State Aid

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STATE PROGRAMS:

All state programs require students to:

• Meet state residency requirements as outlined in SC statue 59-112
• Be enrolled in a diploma, certificate or associate degree program
• Certify that he or she has not been convicted of any felonies, has not been convicted of any alcohol or drug related misdemeanor offenses within the past academic year, and is of good moral character.
• Certify that he or she does not owe a refund or repayment on any State or Federal Grant and is not in default on a student loan.

SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTA)

The SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program was established in 2001 under the SC Educational Lottery Act and implemented for the first time during 2002-03 academic year. It was created to provide a supplemental resource to South Carolina residents attending two-year public or independent institutions.

LTA is available to S.C. residents who meet the required eligibility criteria (explained below).

For 2026-2027, full- and part-time students are eligible for $75 per credit hour (with a six-credit-hour minimum and a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester).

• LTA is not available to assist with book expenses.
• Students whose tuition is fully covered under another grant are not eligible for LTA.

SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTA) Criteria

Students still in High School or students with a bachelor’s degree:

• Complete the Lottery Certification Form
• Be enrolled and maintain six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree or diploma program.

All other students:

• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be enrolled and maintain six credit hours each semester in a certificate, degree or diploma program.
• Students cannot receive the LIFE, HOPE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship in addition to lottery funded tuition assistance.
• Federal and state grants will be applied against tuition before LTA can be applied.

As a returning student, the additional eligibility requirements are:

• After attempting 24 credit hours, required GPA is at least a 2.0
• Only one certificate, diploma or degree within a five year period can be funded through LTA unless the additional program constitutes progress in the same field of study.
• Maintain satisfactory progress toward the completion of the program of study

Life Scholarship

What is the LIFE Scholarship?

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program designed to help eligible South Carolina students pay for college.

At Piedmont Technical College (PTC), the LIFE Scholarship may provide financial assistance to students enrolled in eligible certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs.

The scholarship is administered by the Financial Aid Office and is subject to South Carolina eligibility requirements. 

Who is Eligible for the LIFE Scholarship? 

To qualify for the LIFE Scholarship, students must meet all applicable general eligibility requirements:

• Graduate from high school or complete a home school program;
• Attend an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university;
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident at the time of high school graduation;
• Be a legal resident of South Carolina at the time of high school graduation, as defined by applicable state residency requirements;
• Be enrolled full-time in an eligible degree, diploma or certificate program;
• Meet the applicable criminal conviction restrictions, including those concerning felony convictions and second or subsequent alcohol- or drug-related misdemeanor convictions.
• Not be in default or owe a refund or repayment on federal or state financial aid;
• Not receive the SC HOPE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance in a prohibitied combination with LIFE.

Initial Eligibility for First-Time Freshmen

Students entering PTC for the first time after high school must:

• Graduate with a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 based on the SC Uniform Grading Scale;
• Have a final GPA calculated after completing all high school graduation requirements;
• Have a GPA reported to at least two decimal places. The GPA cannot be rounded up to meet the 3.0 requirement;
• Submit an official final high school transcript.

Good to Know: SAT/ACT scores and high school class rank are not required for initial LIFE Scholarship eligibility at PTC.

How to Complete Your LIFE Scholarship Review

Students who appear to meet the academic requirements may need to complete additional steps before their LIFE Scholarship eligibility can be determined.

Step 1: Complete Required Forms
Log in to your PTC Pathway account and complete: 

• The LIFE Certification Form
• The Residency Form, if requested
•  Any additional forms requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Step 2: Submit Your Final High School Transcript
Ensure that PTC has received your official final high school transcript showing your graduation information and final cumulative GPA.

Step 3: Submit Previous College Records, If Applicable
If you previously attended another college, ensure that PTC has received official transcripts from all institutions attended.

Additional documentation, including a previous LIFE Scholarship award letter, may be requested.

Step 4: Meet the Enrollment Requirement
Students must be enrolled in at least 12 eligible, non-developmental credit hours during the semester for which the scholarship is being reviewed.

At PTC, courses must be numbered 101 or higher to count toward the minimum LIFE Scholarship enrollment requirement.

Important: Completing the required forms and submitting documentation does not guarantee an award. All applicable eligibility requirements must be satisfied.

 
Special Eligibility Situations

Early High School Graduates

“Students who complete high school graduation requirements before their official graduation date may qualify for the LIFE Scholarship with institutional approval. 

To be considered, students must:

1. Complete the Early Graduation Form in PTC Pathway.
2. Submit an official letter on high school letterhead, signed by the high school principal, verifying that all graduation requirements have been completed.
3. Submit an official high school transcript.

