Winthrop University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and departmental scholarships worth a look
- Honors College benefits and regional tuition discounts
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~68%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 970–1200
- Average HS GPA: 3.8 (weighted)
Source: Winthrop University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Winthrop University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Winthrop University automatically awards merit scholarships to incoming freshmen based on GPA and (optional) test scores, ranging up to $7,000 per year for top academic profiles. South Carolina residents can layer state programs like LIFE or Palmetto Fellows with these awards. Out-of-state students may qualify for in-state tuition through the Academic Common Market, depending on major.
Use this guide to compare Winthrop’s automatic awards, key deadlines, and stacking options with other public universities in the Carolinas.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Winthrop is fully test-optional, and merit eligibility can be determined by GPA alone.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 19–25; SAT 970–1200 (Winthrop CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $17,980 (IPEDS 2024).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Yes — Winthrop participates in the Academic Common Market, allowing out-of-state students in eligible majors to pay in-state rates.
https://winthrop.edu/scholarships/
https://winthrop.edu/admissions/requirements.aspx
https://winthrop.edu/honors/
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/218645
https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market
https://winthrop.edu/financialaid/typesofaid.aspx
https://winthrop.edu/about/fast-facts.aspx
https://winthrop.edu/institutionalresearch/common-data-set.aspx
💰 Cost of Attendance at Winthrop University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (annual) | $15,866 | $30,196 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + meal plan) | $12,994 | $12,994 |
| Total (billed directly to Winthrop) | $28,860 | $43,190 |
Note: These totals include only costs billed directly by Winthrop University (tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans). Additional estimated expenses—books & supplies (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,400), and personal costs (~$4,000)—are excluded because they are not paid to the university and vary by student.
Example: Out-of-state tuition is $30,196. Through ACM, qualifying students instead pay the in-state rate of $15,866 — a savings of about $14,300 per year.
Who qualifies? Residents of participating SREB states whose chosen major is not offered at a public college in their home state.
How much can you save? Roughly the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition — about $14,300 per year in 2025–26.
Do you need to apply? Yes. You must be accepted to Winthrop and certified by your home state’s ACM office before enrollment.
https://winthrop.edu/financialaid/typesofaid.aspx
https://winthrop.edu/cashiers/tuitionandfees.aspx
https://winthrop.edu/reslife/housing-costs.aspx
https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/218645
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | $10,000–$15,000/yr* | Top 5–10% of admits; usually 4.0 or 3.9+ GPA and ACT 29+/SAT 1330+ (test-optional considered) | No | Yes (good standing) | Median 4.0 GPA, ACT 29/SAT 1330+, AP/IB rigor or accelerated HS programs | Feb 1 |
| Provost’s Scholarship | $8,000–$12,000/yr* | Very strong academic profile; 3.8–3.9 GPA typical, ACT 27–28/SAT 1260–1320 | No | Yes | 3.8–3.9 GPA, ACT 27–28/SAT 1260–1320 profile, honors/early college or strong APs | Feb 1 |
| Deans’ Scholarship | $6,000–$10,000/yr* | Solid GPA and prep curriculum; median 3.6–3.7 GPA, ACT 24–26/SAT 1180–1250 | No | Yes | Strong B+/A- students, ACT 24–26, AP dual/enrollment helpful | Feb 1 |
| Blue Line Scholarship | $4,000–$8,000/yr* | Good GPA and admission benchmarks; median awarded 3.3–3.5 GPA, ACT 20–23/SAT 1040–1160 | No | Yes | Solid applicants who meet admission, usually 3.3–3.5 GPA, ACT 20–23/SAT 1040–1160 | Feb 1 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Reduction Grant | $2,000–$13,000/yr* | Non-residents; 3.5+ GPA and strong overall application for top award | No | Yes | Top 10–20% of non-residents typically see max award; lower GPA/test receive lesser amount | Feb 1 |
*Award ranges reflect Winthrop’s latest official benchmarks. Individual awards may vary with GPA, submitted test scores, AP/dual enrollment, and available funding each year.
