USC Upstate Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See South Carolina state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1150
- Average HS GPA: ~3.5–3.9 typical for stronger merit
Source: institutional/BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
USC Upstate at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
USC Upstate is a regional public where South Carolina’s state scholarships do heavy lifting. Add institutional merit (Upstate Scholars and departmental awards), and many families can reduce costs well below sticker—even without a formal full-ride.
Use this guide to sort auto-considered awards from those that need applications. Start with SC state programs, then layer USC Upstate merit and any honors/scholars options to build a competitive package.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes—scores are optional for admission; submitted ACT/SAT may be used for placement or scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–24; SAT: 940–1150 (for students who submit scores).
What’s the average net price? Around $13,835/year on average; your net price varies by income. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No broad nonresident waiver. USC Upstate participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for eligible SREB majors. South Carolina law allows a “border-state” in-state rate program through 2029–2030 (capped).
Admissions Overview — https://uscupstate.edu/admissions/
Scholarships Overview — https://uscupstate.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/scholarships/
Upstate Scholars Program — https://uscupstate.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/scholarships/student-scholarships/
Honors Program — https://uscupstate.edu/academics/honors-program/
Application Deadlines — https://uscupstate.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/
College Scorecard (Net Price & Test Ranges) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?218742-University-of-South-Carolina-Upstate
BigFuture (Admissions Data) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-south-carolina-upstate
💰 Cost of Attendance at USC Upstate
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–16 credits) | $11,944 | $23,612 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus plan) | $11,918 | $11,918 |
| Total Direct Cost (billed by USC Upstate) | $23,862 | $35,530 |
Note: These are direct costs—charges paid directly to the university for tuition, housing, and meal plans. Families should also plan for indirect expenses like books and supplies (~$1,600), transportation (~$1,500–$2,800), and personal costs (~$3,000). Those aren’t billed by the college but are included in the official “cost of attendance” to help calculate financial aid eligibility. Your student’s actual spending can vary based on lifestyle, housing choice, and how often they travel home.
South Carolina law also authorizes border-state students to receive in-state tuition through 2029–2030 (capped at 250 students per year statewide). Eligible states include:
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Tennessee
Cost & Reciprocity FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition? South Carolina residents who meet state residency rules set by the university.
How much can scholarships reduce the price? Automatic merit and competitive scholarships can bring out-of-state costs closer to in-state levels, but savings vary widely by GPA and test scores.
Do families need to apply for reciprocity or waivers? USC Upstate uses ACM and may offer border-state in-state rates under South Carolina law (limited/capped). Check eligibility and deadlines.
University COA page — https://uscupstate.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://uscupstate.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-tuition-costs/
Housing Rates — https://uscupstate.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/housing-rates-and-fees/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?218742-University-of-South-Carolina-Upstate
SC Commission on Higher Education (ACM) — https://che.sc.gov/academic-common-market
SC Statehouse (Border-State Tuition Law, H.3325) — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/3325.htm
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At USC Upstate, students are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Awards are based primarily on high school GPA, and standardized test scores if submitted (test optional is allowed). There is no separate application required for these scholarships.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valedictorian Scholars | $10,000 (residential) / $5,000 (commuter) | Ranked #1 in class; minimum 1000 SAT or 21 ACT | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA, 30 credits/year | SC valedictorians with solid test scores | Rolling/admission |
| Provost Scholars | $3,000 per year | Top 20% class rank, 3.5+ GPA, 1200 SAT or 25 ACT | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA, 24 credits/yr | High-achievers with rigorous transcripts and scores | Rolling/admission |
| Dean Scholars | $2,000 per year | Top 30% class, 3.25+ GPA, 1100 SAT or 22 ACT | No | Yes – 3.0 GPA | Solid B+ students with some honors/AP courses | Rolling/admission |
| Out-of-State Academic Scholarship | $500–$10,000 per year | Non-residents meeting GPA/test criteria | No | Yes – varies | Out-of-state students with strong academics | Rolling/admission |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | $500 per year | National Merit Finalists listing USC Upstate as #1 | Yes – via NMSC process | Yes – 3.0 GPA | Finalists with 3.0 GPA and Upstate as first choice | National Merit deadline/admission |
*GPA/test bands are based on 2025–26 figures and may shift with funding. USC Upstate superscores SAT/ACT if submitted, but all scholarships are accessible test-optional. Awards can be stacked with state scholarships up to cost of attendance, but some limits on stacking institutional aid apply.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate application? No—automatic consideration for all admitted students; FAFSA recommended to maximize need-based aid.
Does USC Upstate superscore ACT/SAT? Yes—will use highest section scores if submitted, though GPA-only applicants are considered for all automatic merit.
