GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR @ GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: Morning Session 9:00-11:30 am; Evening Program 5:30-7:30 pm
MONDAY SEMINAR: The College Financial Aid Process from 7:15-8:00 pm
MONDAY EVENING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: From 9:00-11:30 am
GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE
CHAIR
ALLYSON BROWN
University of South Carolina
CO-CHAIR
LINDA SCHULZ
Christ Church Episcopal School
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
JENN ALBRIGHT
St. Joseph’s Catholic School
BRANDI BABB
Legacy Early College
JUDY BENEDICT
Giraffe Web Development & Design
JAY BLANKENSHIP
Renewable Water Resources
TARSHA BROWN
Greenville Technical College
LYNN EDWARDS
JL Mann High School
DYAMOND HENDERSON
Riverside High School
ELIZABETH HOUSE
Greenville County School District
ANDY RAY
North Greenville University
TY ROBBINS
Furman University
Welcome to the Greenville County College Fair! We are so fortunate to collaborate with the Greenville Journal to promote access to college for our local high school students. We work hard each year to bring this experience to the families of Greenville County and the Upstate. The planning committee is made up of volunteers; we are also parents, wives, husbands, college graduates, educators and community members who care about your future success. This planning committee is supported by the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers whose mission is to provide every prospective student in North and South Carolina the opportunity to attend an educational program.
This college fair is for you
There are several paths to consider taking after high school: work, college, and service. All three paths can be enhanced with an education. We know this generation of college bound students are having to make really hard, big decisions at the beginning of young adulthood. The benefits to a version of education after high school are important in this rapidly changing world. Finances, family support, and achievement are all factors to deciding if college is right for you. We have set the stage, inviting 100+ colleges and universities to join in this conversation with you.
This College Guide will be a great resource for you. More than 100 college representatives await your arrival, so we want you to be prepared to make the most of this experience. After all, where else can you access this many colleges and universities from across the country for free? Inside this College Guide you will find preparation from tips for high school seniors who are starting the college application process this fall and for juniors who are homing in on their college search, to guidance for sophomores and freshmen who are starting their college search process. We encourage you to explore topics of interest and make plans to join us at the college fair! This is a two-day event: morning sessions are reserved for students to visit during the day with their high school, and the evening session is open to the public. Ask your school counselor which day you will attend and definitely talk about this opportunity with your family!
We hope to see you there.
Greenville County College Fair Planning Committee
Email: greenvillecountycollegefair@gmail.com
Website: www.greenvillecountycollegefair.org
Facebook and Instagram: greenvillecountycollegefair
Anderson University
Appalachian State University
Arclabs Welding School
ATDM
Auburn University
Augusta University
Belmont Abbey College
Benedict College
Berry College
Bob Jones University
Brevard College
Campbell University
Carson-Newman University
Catawba College
Charleston Southern University
The Citadel
Claflin University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
Columbia College
Columbia International University
Converse University
East Carolina University
East Tennessee State University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory and Henry University
Erskine College
Fairfield University
Fayetteville State University
Francis Marion University
Furman University
Gardner-Webb University
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Greenville Technical College
Guilford College
Hollins University
Johnson & Wales University
Kennesaw State University
Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology
Lander University
Lees-McRae College
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Mars Hill University
Mercer University
Miami University
Milligan University
Mississippi State University
Newberry College
North Carolina State University
North Greenville University
Pfeiffer University
Piedmont University
Presbyterian College
Queens University of Charlotte
Roanoke College
Salem College
SC Student Loan Corp
Southern Wesleyan University
Spartanburg Methodist College
The Lyceum Program at Clemson University
University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Universal Technical Institute
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Mary Washington
University of Mississippi
University of Mount Olive
University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina Aiken
University of South Carolina Beaufort
University of South Carolina Union
University of South Carolina Upstate
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Warren Wilson College
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Western Carolina University
Winthrop University
Wofford College
You are encouraged to register with StriveFair.com prior to the Greenville County College Fair to get a personalized barcode that you can share with colleges when you visit their booths. This is a free service that will save you time as you meet with college representatives.
