Academic Catalog

Scholarships

USC Upstate strongly supports the recognition of students who possess the potential to return the benefits of a quality university education to our society. Scholarships are awarded to students based on demonstrated academic ability, career plans, educational goals and community service.    

USC Upstate Scholars Program

The USC Upstate Scholars Program for new and continuing students assists academically talented individuals in their pursuit of higher education.  The prestigious awards are given to students who have shown their potential through academic merit.  USC Upstate and the Upstate region will benefit from the leadership and academic excellence these scholars bring to campus.  Scholarships will be awarded to eligible students; however, the number of awards available will be determined by the University.  Early application for admission to USC Upstate is encouraged for students to be considered for new student scholarships. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
    
Chancellor Scholars are awards of $10,000 (for boarding students) and $5,000 (for commuting students) given annually to entering freshmen who meet the following criteria: present a minimum SAT score of 1300 or ACT score of 27, rank in the top 10% of their high school class and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75.

Valedictorian Scholars are awards of $10,000 (for boarding students) and $5,000 (for commuting students) given annually to entering freshmen who are ranked first in their class at time of admission to the University or upon high school graduation. In addition, Valedictorian Scholars must present a minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21.

Provost Scholars are $3,000 scholarships that are awarded annually to entering freshmen who meet the following criteria: high school graduate, present a minimum SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 25, rank in the top 20% of their high school class with a minimum GPA of 3.50.

Dean Scholars are $2,000 scholarships that are awarded annually to entering freshmen who meet the following criteria: present a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 22, rank in the top 30% of their high school class and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

Out-of-State Academic Scholarship are $500-$10,000 scholarships that are awarded annually to academically talented freshmen who transfer from outside of South Carolina.

Transfer Scholarships are scholarships that are awarded annually to entering transfer students (coming from two-year or technical colleges). Our $2,000 Gold level scholarships are for entering transfers who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. The $1,000 Silver level scholarships are for entering transfers that have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Both Gold and Silver level scholarships also require candidates to have earned 60 semester hours of transferable credit from a two-year or technical college or an Associate degree from an accredited college. The $500 Bronze level scholarships require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and an Associate degree from an accredited college. These scholarships are available to the recipient for two academic years (four semesters—fall and spring, not summer).

National Merit Scholarships are annual awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program.  The competition for these awards begins when the students take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year of high school.  Students eligible to continue in the National Merit competition are contacted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. At USC Upstate, Merit Scholarships are $500 annually and are renewable for four years of undergraduate study if the student maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students receiving other general USC Upstate scholarships may also receive a Merit Scholarship; the total general USC Upstate scholarship package for such students, however, may not exceed the resident, on-campus, cost-of-attendance figure.  To be eligible, students must be accepted by USC Upstate, be designated a National Merit finalist, and have listed USC Upstate as their first choice on the National Merit application.

Renewal Policy: Chancellor, Valedictorian, Metropolitan and University scholarships are renewable for seven additional consecutive semesters providing the student maintains a cumulative USC Upstate GPA of 3.0 and earns a minimum 24 USC Upstate semester hours during the fall and spring semesters. Transfer scholarships are renewable for three additional consecutive semesters providing the student maintains a cumulative USC Upstate GPA of 3.0 and earns a minimum of 24 USC Upstate semester hours during the fall and spring semesters.

USC Upstate Foundation Scholarships

Every year the USC Upstate Foundation scholarship application is available on the USC Upstate Financial Aid website from November 1-February 1 at https://uscupstate.awardspring.com. Students are selected for the individual scholarships by meeting the specific criteria established by the donor of the fund with final selection being made by the designated discipline. Students will be notified of awards on or before July 1 for the following academic year by the office of Financial Aid.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

CAHSS and CST Scholarship The College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship provides financial assistance to a junior with the highest GPA in their major, who has been a student at USC Upstate for at least 30 credit hours. One student will be selected from each college. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Dr. Warren J. Carson Gospel Choir Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Carson's many years of service and dedication to directing the University of South Carolina Upstate Gospel Choir across the Upstate and around the globe. The recipient of this scholarship must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Dr. John B. Edmunds, Jr. Scholarship provides financial assistance to a student junior or senior with a minimum 3.5 GPA, a resident of the Upstate of South Carolina, declared major in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences related to Social or Behavioral Sciences, and plans to pursue graduate studies in a SBS discipline (includes law and medicine). A 1,500-word essay is required on how the applicant's intended graduate study will prepare them for their chosen career. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Featherston Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to a part-time or full-time student. The award is given to a student who is a declared major in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences or the College of Science and Technology, with a minimum of 30 credit hours, a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and that is not eligible for any state merit-based scholarship. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Curtis R. Harley Art Gallery Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time Art Studio/Graphic Design major with the highest GPA beginning at a 3.0 GPA, and at least 60 credit hours completed. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Mary Lou Hightower Art Education Scholarship was established to honor Mary Lou Hightower for her years of service to the art department of USC Upstate. It provides support to a full-time student with Junior status, declared art education major, currently enrolled in art education classes, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Hunter Nelmes Scholarship for Music The Hunter Nelmes Scholarship goes to support two Commercial Music majors in the USC Upstate Commercial Music program to contribute to future scholars success academically and in the performing arts. The scholarship will be audition-based but remains open to all students regardless of student class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) or GPA. The recipients must also join a music ensemble after being advised by the Commercial Music faculty in the Fall. Additionally, the Hunter Nelmes Scholarship may be renewable, so long as the students remain enrolled in the Commercial Music program, remain active in the music ensemble, and show progress in their degree. The recipients will be known as the "Hunter Nelmes Scholars." This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year per student.

