 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SCHOLARSHIPS Institutional Scholarships are made available in varying amounts to students through the generosity and outstanding commitment of businesses, organizations, and individuals, including the Francis Marion University Foundation and the Swamp Fox Club. A list of Institutional Scholarships of $1,000 and above is published at the end of this section. Scholarship applicants must annually submit an FMU Scholarship application by March 1. Contact the Financial Assistance Office for more information about applying for these scholarships. Other scholarship opportunities that students should consider include: S.C. HOPE Scholarships – The South Carolina HOPE Scholarship, established under the South Carolina Education Lottery Act, was approved by the General Assembly during the 2001 legislative session and signed into law on June 13, 2001. Act 356 authorizes funding for scholarships to cover the cost of attendance, up to a maximum of $2,650 (includes $150 book allowance) to eligible students attending four-year public and independent institutions in South Carolina. The purpose of the S.C. HOPE Scholarship program is to provide funding to students who graduate from high school with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, but are not eligible to receive the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows scholarships. Act 356 authorizes the Commission on Higher Education to promulgate regulation for administration of the S.C. HOPE Scholarship Program. S.C. LIFE Scholarships – The South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation authorizing the creation of the Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarships in June 1998. This scholarship is worth the cost of tuition not to exceed $4,700 plus $300 book allowance and is available to qualified S.C. residents who have two of the following three at high school graduation: 1100 on the SAT, a 3.0 grade point average, and/or in top the 30 percent of high school class. LIFE Scholarships are renewable as long as a student maintains a 3.0 grade point average and earns 30 non-remedial hours per academic year. There is no application for the LIFE Scholarship. All students who apply for admission to the University will be automatically considered. Students cannot receive both the LIFE Scholarship and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. For more information refer to the CHE website at www.che400.state.sc.us. Palmetto Fellows Scholarships are awarded to South Carolina high school students with exemplary academic credentials. The competition for these awards begins when students take the PSAT in their junior year of high school. The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education selects Palmetto Fellows based on criteria that include class rank, extracurricular activities, leadership ability, and school recommendations. Palmetto Fellows receive up to a $6,700 per year scholarship from the state, for up to four years of undergraduate study if the student adheres to the provisions of the Palmetto Fellows program. Application should be made via the high school guidance office. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are awarded on a limited basis to members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society who transfer to FMU. Students must have at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA from the institution where they are members of Phi Theta Kappa. The scholarship may renew with the completion of 30 hours with a 3.0 GPA each year. Army National Guard – The Army National Guard offers a variety of assistance programs including tuition assistance and student loan repayment programs. Contact your local armory for details. Information concerning Athletic Scholarships may be obtained from the Director of Athletics at 843-661-1240. |