Make the most of your College Fair experience and register now!
PRE-REGISTER FOR THE GREENVILLE COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR!
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Pre-register with StriveFair.com before the fair to receive a barcode for an effective way to share your name and contact information with college admission representatives. Print or take a screenshot on your phone of the barcode and bring it to the fair as your electronic ID. Online registration leaves more time for you to meet one-on-one with admission representatives.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Do I want to attend a large, medium, or small school?
• What major do I wish to study? What academic areas interest me?
• Do I want to attend an urban, suburban, or rural school?
• Do I want to attend a two-year, four-year, single-sex, or religiously affiliated school?
• Do I want to participate in athletics, clubs, fraternities, sororities, or special programs such as study abroad or cooperative education?
Research colleges attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria. Make a list of questions to ask college representatives.
• Pick up a college fair directory and a bag for all of the materials you collect.
• Visit the schools you researched but also be adventurous and talk to admissions representatives from colleges you may not yet be familiar with.
• Ask the college representative to scan your barcode. This will allow the representative to follow up with you directly — and quickly.
• Ask the same questions to each college representative you visit.
• Take notes. Write down what you find most interesting about each college
• Attend the Monday evening College Financial Aid seminar to learn more about the college financial aid and scholarship process.
• Review college websites and printed viewbooks to gather more information to help narrow your choices.
• Send a thank you note/email to the college representatives you met. This simple gesture can show admission officials you’re serious about wanting to attend their college.
• Bringing a wing person to make sure you can hit every table you’re interested in is always a good plan. We suggest printing your barcode out twice, so you guys can divide and conquer all you want
• Another tip, set up an email account specifically for the college admissions process. You will be getting a lot of correspondence from colleges. You want to make sure to handle emails quickly and not miss anything. On the other hand, because you will get a lot of admissions office emails, you might want to keep them untangled from your everyday inbox.
Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.
Early Action (EA)
Early Decision (ED)
Restrictive
Early Action (REA)
Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.
Students make a commitment to a firstchoice institution where, if admitted they definitely will enroll and withdraw all other applications. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early.
Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm.
Students are not restricted from applying to other institutions and have until May 1 to consider their options and confirm enrollment.
Students are responsible for determining and following restrictions.
Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling
The National Association for College Admission Counseling, founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 25,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education. NACAC is dedicated to providing counseling and admission professionals with the expert advice and tools they need to better serve students and improve the college transition process.
Between keeping up with classes, moving through the college search process, and soaking up your last moments of high school, I know it can feel overwhelming to add scholarship searching into the mix. I remember being in your shoes and having no clue where to begin, but the reality is that if you make time to search for scholarships it can make a big difference. Even small awards add up and can help ease the cost of college. Here’s how to get started and find scholarships that will make a real impact:
Start by checking with your high school counselor for any scholarship lists or opportunities. Keep in mind that your high school counselor is not your only resource, and the admissions counselors from the
schools that you are interested in can help as well. Ask them about merit-based and needbased scholarships, as well as how statespecific awards might apply to your tuition. Keeping in touch with your admissions
contacts ensures you don’t leave any money on the table
Start Local:
If you start your scholarship application
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process close to home, your odds of receiving an award may be more likely. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply to national scholarships that are open to everyone, but if you invest your time and energy into the scholarships that are offered regionally, your competition pool may go from thousands of other applicants, to maybe a few hundred. Local non-profit organizations, banks, places of worship, and maybe even an employer of someone in your family are all good places to look for these opportunities that don’t get as much attention as national scholarships.
As you continue to apply for scholarships, you can continue to widen your radius of the type of scholarships you are applying to from citywide, to statewide, then finally to national opportunities.
A good South Carolina specific scholarship for students who are planning on staying in-state is the South Carolina State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship.