Can these stack with state grants? Yes—South Carolina’s LIFE and Palmetto Fellows awards, among others, can stack with institutional merit.
https://www.uscupstate.edu/scholarships/
https://academic-catalog.uscupstate.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships/
https://admissions.uscupstate.edu/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Beyond automatic awards, USC Upstate offers a robust set of competitive scholarships supported by the USC Upstate Foundation and external partners. These require extra steps—such as essays, recommendations, or interviews—and target leadership, major, community involvement, or need. Most applications go through the Scholarship Universe portal, open from November 1 to February 1 for fall entry. Key programs include:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Scholarships (Upstate Foundation) | $500–$5,000/yr (varies by donor) | All undergraduates; most ask for merit, need, or major criteria | Yes—Scholarship Universe portal | Most are renewable with GPA/major | 3.3+ GPA, strong involvement, major fit, and essays | Feb 1 (main), check portal for add’l dates |
| Meeting Street Scholarship Fund | Up to $10,000/yr | First-gen Spartanburg County grads on Pell, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows; eligible high schools | Yes—external Meeting Street portal | Yes | First-generation, Pell, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows from eligible schools | January (external deadline) |
| The Big Mo Initiative | $500–$10,000/yr + in-state tuition rates | Spartanburg County seniors; income under $80,000, FAFSA, 3.0+ GPA, 1000 SAT or 21 ACT | Yes—apply through Big Mo site | Yes—meet academics | Local first-gen families seeking college-readiness support | Check Big Mo site |
| Departmental/Named Awards (Nursing, Arts, STEM, etc.) | $500–$2,500/yr | Majors in Nursing, STEM, Arts, Business, etc.; department nomination or app | Yes—portal/department | Most are renewable | Strong students with faculty endorsements in major | Varies; many due Feb 1 |
*Eligibility and values are based on published Foundation and Scholarship Universe details. Each award may have unique deadlines or documentation requirements.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these scholarships competitive? Limited funding, separate apps, and review based on essays, recommendations, or interviews.
Are deadlines earlier than for regular admission? Yes—most foundation and named awards require submission before Feb 1 or the Meeting Street/Big Mo program deadlines.
Can these awards stack? Often—students may combine Foundation, state, and some donor awards, but high-value scholarships may substitute for smaller institutional merit in your package.
Who qualifies? Both residents and non-residents can apply for Foundation and named awards, as long as you complete the scholarship app in Scholarship Universe.
https://www.uscupstate.edu/scholarships/
https://academic-catalog.uscupstate.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships/
https://uscupstate.awardspring.com/
https://meetingstreetscholarshipfund.org/
🎖 Honors Program at USC Upstate
USC Upstate doesn’t have a separate “Honors College” like larger universities, but it does offer the USC Upstate Honors Program for academically motivated students. Admission is by invitation or application, with priority given to early applicants. The program is designed for those seeking smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and unique research or community opportunities within a supportive peer cohort.
High school GPA of 3.7+, records of AP/IB or dual-credit, leadership/service in school or community, and clear interest in research or advanced projects.
- Priority class registration and reserved housing
- Small discussion-based Honors seminars
- Faculty mentors and support for research or creative projects
- Funding for undergraduate research, study abroad, and conferences
- Capstone or thesis projects for Honors distinction
Honors Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000 per year | Honors Program admits; strong GPA and essay | Yes—Honors application | Yes—maintain 3.25 GPA, active participation | Academically engaged, community-oriented students who show initiative and leadership | Early March (priority) |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—competitive entry via invitation or separate application.
Does Honors add time to your degree? No—designed to fit a typical four-year pathway.
Are there special deadlines? Priority consideration falls in February–March; check the Honors page each year for specific dates.
Can Honors students win extra scholarships? Yes—Honors offers a modest annual scholarship and often stronger access to research, departmental, and travel funds.
https://www.uscupstate.edu/academics/honors-program/
https://www.uscupstate.edu/scholarships/
https://academic-catalog.uscupstate.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships/
⭐ What USC Upstate Is Known For
At USC Upstate, students find a welcoming environment where small class sizes and hands-on learning make a real difference—especially in programs that matter most to the region. From high-impact nursing training to student success as veterans, the university has built standout strengths that open doors both locally and beyond.
Other programs that shine nationally or statewide include:
- Business & Economics — The George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business is AACSB-accredited, a visible signal of quality in business education.
- Veteran Support & Social Mobility — Ranked #2 among public schools in the South and #6 for social mobility (regional colleges) by U.S. News. }
- Health Professions (other than nursing) — Health fields remain among the most popular and growing academic areas at USC Upstate.
- Communications & Education — These are among the university’s most popular majors with strong regional reputation (Communications ranked #3 in SC; Education also well-regarded).
- New & Emerging Programs — USC Upstate recently launched degrees in Industrial Engineering and Sports Management, opening fresh pathways in high-demand fields.