Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
CSU is a private university, so tuition isn’t set by state residency rules. Everyone pays the same tuition and fees — which is why there’s no “out-of-state upcharge” here.

What does “direct/billed” cost mean?
Direct costs are what CSU bills you for: tuition/fees plus (if applicable) housing and meals. Your total cost of attendance can be higher once you add indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses.

How do most families lower the sticker price at CSU?
The biggest reducers are typically (1) CSU’s automatic merit scholarships (based on academics), (2) any competitive awards your student applies for, and (3) need-based grants (based on FAFSA results). Many families end up paying closer to the net price than the published total cost.

Do any reciprocity programs apply (WUE/ACM/MSEP/NBHE)?
No. CSU does not list participation in regional tuition exchanges, and since tuition is the same for everyone, there’s no separate out-of-state tuition to “waive.”

Is housing and meals always $12,250?
Not necessarily. Housing and meal plan costs can vary based on room type and meal selection. CSU’s published COA uses a standard on-campus estimate to help families plan and to determine aid eligibility.

Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. CSU’s academic scholarships are awarded automatically as part of the admissions process. If you are admitted as a full-time undergraduate, you are automatically considered for merit.

Are test scores required to qualify?
No. CSU’s test-flexible policy allows students to be considered for admission and academic scholarships without ACT or SAT scores. Strong scores, if submitted, may help a student qualify for a higher tier but are not required.

Can these scholarships be combined with other aid?
Yes. Academic merit can generally be stacked with need-based grants, state aid (such as LIFE or Palmetto Fellows when applicable), departmental and donor-funded scholarships, and federal aid, subject to overall aid packaging rules.

What do I need to do to keep the scholarship?
Scholarships are typically renewable for up to four years as long as you remain enrolled full-time and meet CSU’s satisfactory academic progress and GPA renewal requirements noted in the catalog and financial-aid award terms.

When is the deadline for automatic merit?
There is no separate scholarship application deadline. Awards are tied to admission, and CSU uses a rolling process. Applying earlier can help you receive your full aid package sooner.

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. All flagship awards at CSU require additional steps such as an Honors application, interviews, FAFSA review, or state-level eligibility.

Can out-of-state students win full-tuition scholarships?
Potentially, yes — primarily through the Hamrick Scholarship via the Honors Program. Most other tuition-promise programs are limited to South Carolina residents.

Do these awards stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes. In many cases, competitive awards replace a portion of automatic merit rather than stacking fully. CSU packages aid to reach a total award amount rather than layering every scholarship on top.

How competitive are these scholarships?
Very. The Hamrick Scholarship is typically awarded to about 10 students per year, and the Palmetto Academic Excellence Award is limited to a narrow group of Pell-eligible students in approved majors.

What should students do if they’re interested?
Apply early, submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens, pursue Honors admission if eligible, and respond quickly to any interview or documentation requests from CSU.

Where do hidden-gem scholarships usually come from at CSU?
Most come from departments (music, athletics, education), participation programs (band, ROTC), and donor-funded endowed scholarships managed by CSU.

Do students have to “find” these scholarships, or are they automatic?
Many are not automatic. If your student is joining a program (band, ROTC, athletics), they usually need to contact that department early and follow its scholarship process.

Can these be stacked with automatic merit?
Often, yes — but policies can differ by scholarship type. Departmental awards may stack, while large institutional awards may be packaged to reach a total aid limit.

When should students start asking about these?
The earlier the better. Band and arts awards can be tied to auditions; athletics depends on recruiting; endowed scholarships are often awarded later in the year to continuing students.

Is the Honors Program worth it if my student doesn’t win the Hamrick Scholarship?
It can be. Honors students benefit from smaller classes, closer faculty relationships, and enhanced academic expectations — which can matter for graduate school or competitive majors.

How competitive is the Hamrick Scholarship?
Extremely. CSU typically awards the Hamrick Scholarship to about 10 incoming students each year, making it one of the most selective awards on campus.

Does Honors guarantee more scholarship money?
No. Honors admission alone does not increase automatic merit. The major financial upside comes from qualifying for the Hamrick Scholarship.

Can Honors students stack the Hamrick Scholarship with other aid?
In most cases, the Hamrick Scholarship replaces a large portion of other institutional aid rather than stacking on top of it. Students may still receive federal or state aid if eligible.

When should students apply to Honors?
As early as possible. Honors and Hamrick decisions often follow a separate timeline from standard admissions, and late applicants may miss scholarship consideration.

Is CSU a good option for students who want a career-focused major?
Yes. CSU tends to be strongest for students who want practical, job-aligned majors like business, nursing, education, criminal justice, and kinesiology — in a smaller private-university setting.

Are there major-specific scholarships beyond the main merit awards?
Often, yes. CSU departments may offer additional awards (especially in programs with auditions, service requirements, or donor funding). These are exactly the kinds of “hidden gem” scholarships families should ask about directly.

Does the faith-based environment change academics?
It can shape campus culture and student life, but academic requirements and major pathways are still structured like most universities. Families who value a Baptist-affiliated environment often see that as part of CSU’s overall fit.