As you broaden your radius even wider and dive into national level scholarships, free scholarship engines like Fastweb, Going Merry, College Board’s Big Future, and Scholarship.com can help you with your search. Keep in mind that you should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Many awards are identity or interest-based, including specific opportunities for first-generation students, so take the time to apply for scholarships that most closely align with who you are. On some scholarship engines, you can even filter options to make your search easier.
To make you feel less overwhelmed, have a system to keep track of requirements and deadlines of the scholarships you are applying for. Maybe this is a page in your journal or maybe this is an excel sheet. Seeing everything laid out in one place not only helps you stay on top of deadlines but can also be motivating as you check off each scholarship you complete. To keep momentum going, set a small goal for yourself, like completing five scholarship applications each week. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged. It may take some time before you see a return on your efforts, and that is normal!
Take it one week, one application, and one essay at a time. Use your resources, stay organized, and celebrate each application you complete. Your future self will thank you for the work you are putting in now!
Courtesy
of Ashlee Gainey, Admissions Counselor, Furman University
3.5 SC UGP GPA, 1200 SAT or 2 ACT, and Top 6% rank in Grade 10, 11, or 12 If class rank criteria not met... 4.0 SC UGP GPA, and 1400 SAT or 3 ACT
Attending a 2-Year Institution? 3.0 SC UGP GPA
Attending a 4-Year Institution?
Meet 2 of following 3:
3.0 SC UGP GPA
1100 SAT or 2 ACT
Rank in top 30% of graduating
3.0 institutional GPA, and Earn 30 credit hours per academic year*
*cannot include hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment.
Can be received for a maximum of 8 terms.
3.0 LIFE GPA, and Earn an average of 30 credit hours per academic year*
*includes hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment.
Can be received for a maximum of 8 terms.
4-Year Institutions Only 3.0 SC UGP GPA
Qualifying Criteria
Determined "in need" by completing the FAFSA.
Lottery
Tuition Assistance
3.0 LIFE GPA, and Earn an average 30 credit hours by end of first academic year (can include hours earned from AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment).
If SC HOPErecipients have satisfied these criteria at the end of theirfirstacademicyear,they can be enrolled in the LIFE Scholarshipprogram.
2.0 GPA, Earn 24 credit hours, and Complete the FAFSA annually, so "in need" status can be confirmed.
2-Year Institutions Only
Complete FAFSA or FAFSA waiver, Enroll in at least six credit hours
Maintain satisfactory academic progress; After attempting 24 hours, earn a minimum 2.0 GPA; and Complete the FAFSA annually
StudentsarenoteligibletoreceiveLottery Tuition Assistance for morethanonecertificate,diploma,ordegreeearnedwithinany fiveyearperiodunlesstheadditionalcertificate,diploma,ordegree constitutesprogressinthesamefieldofstudy.
By Jay Blankenship
One may ask what a Historically Black College and University is (H.B.C.U.).
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. Although HBCUs were originally founded to National Center for Educational Statistics, in 2022, there were 99 HBCUs located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of the 99 HBCUs, 50 were public institutions and 49 were private nonprofit institutions.
Although HBCUs were originally founded to educate Black students,
they enroll students of other races as well. The composition of HBCUs has changed over time. In 2022, nonBlack students made up 24 percent of enrollment at HBCUs, compared with 15 percent in 1976.
In 2022, roughly 343,700 students were enrolled in HBCUs across the United States. Black learners accounted for 70% of all HBCU students in 2022.
The HBCU community in South Carolina is home to eight institutions of higher education. The eight colleges and Universities are South Carolina State University, Claflin University, Benedict College, Allen University, Voorhees University, Clinton College, Morris College, and Denmark Technical College.
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South Carolina State University is the only state supported HBCU in South Carolina. There are many notable HBCU graduates that have played vital roles in South Carolina from athletics, workforce, education to government.
Over the past century, HBCUs have helped to narrow racial wage gaps and reduce race and income inequality. Much remains to be done in both areas, but HBCUs have carved out an important place in U.S. higher education.
My four-year undergraduate experience as a Marketing major at South Carolina State University allowed me to deepen my understanding of history, build self-confidence, and develop a lasting commitment to excellence in all areas of my life.
