Best Higher Education Grants in South Carolina

Public school districts and schools in South Carolina can seek Innovation Grant funding for pilot initiatives that raise student achievement and prepare students for college, career, and civic life. The South Carolina Department of Education supports projects in areas like literacy, STEM/STEAM, workforce development, and civics, prioritizing high-poverty, low-achieving schools with scalable, evidence-based models.

The Wallace F. Pate Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund in 2004, awards $2,500 annually to a South Carolina resident pursuing higher education in natural resource disciplines. This scholarship honors Wallace F. Pate, a pioneer in offshore big game fishing. Eligible applicants must be seniors in South Carolina high schools, planning to major in fields such as wildlife biology or environmental science. The scholarship aims to support future conservation leaders and promote educational growth in South Carolina.

First-generation college students in South Carolina’s Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, or Colleton counties can apply for the Douglas K. Fletcher Scholarship, awarding up to US $500 for college supplies, equipment, and textbooks. Eligible applicants must attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort or Technical College of the Lowcountry full time with at least 42 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA.

High school seniors and recent graduates pursuing technical college education in South Carolina can access funding through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The Stephen Nicholas Smith Memorial Scholarship supports students from Hampton, Barnwell, or Colleton counties with strong financial need who are attending or accepted to a South Carolina Technical College System program.

The Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship, offered by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 annual award for four years to deserving students. This scholarship is aimed at South Carolina seniors in public or private high schools who plan to pursue higher education in natural resource disciplines. It honors Mr. Hardwick's legacy, promoting conservation and environmental education, ensuring that future generations appreciate the state's wildlife and natural landscapes.

The Harry Hampton Fund Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 scholarship annually to support South Carolina residents pursuing higher education in natural resource-related fields. Eligible applicants must be seniors in high school, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above, and select a major in disciplines such as wildlife biology, forestry, or environmental science. This initiative promotes academic growth while fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's wildlife and natural resources.

South Carolina institutions of higher education that offer or plan to offer graduate coursework can receive support for gifted and talented education courses through this program. The South Carolina Department of Education provides approximately US $10,500 to help IHEs deliver tuition-free graduate courses leading to endorsement or certification in gifted and talented education for teachers.

South Carolina high school seniors seeking post-secondary education funding can apply for the Promise of the Lowcountry Scholarship, which supports higher education and vocational training costs. Focused on financial need, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry invites eligible students from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper County public high schools to pursue degrees or certificates at accredited in-state institutions.

The David M. Cline Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund in 2011, honors a dedicated board member who supported wildlife conservation in South Carolina. This scholarship is available to seniors in South Carolina high schools pursuing higher education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic science. By fostering education in these fields, the scholarship aims to continue Mr. Cline's legacy of promoting wildlife and environmental stewardship in the Palmetto State.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) colleges, universities, and nonprofits offering higher education or job retraining programs can seek project or capital support to strengthen their communities. Focused on education, Philip L Van Every Foundation also funds select initiatives in healthcare, human and community services, and arts, culture, and history across North and South Carolina.

About The Hospital Auxiliary

The Hospital Auxiliary has been a cornerstone of support and service in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the surrounding areas since 1974. As one of the first service organizations on the island, our mission has always been to assist local hospitals and the community through dedicated volunteer efforts and impactful programs. Together, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Scholarships in Healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary is proud to support healthcare in our community through our scholarship program. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to individuals seeking advanced education in healthcare fields with an emphasis on those studying nursing in the Lowcountry. Scholarships are funded from a variety of sources including our annual Invitational Golf Tournament, grants from organizations like Power:Ed, a Philanthropy of SC Lends, and donations from individuals. In 2025, the Hospital Auxiliary provided scholarship funding to more than 30 students of diverse backgrounds in nursing and other healthcare fields.

Our scholarships are currently designated for:

• Students at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in nursing and allied health programs
• Students at the University of South Carolina Bluffton in nursing programs
• Employees of Novant and eligible dependent children or spouses pursuing degrees in healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship

We are pleased to announce that we are once again offering the Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. All full and part-time employees of Novant in the Low Country are eligible, including employees of Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Belfair Medical Campus, Tidewatch Emergency Department, and all Novant Low Country urgent care locations, clinics and practices. Children and spouses of employees are also eligible. 

The Hospital Auxiliary Power: Ed Scholarship provides financial assistance to South Carolina residents pursuing advanced education in healthcare, particularly nursing. Established in 1974, the Auxiliary has supported over 30 diverse students each year through funding from events like the Invitational Golf Tournament and grants from organizations such as Power:Ed. This initiative aims to improve access to nursing programs and address the nursing shortage in the state, thereby strengthening the local healthcare community.

First-generation college students living in South Carolina’s Greenville County can receive scholarship support for higher education expenses. Grants from Community Foundation of Greenville help these students attend approved post-secondary institutions, with funds paid directly to the school for one academic year; prior recipients may reapply for up to four years.