Students who begin college during the Spring semester through the approved early graduation process begin their initial college enrollment at that time.

To qualify for the following academic year, these students must meet the applicable LIFE GPA and earned-credit requirements.

Students Who Earned a GED

Students who earned a GED may qualify for the LIFE Scholarship after meeting additional college academic requirements.  

Students must:

• Earn at least 15 credit hours for each semester elapsed since the initial college enrollment, and 
• Earning a minimum cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.0, and
• Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges.

Students who begin college mid-year may not qualify for an award before their fourth term of enrollment under the GED eligibility provision.

Students Who Previously Attended Another College

Students transferring to PTC may qualify for LIFE based on their previous academic performance, initial college enrollment date, and remaining scholarship eligibility.

Students must:

• Submit official transcripts from every college previously attended.
• Meet the applicable LIFE GPA and earned-credit requirements.
• Provide documentation of previous LIFE Scholarship awards if requested by Financial Aid.

All applicable college credits and grades from eligible institutions will be considered when determining LIFE Scholarship eligibility.

Students Enrolled in Developmental Courses

Developmental courses do not count toward the minimum 12 eligible credit hours required to receive the LIFE Scholarship.

At PTC, students must be enrolled in at least 12 eligible, non-developmental credit hours in courses numbered 101 or higher.

Students whose current enrollment does not meet this requirement should work with their academic advisor to register for eligible courses in a future semester.

Once enrolled in at least 12 eligible credit hours, students should contact the Financial Aid Office to request another LIFE Scholarship eligibility review.

How Long Can I Receive the LIFE Scholarship?

The maximum number of scholarship terms depends on the student's eligible program and initial college enrollment date.
 

Eligible Program	Maximum Terms
One-year certificate or diploma	2 terms
Associate degree	4 terms
Approved extended associate degree programs	6 terms

The scholarship eligibility period begins with the student's initial college enrollment at any institution, not necessarily the first semester in which LIFE Scholarship funds are received.

Programs Eligible for Six Terms

The following PTC programs are currently listed as eligible for six terms of LIFE Scholarship funding:

• BCT3 - Building Construction Technology
• EET3 - Electronic Engineering Technology
• MET3 - Mechanical Engineering Technology
• OTA3 - Occupational Therapy Assistant
• RAD3 - Radiologic Technology
• RES3 - Respiratory Care
• VET3 - Veterinary Technology

Students enrolled in a certificate or diploma program who plan to continue into an associate degree must enter the associate degree program by their second year of scholarship eligibility.

How Do I Maintain My LIFE Scholarship?

Students must meet academic progress requirements to maintain LIFE Scholarship eligibility for a subsequent academic year.

GPA Requirement

Students must earn a minimum cumulative 3.0 LIFE GPA based on applicable coursework at eligible institutions attended.

The LIFE GPA includes eligible college coursework, including applicable dual enrollment coursework, but excludes remedial, continuing education, and non-degree coursework.
 

Earned Credit Hour Requirements

Student Classification	Required Earned Credit Hours
Entering second year of college	30 credit hours
Entering second year after an eligible Spring start	15 credit hours
Entering third year in an approved program	60 credit hours

The academic year includes Fall, Spring and Summer.

Eligible earned credits may include college coursework, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, CLEP and exempted credit hours, subject to applicable state requirements.

Important: Courses must be numbered 101 or higher to count toward the 12-credit enrollment requirement at PTC. The treatment of credits for scholarship renewal is a separate calculation and may include other eligible credits permitted by state requirements.

Students should contact the Financial Aid Office if they have questions about their LIFE GPA or earned-credit requirements.

Can I Receive the LIFE Scholarship During Summer?

Summer LIFE Scholarship funding may be available to students who:

• Meet the applicable LIFE Scholarship renewal requirements at the end of the Spring semester;
• Enroll in at least 12 LIFE-eligible credit hours for Summer;
• Have remaining scholarship eligibility.

Receiving LIFE Scholarship funding during Summer uses an available term of eligibility.

Students should contact the Financial Aid Office before enrolling for Summer to determine how receiving a summer award may affect their remaining eligibility.

How Much is the LIFE Scholarship?

The LIFE Scholarship may provide up to $5,000 per academic year, subject to applicable program requirements and award limits.

Award Period	Tuition Portion	Book Allowance	Total
Fall and Spring Combined	$4,700	$300	$5,000
Spring only	$2,350	$150	$2,500

The LIFE Scholarship is applied to the student's account toward eligible charges. Any excess financial aid may be refunded according to applicable financial aid requirements.