The life experiences and knowledge I gained as a student provided the foundational pillars for leadership in various roles within the community,
highe r education, entrepreneurship, government, and the corporate world. The intentional strategies I apply today, including how to think critically, were instilled in me at South Carolina State University. As a Marketing major, I also learned the importance of developing and maintaining a sphere of influence. An invaluable strategy I now use daily in business, professional relationships, and community engagement.
HBCU graduates share a bond like no other, one rooted in a collective commitment to making a difference, serving others, and leading by example in their communities. This spirit is instilled in us, regardless of the institution. The lessons I learned at South Carolina State University are evident in my daily life and have provided a strong foundation for leadership. From serving as a former At-Large School Board Trustee and
Presi dent of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, to my current role as Director of Workforce Engagement at Renewable Water Resources (ReWa).
Many of the most meaningful friendships in my life began during my undergraduate years at South Carolina State University. In fact, it was there that I met my wife of 34 years. The HBCU experience is powerful, enduring, and rooted in rich traditions that span the classroom, campus life, Battle of the Bands, football classics, and unforgettable homecomings.
If you’re considering college options, make sure to put an HBCU on your list. I did, and it was the best decision I ever made for my education and personal growth.
Dr. Jay Blankenship, SCSU “Bulldog” for Life, Class of ‘89
There’s more than one way to go to college.
High school students can graduate with a degree or credential through dual enrollment opportunities offered on their school campus or at a nearby two-year or four-year college. And if that college
is Greenville Tech, students in Greenville County Schools can complete college classes free with no payment needed for tuition, books, or equipment.
Two-year colleges offer relevant, careerfocused education with programs that lead directly to family-sustaining
wages. Think of paralegals, dental hygienists, chefs, computer programmers, welders, mechatronics technicians, nurses, sonographers, and many more professions. And thanks to SC WINS funding, tuition for most high-demand career pathway programs is covered.
Many two-year college students work while they’re studying. They get started in a promising field, add a certificate, gain
a promotion, and keep going whether that means continuing to study toward an associate degree or completing industryrecognized certifications.
Earning an associate degree means higher wages over the course of a career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone with only a high school diploma can expect to average $809 per week, while adding an associate degree takes that weekly average to $963.
Lots of students begin a bachelor’s degree at the two-year level and transfer to a four-year college or university to complete it. Following this route can mean little or no student loan debt. And it can mean starting in smaller classes with plenty of individualized attention to build a foundation for success.
Some two-year colleges (Greenville Tech included) offer applied bachelor’s degrees. This is a degree that offers handson skill building and applied knowledge.
Greenville Tech’s applied bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing technology prepares graduates to assume technical and managerial leadership positions in our state’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.
Earning a bachelor’s degree increases weekly earnings to an average of $1,334, 85% higher than those with only a high school diploma. Of course, salaries are dependent upon college major and market conditions.
When many people think of going to college, a four-year college is what they picture. Four-year institutions offer the chance to live away from home, to choose from a wide variety of clubs and organizations, to cheer for college teams, to become part of campus traditions, and to eventually enjoy a strong alumni network.
No matter which college option you choose, there’s always the need to learn more. The workplace is constantly
advancing and those who can adapt and excel in a changing environment have a strong advantage. Maybe you move into a supervisory role and need to know how to lead people through change, or your employer offers you the chance to move from the shop floor to management, or you want to improve your problem solving and process improvement skills. When you need to add to your resume, a focused class or two can help you reach your goals.
Today, there are many different educational pathways to excellent careers. Some people begin college while still in high school, others choose a careerfocused pathway at a technical college. Some begin at the two-year level and transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others enroll in a four-year college. Many people find the need for additional skills later and take a class or two to advance.
When it comes to college, one size doesn’t fit all, but with many different options and pathways, you can pick the approach that works for you.