Do I need a separate application? No. All admitted freshmen are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships.
Are test scores required? Winthrop is test-optional. If submitted, they are considered and can strengthen awards.
Does Winthrop superscore? Yes. Winthrop superscores both ACT and SAT, combining your highest section scores across test dates.
Can these awards stack with state scholarships? Yes. SC residents can stack Winthrop merit with LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, or HOPE. Out-of-state students can combine merit with need-based aid but not with tuition waivers covering the same charges.
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/scholarships.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/academic-scholarships.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/admissions/freshman-app-process.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/sc-scholarships.aspx
https://che.sc.gov/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities offer highly selective full-tuition or full-ride awards through separate applications, essays, or interviews. For 2025–2026, Winthrop University does not advertise any university-level competitive merit scholarships of this type.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-level competitive merit scholarships are listed for 2025–2026. | ||||||
Why is this table blank? Winthrop’s scholarship structure is centered on automatic merit awards and specialized cohort/identity programs. Those programs (such as Close Scholars or Eagle STEM) are covered in the Hidden Gems section.
What should families focus on instead? Apply early to maximize automatic merit, and explore South Carolina’s state scholarships (LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, HOPE) and program-based opportunities.
Will this change in future years? Possibly. Universities sometimes add or rename competitive fellowships. Families should always double-check Winthrop’s Financial Aid site each cycle.
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/scholarships.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/academic-scholarships.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/admissions/freshman-app-process.aspx
https://che.sc.gov/
🎖️ Honors College
Winthrop’s Honors College is designed for students who want smaller, discussion-based classes and opportunities for independent research. Admission is by application, not invitation, and students can apply as incoming freshmen or after enrolling at Winthrop. It’s a strong fit for motivated students who enjoy writing, critical thinking, and mentorship from faculty.
- Priority registration and dedicated Honors advising
- Smaller, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Opportunities for funded undergraduate research and a senior thesis
- Special Honors housing options and close-knit community
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top-Flight Scholars (Honors) | Not publicly disclosed | Must be admitted to the Honors College; exceptional academics and leadership potential; two essays + two references (one teacher) | Yes — separate Top-Flight application after Honors admission | Likely Yes (with active participation) | Incoming Honors students with 3.8+ GPA, advanced coursework, leadership roles, and strong interview performance | Dec 15 |
*Award amount for Top-Flight Scholars is not published by Winthrop. It is described as a “financial investment” that offsets costs; actual value may vary by year and funding.
Is admission automatic? No. Students must submit a separate Honors College application, including essays and recommendations.
Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors courses count toward graduation requirements, and the senior thesis is integrated into the four-year plan.
When should students apply? Incoming freshmen are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline (typically early spring); Top-Flight Scholars priority deadline is Dec 15, but current Winthrop students can apply after their first semester as well.
Does Honors come with extra scholarships? No dedicated Honors scholarships are listed. Students are encouraged to combine Honors with other merit, state, or hidden gem scholarships.
https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/
https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/application-process.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/honors/top-flight.aspx
https://www.winthrop.edu/finaid/scholarships.aspx
⭐ College Specialty
Winthrop University is a public university in Rock Hill that blends the feel of a liberal arts college with professional programs. While it’s not an R1 research school, it’s especially recognized in South Carolina for producing teachers, artists, and business graduates who go on to serve across the state. Parents often hear Winthrop mentioned for its strong education programs, but its arts and business programs also stand out nationally through accreditation and alumni success.
- Business (AACSB-accredited): Accredited since 1979, putting Winthrop’s College of Business and Technology in the top ~5% of business schools worldwide.
- Visual & Performing Arts: One of only a small number of universities in the U.S. to hold full accreditation in art, design, theatre, dance, and music (NASAD, NASM, NAST, NASD, and CIDA).
- STEM Pipeline: Programs like Eagle STEM Scholars and TRIO McNair bolster Winthrop’s reputation for undergraduate research and preparing underrepresented students for graduate study.
- Psychology & Human Services: Known regionally for high enrollment and alumni placement in counseling, social work, and community programs.