Additional Information:

• Students may receive the LIFE Scholarship in addition to the Federal Pell Grant.
• Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Students generally cannot receive Lottery Tuition Assistance during the same academic year in which they receive LIFE Scholarship funds.
• Total financial assistance remains subject to applicable cost-of-attendance limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for the LIFE Scholarship?

There is no separate statewide LIFE Scholarship application. PTC reviews student eligibility using academic records and required institutional documentation.

Students must complete the PTC LIFE Certification Form and provide any additional requested information.

Why hasn't my LIFE Scholarship been awarded?

Your scholarship review may be pending because of:

• An incomplete Residency Form
• A missing LIFE Certification Form (SC LIFE Affidavit)
• Missing early graduation documentation
• An incomplete or outdated high school transcript
• Missing previous college transcripts or scholarship documentation
• Enrollment in fewer than 12 eligible, non-developmental credit hours
• Other eligibility requirements that have not been verified

Please review your PTC Pathway account and contact Financial Aid if you need assistance.

Do developmental courses count toward LIFE Scholarship enrollment?

No. At PTC, students must enroll in at least 12 eligible credit hours in courses numbered 101 or higher.

Developmental courses do not count toward this minimum enrollment requirement.

Can I receive LIFE if I started college somewhere else?

Possibly. Your eligibility depends on your previous enrollment, academic performance, remaining terms of eligibility, and other applicable requirements.

Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges are required.

What happens if I do not meet the renewal requirements?

Students who do not meet the required LIFE GPA or earned-credit requirements may lose eligibility for the next academic year.

Students may regain eligibility in a future academic year after satisfying the applicable requirements, provided they have remaining scholarship eligibility.

Can I receive both LIFE and Lottery Tuition Assistance?

Generally, students who receive LIFE Scholarship funding cannot receive Lottery Tuition Assistance during the same academic year.

Does LIFE require the FAFSA?

The LIFE Scholarship is merit-based and does not require students to demonstrate financial need. However, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to be considered for other financial assistance.

Questions about your LIFE Scholarship?

If you believe you may qualify for the LIFE Scholarship but have not received an award, please contact the PTC Financial Aid Office.

Our staff can help you identify missing documentation, review your enrollment, and explain the next steps needed to complete your eligibility review.

 

PTC Financial Aid Office

Contact Financial Aid

Return to State Aid Information

SC Need-Based Grant Program

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant helps eligible South Carolina residents with financial need pay for college. This grant generally does not have to be repaid.

Whether you're starting college for the first time or returning for another year, you may qualify for assistance.

How Much Can I Receive?

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) currently awards the SC Need-Based Grant during the fall and spring semesters only.

Enrollment	Maximum Per Semester	Maximum Per Year
Full-time (12 or more credit hours)	$1,750	$3,500
Part-time (6–11 credit hours)	$875	$1,750

Students enrolled in fewer than six credit hours generally do not qualify unless an approved exception applies.

Award amounts depend on your financial need, other financial assistance, and available funding. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

How Do I Apply?

1. Complete the FAFSA. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable year at StudentAid.gov.
2. Log in to PTC Pathway. Review your financial aid requirements in your student account.
3. Complete the certification form. Submit the SC Need Based/Federal Program Certification Form in Pathway.
4. Check for missing documents. Submit any additional information requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the SC Need-Based Grant, you must:

• Be a South Carolina resident. You must meet the state's residency requirements, including the applicable one-year residency rule. For dependent students, a parent or legal guardian's residency may be considered.
• Demonstrate financial need. Your FAFSA information must show that you need financial assistance to help pay for college.
• Meet citizenship requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying eligible noncitizen.
• Enroll in an eligible program. You must be pursuing an eligible certificate, diploma, or degree and enroll in at least six eligible credit hours.
• Complete all required forms. Submit your FAFSA, PTC certification form, and any additional requested documents.
• Meet state eligibility restrictions. Certain felony convictions, repeated alcohol- or drug-related offenses, unpaid grant repayments, or defaults on federal student loans may affect eligibility. These requirements are addressed in your certification form. Contact Financial Aid if you are unsure whether they apply to you.

Students who have already completed a college program may still qualify when continuing their education in an eligible higher-level program.

How Do I Keep My Grant?

To remain eligible for future awards, you must:

• Complete a new FAFSA each academic year.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0. Your cumulative GPA reflects your overall college grades. Students who previously attended college may also need to meet this requirement when applying for the grant for the first time.
• Meet PTC's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, including successfully completing enough of your attempted coursework and progressing toward graduation.
• Successfully complete the required number of credit hours during the academic year.
• Continue meeting all other eligibility requirements.
   