The college admission process can feel overwhelming not only for students but also for parents. Between applications, testing, financial aid, and emotional ups and downs, it’s easy to feel like the weight of the world is resting on your family’s shoulders. But while it’s tempting for parents to take over, the most important role you can play is that of a steady guide: providing support, structure, and encouragement without overshadowing your child’s independence. Below are some of the most common myths parents in Greenville County bump into, along with the truth, a little humor, and some practical tips to help your student thrive.
MYTH #1: “IF I DON’T MICROMANAGE, IT WON’T GET DONE.”
REALITY: Your child is more capable than you think (yes, even if they sometimes forget their lunchbox).
One of the best ways to help is by setting up structure without doing the work for them. Try a shared Google Calendar or a good old-fashioned wall calendar to track deadlines, testing dates, and scholarship applications. Apps like Common App and College Board’s BigFuture make it easier to manage applications and research colleges. In Greenville, many high schools host
college reps for on-site visits . Encourage your student to sign up and take ownership of those conversations. Parents can help by planning the logistics of college tours or NACAC college fairs, but essays, emails, and recommendation requests should come from the student.
REALITY: College costs are like Woodruff Road traffic — you want to plan your route before you get stuck.
Start with an honest family conversation about affordability. Use each college’s Net Price Calculator to estimate real costs.
For federal a id, file the FAFSA (and the CSS Profile if required).
In South Carolina, don’t overlook the LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships . These are generous state awards tied to GPA and test scores. Greenville families also have access to local scholarships through the Community Foundation of Greenville , the Sirrine Scholarship Program , and even employerbased programs from companies like Michelin, BMW, and Prisma Health
Parents can gather tax forms and financial documents while students track scholarship deadlines and essays. It’s a team effort, but financial clarity early o n reduces stress later.
“GOOD
REALITY: Shielding your child from every bump in the road won’t prepare them for the future.
Celebrate small wins — submitting an application, finishing an essay, or even
hitting “save draft.” At the same time, normalize rejection. Even the strongest students may not get into every school, and that’s okay.
Remind your child that college decisions don’t define their worth The most important lesson you can teach is resilience.
REALITY: Admissions decisions are not made in the aisles of Publix.
In Greenville, you’ll hear it everywhere
— on the sidelines at soccer games, in church hallways, and yes, right next to the BOGO chips at Ingles — “Did you hear soand-so got into Duke?” … “My neighbor’s son got a full ride to Georgia Tech!”
Here’s the truth: those stories often leave out key details like legacy ties, athletic recruitment, or financial aid quirks. Comparison is the thief of joy — and of perspective.
Instead, help your child focus on fit : where they’ll thrive academically, socially, and personally. Resources like the Fiske Guide to Colleges and Colleges That Change Lives can broaden horizons beyond just the “big names.”
The college process is full of myths, but Greenville families don’t have to fall for them. Your role isn’t to control every detail, but to offer structure, financial clarity, encouragement, and
perspective
The applications will be submitted. The essays will get written. The decisions will arrive. What will matter most, years from now, is that your child remembers how supported (not smothered) they felt along the way.
And next time you hear college gossip in the checkout line? Just smile, nod, and grab the BOGO Oreos instead.
Bartley Sides, Associate Director of College Counseling, Christ Church Episcopal School
TALK – Talk with your family, your high school counselor, friends, coaches, and anyone else who is a positive role model about your future hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, and desires.
LEARN – Learn how to study and take the most challenging courses that are available and appropriate for you. A strong academic performance in high school demonstrates to colleges that you’re ready for the academic challenges ahead.
PARTICIPATE – Get involved in a few extracurricular activities you really enjoy and commit to them. Strive to become a leader in those activities. For example, start writing for the school newspaper in ninth grade and work your way up to editor by senior year. Life on a college campus is about more than classes, and colleges want students who enrich the experience for others.
PLAN – What do you need to do between today and when your college applications are due? How can you make yourself a viable candidate for the college or university of your choice? Are you taking the necessary courses? What standardized tests are required?
