance, music, or major-related scholarship. To check your eligibility for these scholarships, contact your program coordinator or visit your major page.
If you are seeking federal, state, or institutional financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study and/or loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
MOMENTUM SCHOLARSHIP
Uniquely designed for students whose personal determination and engagement complements their academic accomplishments, the Momentum Scholarship is intended to reward ambition and honest commitment to make a difference in the world.
The Momentum Scholarship may cover partial tuition and recipients will be assigned a personal leadership coach, paid summer internship opportunities, and access to live on the Academic Achievement floor of McNair Hall.
Eligibility
Candidates must demonstrate high school or community involvement, a commitment to campus engagement, and the potential for leadership.
Transfer Eligibility
If you wish to transfer from another collegiate institution you must demonstrate the same level of involvement and community commitment as a first-year student, but must also submit a recommendation from a school official, professor, church or community leader, Columbia College alum, or Employer.
You must submit all required admissions documentation and the transfer Momentum Application before any considerations will be made.
Application
For you to apply for the Momentum Scholarship, you must have completed both your college admissions application and the Momentum Scholarship application prior to the spring deadline for consideration. Partial or incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed.
Fall 2021 Momentum Scholarship Important Dates:
Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2021
Finalist Interviews: Saturday, February 6, 2021
South Carolina Scholarships
The State of South Carolina offers a number of scholarships for in-state residents who meet certain criteria:
SOUTH CAROLINA PALMETTO FELLOWSHIP
The Palmetto Fellows program is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $6,700 in their first year and up to $7,500 for subsequent years.
Eligibility
A student must be a full-time South Carolina resident and:
- Achieve a minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1400.
- A minimum 4.0 GPA based on SC Uniform Grading Policy.
OR meet two of the following three criteria:
- A minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1200.
- A minimum 3.5 GPA based on SC Uniform Grading Policy.
- Be graduating in the top 6% of their class.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years provided the student maintains state eligibility requirements for renewal.
SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCHOLARSHIP
The LIFE Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $5,000 per year, which includes a $300 book allowance.
Eligibility
A student must be a full-time South Carolina resident and meet two of the following three criteria:
- A minimum SAT math/critical reading score of 1100.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (UGP).
- Be graduating in the top 30% of their class.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years provided the student maintains state eligibility requirements for renewal.
Maintaining the Award
For the LIFE Scholarship, full-time students must earn thirty (30) non-remedial semester credit hours per year and enroll in twelve (12) non-remedial hours each semester. You must complete thirty (30) non-remedial hours for a rising sophomore, sixty (60) non-remedial hours for a rising junior, and ninety (90) non-remedial hours for a rising senior and meet the state GPA requirement.
SOUTH CAROLINA HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
The HOPE Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. Students may be awarded a maximum of $2,800 per year, which includes a $300 book allowance.
Eligibility
A student must be full-time South Carolina resident and have a minimum 3.0 GPA based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy.
SOUTH CAROLINA TUITION GRANT
The South Carolina Tuition Grant is awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need determined by their FAFSA. Students may be awarded a maximum of $3,300 per year.
To remain eligible for SC Tuition Grant, full-time students must earn twenty-four (24) credit hours per year.