Required Credit Hours for Renewal

If You Receive the Grant	Credits You Must Successfully Complete
Full-time in fall and spring	24
Part-time in fall and spring	12
Full-time one semester and part-time the other	18
Full-time for only one semester	12
Part-time for only one semester	6

Successfully completed credits are credits you earn by passing your courses. Simply registering for a class does not mean you have earned the credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I receive the grant?

SC Need-Based Grant funding is limited to a maximum of eight full-time equivalent terms, subject to additional limits based on the college program you are pursuing.

A full-time equivalent term measures how much of your grant eligibility you have used. Receiving a part-time award generally uses less eligibility than receiving a full-time award.

What if I've already completed a college program?

If you've already earned a certificate or diploma and are now working toward an associate degree, you may still qualify for the SC Need-Based Grant. Your eligibility will depend on your previous education, how much grant funding you've already received, and whether you meet the other program requirements.

Can I receive the grant if I attend part-time?

Yes. Students enrolled in at least six eligible credit hours may qualify for a part-time award.

What happens if I drop or withdraw from a class?

Your grant may be reduced or canceled if your enrollment changes. Withdrawing may also affect your future eligibility because you must successfully complete a required number of credits each academic year. Contact Financial Aid before dropping a class.

What if I previously attended another college?

You may still qualify. Your previous coursework, GPA, completed programs, and other eligibility factors may need to be reviewed.

Can students with disabilities qualify for exceptions?

Students with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for exceptions to certain enrollment or earned-credit requirements. Documentation and approval are required.

Are there additional benefits for students with foster care experience?

Yes. Students who meet qualifying foster care requirements may be eligible for additional funding. Contact Financial Aid to learn about the required documentation and eligibility rules.

Can I receive the grant during summer?

PTC currently awards the SC Need-Based Grant during fall and spring only.

Can I receive the SC Need-Based Grant and the Federal Pell Grant?

Yes. You may qualify for both grants. Your eligibility and award amount will depend on your financial need, other financial assistance, and program requirements.

What if I disagree with my award decision?

You may submit a written appeal to the Director of Financial Aid. Appeals are reviewed according to applicable college procedures.

Need Help?

If you have questions about your eligibility, required forms, or grant award, contact the PTC Financial Aid Office.

For additional information about statewide requirements, visit the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

 

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based program established in 1988 and is administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.  Half of the Scholarship is awarded in the fall term and half in the spring. The Scholarship must be applied directly toward the cost of attendance, less any other gift aid received. 

REQUIREMENTS

General Eligibility Requirements:

• US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident at the time of high school graduation
• SC Resident at the time of graduation
• No felony convictions
• No second or subsequent alcohol/drug misdemeanors
• Not in default of any state or federal loans
• Enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible SC institution
• Cannot be a recipient of the LIFE Scholarship, SC HOPE Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance in the same academic year

Academic Eligibility Requirements
Students are eligible to apply if they meet one of the following sets of academic requirements:

1. Score at least 1200 on the SAT (27 on the ACT)1 by the March national test administration, earn a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA2 on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (SC UGP) at the end of the junior year, and rank in the top 6% of the class at the end of either the sophomore or the junior year;

OR

2. Score at least 1400 on the SAT (32 on the ACT)1 by the March national test administration and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA2 on the SC UGP at the end of the junior year.

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Amounts:

• First year: $6,700
• Years 2, 3, and 4: $7,500/year

Maintaining Eligibility
Once a student has been awarded a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, they must do the following to maintain their Scholarship each academic year: 

• Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the student’s home institution by the end of each academic year (fall, spring and summer); and
• Earn at least 30 nonremedial credit hours for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year. Exempted credit hours (i.e., AP, IB, CLEP), credit hours earned before high school graduation (i.e., dual enrollment courses) and credit hours earned the summer term immediately following high school graduation cannot be used to meet the annual credit hours requirement. No waiver for 1st year.

HOW TO APPLY

The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship requires an application to be completed on behalf of the student. The application must be completed by the high school counselor/school representative. The school counselor/school representative is responsible for identifying each eligible applicant.

There are two periods when an eligible applicant can be a part of an application period. The Early Award opens May of a student’s junior (3rd) year and closes April 15th of a student’s senior year. The Late Award opens mid-May of a student’s senior year and closes June 30th.

Should the deadline fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline is the preceding Friday. All application materials must be at the office of the SC Commission on Higher Education office by 5:00 p.m.