Applying for admission to a college is not as intimidating a task as you may think. Yes, you’ll need to complete forms online; gather information about yourself, your family, your activities; and, most likely, you’ll need to write a personal statement. However, it is all very doable. Your counselor is there to help—ask.
• Don’t miss deadlines—submitting an application for admission or financial aid after the deadline may automatically make you ineligible.
• Fill out the FAFSA and/or additional financial aid forms. Financial aid procedures can differ from school to school. No application for admission can be due prior to Oct. 15.
You need to be the sole author of your application—complete it yourself. You may ask for advice, but the words need to be yours.
• No college should ask you where they rank on your list. You aren’t obligated to tell a college where else you are applying.
• You should never feel pressured into applying to a college— admission officers are there to tell you about opportunities and give you accurate information.
Learn as much as possible about colleges to discover if they are right for you. Go beyond just finding out whether they offer your major. Empower yourself by collecting the necessary information to make knowledgeable decisions. Fortunately, learning about colleges has never been easier— information is just a click away.
How much does it cost to attend and do you qualify for financial aid? (The online Net Price Calculator for each school is a good place to start, but contact the admission/financial aid office too.)
• What types of financial aid are available?
What resources are available? How do the colleges support students with learning differences or those with physical challenges?
What activities and clubs are available?
• What are your housing options?
Does the college have a career guidance and placement office?
Pre-professional advising (pre-med, pre-law, pre-vet, etc.)?
Your counselor can help you think of more questions to consider. And if you can…visit the college or university for a first-hand experience.
Once you hear back from the admission offices, it’s time to make your decision! It is a big decision and an important one. Take your time, carefully evaluate all of the information, and make the college choice that is best for you.
No college can require you to commit to attending prior to May 1, National College Decision Day, with the exception of Early Decision or NCAA athletic scholarship programs.
If you have received financial aid offers, compare them carefully. Determine exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be to attend each school.
• Attend prospective student events. Talk to your family, your counselor, and those you trust.
• Never submit an enrollment deposit to more than one school. It is an unethical practice that may result in your acceptances being withdrawn by the colleges.
Once you have decided, notify the colleges you aren’t attending and request to have your applications closed.
• If you have been offered a spot on a college’s wait list, learn what you need to do to be an active member.
• Be sure that you have a school to attend if you aren’t offered admission off the wait list.
Source: National Association for College Admission Counseling
Destra Capers, Director of Marketing & Outreach, South Carolina Student Loan
High school seniors get a lot of advice. Suggestions trickle in from aunts, from uncles, from friends, parents of friends, guidance counselors, neighbors, and even from the class valedictorian at graduation.
Some may tell you which college you should be attending based on their own experience. Others may tell you what you should consider doing for the rest of your life. While it can be helpful to get input from different perspectives, advice related to the cost and financing of college or trade school is often lacking.
We hear the same misconceptions year after year. So, with that in mind, here are four of the more common financial myths surrounding higher education and the truth behind them:
This may be the most common misconception we hear, and that’s
especially the case with parents. But everyone should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It can help ensure you don’t leave any money on the table.
There is no income limit for eligibility, so you should complete the form no matter how large your household income may be. Even if you don’t qualify for Pell grants or other federal aid, your college or trade school often uses your FAFSA information to determine grants or scholarships it offers. Some merit-based scholarships even use the information to determine awards.
The 2026-27 FAFSA portal will open on October 1. (See website at the end of the article.)
While it’s true that the cost of higher education is higher than ever, study after study proves the Return on Investment (ROI) makes the degree well worth the cost in many cases.
Not
to mention, there are numerous options to help finance your degree.
The starting point (after completing your FAFSA) is exploring grants and scholarships. After all, there is no better way to pay for a degree than with someone else’s money. And there are countless scholarships and grants available, each with its own set of eligibility criteria. Your options will fall into four main categories: merit-based scholarships, scholarships from the school itself, federal and state grants, and private scholarships.
