ELIGIBILITY:

The Stamps, McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards are the most prestigious awards offered by the university to nonresident students. Forty-five students with strong academic records and leadership qualities are offered a Top Scholar award each year. Five will be named Stamps Scholars, 20 will be named McNair Scholars, and up to 20 will be named Horseshoe Scholars. Candidates for these awards will be invited to participate in a mandatory interview and an in-person Top Scholar Weekend. Last year, nonresident Top Scholars had an average SAT score of 1550 (ACT score of 35) and an average high school GPA of 4.8 and were in the top 1% of their high school class, on average. Recipients qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

Please note: To apply for these awards, you must submit both a general university application and a South Carolina Honors College application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The deadline for the Honors College application is Nov. 15.

When you apply for admission, you are automatically considered for merit scholarships. These scholarships are only awarded to first-time freshmen entering the fall semester. Only one Admissions Merit Award per individual is allowed for nonresidents, with the exception of the Provost Scholars Award, which can be added to any other award listed in this section.

BENEFIT:

Stamps Scholars annual value: approximately $23,610 + tuition reduction to in-state rate + $15,000 enrichment fund
Four-year value: approximately $225,000

McNair Scholars annual value: $22,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate + $12,000 enrichment fund
Four-year value: more than $198,000

Horseshoe Scholars annual value: $11,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
Four-year value: more than $142,000