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Lieutenant Taylor A. Graham Memorial Scholarship

Lieutenant Graham served in the fire service for more than 30 years, dedicating his career to protecting citizens across Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. He proudly served 22 years with the City of Greer Fire Department as a Lieutenant and was also a member of the Greenville County Emergency Response Team (ERT). Beyond his years of service, Lieutenant Graham was deeply passionate about mentoring and teaching future firefighters. As an instructor at the fire academy, he took great pride in helping develop the next generation of fire service professionals and was honored to share his knowledge and experience with others entering the profession.

The Graham family has established an annual scholarship in remembrance of Lieutenant Taylor A Graham’s dedication and passion for the citizens of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, and South Carolina’s fire service.

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

Postgraduate law students attending ABA-accredited South Carolina law schools can receive renewable scholarship support for higher education costs. Central Carolina Community Foundation provides South Carolina higher education students with funding paid directly to accredited, nonprofit institutions, with preference for African American applicants from South Carolina who demonstrate financial need, community involvement, and leadership.

African American students in South Carolina pursuing higher education at in-state HBCUs can receive scholarship support for accredited, nonprofit institutions. With a mission to strengthen local giving, Central Carolina Community Foundation offers the renewable Benny and Eleanor Clark Scholarship to residents meeting GPA and McDonald’s franchise employment-related criteria for the upcoming academic year.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Scholarships

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation partners with donors to administer 12 scholarship funds for the benefit of students in the Pee Dee. All scholarship opportunities are established through specific funds established at ECCF with criteria determined by the donor. 

Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship

The Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship has been established by Christine and Tim Fisher in support of students who are seeking higher education in the field of performing arts and music education.

The fund provides up to a $10,000 4-year scholarship, awarded as a $2,500 multi-year scholarship to a Florence 1 Schools student or alumni pursuing an education degree in the field of performing arts education.

Students will receive a $2,500 award in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of enrollment as long as proof of passing grades and enrollment in the performing arts department of the South Carolina educational institution or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke are submitted to Eastern Carolina Community Foundation by July 1 of each subsequent year.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education at accredited public universities in South Carolina can receive renewable scholarship support for tuition and expenses. Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Dinkins Family Scholarship serves students whose permanent address is in its 11-county Midlands service area, with priority for first-generation college students and those with financial need who demonstrate community involvement.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in higher education, adolescent learning, adult/vocational education, or health and mental health programs can seek $10,000 - $75,000 to expand proven initiatives. L B Research and Education Foundation provides multi-year, research-informed program funding; South Carolina colleges, universities, and related organizations serving underserved learners may be eligible.

Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund

The Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund was created to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to economically disadvantaged students residing in Greenville County and planning to be attending a South Carolina public college/university. 

Funding

• $5,000 per academic year.
• The goal of this fund is to award four $5,000 scholarships annually for a total annual distribution of $20,000.
• The number of annual awards is limited to the fund’s distributable amount based on the terms outlined in the Fund Agreement.
• All award distributions will be made by the Community Foundation on the recommendation of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and will be paid in two installments ($2,500 per semester) to an approved educational institution in the name of the recipient.
• Scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. If scholarship eligibility is lost during the first semester of an academic year, the second installment of $2,500 will not be issued.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. 

High school seniors from select central Minnesota schools planning full-time study at a four-year college outside Minnesota and neighboring states can receive scholarship support for higher education. CommunityGiving’s Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship awards US $5,000 to a student leader or student athlete attending an eligible U.S. college, which may include institutions in South Carolina.

Organizations and academic institutions improving education, career readiness, or workforce development for South Carolina students can apply for grants of US $25,000 - US $100,000 supporting middle school through adult learners. Grants from South Carolina Student Loan help South Carolina higher education programs expand access, boost degree completion, and create pathways to quality workforce opportunities, with quarterly review of rolling applications.

Students ages 16–25 pursuing higher education in South Carolina, whose parent was killed or seriously injured in a work-related incident, can receive academic scholarships based on financial need. Focused on higher education access, Kids’ Chance of South Carolina invites eligible U.S. students enrolled in trade schools, community colleges, or college degree programs to apply.

Students ages 16–25 in South Carolina pursuing higher education whose parent or guardian was seriously or fatally injured in a work-related accident may be eligible for this scholarship. Kids’ Chance of South Carolina provides funding for trade, vocational, community college, undergraduate, or graduate programs, including support for educational access, equity, and college persistence.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Milford H. Wessinger Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating seniors or graduates of a high school in Lexington County, South Carolina. 

High school seniors in Chapin, South Carolina pursuing higher education in-state can receive renewable scholarship support for accredited, nonprofit colleges or technical schools. Grants from Central Carolina Community Foundation help higher education students who are Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church members or children of members, with preference for dependents of certain higher-ed facilities employees.