After scholarships and grants, you can explore loans. You generally have two options—federal or private. While federal loans taken out in a student’s name do not require credit, private loans do. Because most people 18 years of age or younger have not built the credit needed to take out a private loan on their own, a cosigner will likely be needed. A cosigner is essentially someone who meets credit requirements (generally with a credit score of 670 or above) and guarantees the loan in the event the student is unable to repay it. Importantly, a cosigner does not have to be a parent.
You can apply for scholarships every single year you are in college. It’s not predetermined by any awards you may receive prior to enrolling in school. The flipside of that is that the scholarships you receive for your freshman year are not guaranteed every year after that. Most have GPA minimums and other requirements that must be met in
order to keep the scholarship.
The lesson here is to be sure you know your requirements, meet those requirements each year to keep the scholarships you have, and continue applying for scholarships you could be eligible for every year. Very little is set in stone, as they say
Student loans come in different shapes and sizes. Interest rates, origination fees, and repayment terms can vary, which means you should shop around. For example, it’s in your best interest to secure a loan that covers exactly what you need—nothing more and nothing less. It can help reduce the amount you ultimately pay back. At the same time, a lower interest rate can reduce the overall amount you pay.
Nonprofit lenders like South Carolina Student Loan offer some of the best rates in the industry and often do not charge origination
fees. The point here is to explore your options. It could literally save you thousands. A final note on loans: You do not have to stay with the same lender year to year. If you find a better rate or terms, you can switch.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear—especially when it comes to paying for your degree. And, ultimately, no matter how you approach your next steps, no matter where your path leads, you have options. Many options.
• Federal Student Aid, part of the U.S. Department of Education, is where you can access and complete the FAFSA each year. StudentAid.gov/
• South Carolina Student Loan’s College Planning Center is our own platform to help guide those planning for college. For more information and to explore some of the available scholarships in South Carolina,
visit the College Planning Center by visiting the website or scanning the QR Code:
SCStudentLoan.org/college-planningcenter/browse-topics/scholarships-andloans
South Carolina’s Commission on Higher Education (CHE) offers a useful search engine for scholarships and grants for South Carolina residents.
CHE.sc.gov/students-families-andmilitary/scholarships-and-grants-scresidents
• CareerOneStop is a governmentsponsored tool with thousands of available scholarships. CareerOneStop.org/Toolkit/Training/ find-scholarships.aspx
CommonApp.org and MyCoalition.org
Apply to college online! Over 1000 colleges and universities accept the Common Application, helping students streamline the application process. The Coalition Application is accepted by 150 institutions.
CHE.sc.gov
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education; a great resource for state scholarship program information.
CollegeBoard.org
Register for the SAT, send scores to colleges and link to free test preparation; complete the CSS Profile (financial aid document required by some colleges), search for scholarships.
ACT.org
Register for the ACT, send scores to colleges, and link to free test preparation.
FairTest.org
Organization dedicated to making the testing process for college admission fair and equitable. A listing of test optional colleges and universities is available on this site.
NCES.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ National Center for Education Statistics (valuable, unbiased data)
NCAA.org
Home page for the National Collegiate Athletic Association; students planning to compete in collegiate athletics at the Division I or II level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Schedule your visit through the college’s admissions website so your spot is reserved and your attendance is tracked.
• Attend both the information session and the campus tour you’ll learn about academics, admissions, and campus life from different perspectives.
• Come prepared with questions you want answered (about majors, housing, student life, internships, study away, etc.).
• Ask to meet the admissions counselor who works with your high school, city, or state—they could be the one reading your application.
• Spend extra time walking around campus on your own to observe how students interact, the vibe in common spaces, and overall campus energy.
• Introduce yourself to current students and ask what they enjoy most about their school (and what they’d change).
• If possible, schedule a meeting with a professor or coach in your academic or extracurricular area of interest.
• Take notes during your visit in a dedicated college visit journal or notebook — details blur together quickly after multiple visits.
• Write a thank you note to the admission representative who gave the information session and to your tour guide (they might even have business cards!).
• Limit yourself to no more than two visits in one day so you have time to absorb and reflect on each campus.
Enjoy your campus visits!
1/2H