Political Science Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time, junior Political Science major with at least 70 hours completed by the end of the Spring semester in which the award is made, must have an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher, and must show potential for graduate work in a political science-related program. This scholarship awards up to $200 per year.

Ron Romine Scholarship was established to honor Professor Romine's years of service to his country, state, and the Spartanburg community. The scholarship provides financial assistance to a student with a declared major or minor in one of the following fields: History, Political Science, Urban, and Regional Studies, Philosophy, American Studies, Religion, Pre-Law, Southern Studies, or Non-Profit Administration. Students must have earned at least 60 credit hours, 30 of them at USC Upstate, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and must provide evidence of civic engagement and/or military service. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Seymour Rosenburg Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a student majoring in English with a concentration in Journalism and is renewable upon academic excellence. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Simon Allen Memorial Criminal Justice Scholarship is awarded to criminal justice students exhibiting the need to fund educational experiences (tuition, books, travel, professional development, etc.). This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Doc Lindsay Endowed Scholarship Created in memory of former USC Upstate Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities, Dr. Bryan E. "Doc" Lindsay, this endowment will provide a scholarship award of up to $250 per semester for a non-traditional student in need of financial assistance. Dr. Lindsay's cosmopolitan world view influenced many students, especially non-traditional students. The recipient must be a non-traditional student (25 years of age or older, married, a parent, a veteran of the armed forces, working full-time while attending college or a college or university graduate returning to school). The recipient must be enrolled for at least 6 hours and have a 2.5 overall GPA or a 3.0 on the last 12 hours of course study. Screening/Selection Process: The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will make the final selection from a list of qualified applicants. After one year, the recipient must reapply and compete for continuation.

Nancy P. Moore Scholarship The Nancy P. Moore Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Nancy Moore for her commitment to scholarship and instruction at USC Upstate and for her service in the upstate community. Dr. Moore's scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time English major who has sophomore or upper class standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Recipients must also be involved in some type of volunteer work.

George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business & Economics

Martie Chastain Memorial Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a full-time business student at the junior or senior level, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and employed at least 15 hours per week. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Courage in Communications Scholarship The Courage in Communications Scholarship, established by Crawford Strategy, provides annual financial assistance to a full-time undergraduate student(s) in his/her sophomore, junior, or senior year, who is pursuing a degree in Communications or Marketing. Additionally, the student(s) must be from a socioeconomically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, and underserved minority group, and must demonstrate financial need. This scholarship awards up to $1,250.

Clary/Drucker Accounting Scholarship was established to honor Diana Clary and Meyer Drucker, retired faculty members, for having made a positive impact in the USC Upstate accounting program and the Upstate community. Provides financial assistance to a rising senior majoring in accounting, has a USC Upstate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and is a South Carolina resident. This scholarship awards up to $600 per year.

Ted Eilenberg Scholarship Because of his many years of dedicated service to the university, both as a member of the faculty and the senior administrative staff, the Ted Eilenberg Scholarship was established to recognize and continue his service to USC Upstate's students. The recipient must be of a Junior or Senior class status, majoring in business, have financial need, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Craig Pressley Giegerich '02 Endowed Memorial Accounting Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time student that wants to pursue a career in the accounting field. The recipient must be a business major with an emphasis in accounting, have completed 90 credit hours with a cumulative 3.2 GPA, expressed financial need, and be a South Carolina resident. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

 Uma & Ashok Gupta MSBA Scholarship: Recipients must be enrolled in MSBA program; enrolled in a minimum of two courses; GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Up to $1,500 can be awarded.

Arthur T. Meilinger Annual Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time business major, working at least 25 hours a week, a rising senior with over 90 credit hours, USC Upstate minimum 3.0 GPA, and a resident of South Carolina. This scholarship awards up to $750 per year.

Rick O'Brien Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time junior or senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Accounting. The recipient must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and be employed a minimum of 10 hours per week. Preference is given to a student involved in community volunteer work.

John S. Poole Business Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time Junior student, with a declared Business major, has 60 or more hours earned, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a history of civic involvement, with student-athletes given first consideration. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Stuart Shough Accounting Scholarship was created and initiated by alumni Michael '93 and Penny '92 Meilinger in honor of Mr. Stuart Shough, former senior Accounting professor at USC Upstate. His honorary scholarship provides financial assistance to a rising senior planning on attending Clemson University for the Masters in Accounting Program, who has a 3.25 GPA or higher in accounting classes and a 3.75 GPA in all Business courses and must have completed at least 90 credit hours. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Clinton Richard Smith, Sr. Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time Johnson College of Business and Economics student who has financial need. Preference is given to a married student whose parents are engaged in a local small business or industry. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Horace C. Smith Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to three full-time business students, with 60 completed credit hours, and who are South Carolina residents. This scholarship can be awarded to the same students for consecutive years for up to $3,000 per year.

University Business Society Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a rising senior with a 3.0 GPA, majoring in business. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Marcus H. Wall Family Scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to a full-time student, who has earned 60+ credit hours, is a declared business major, has a minimum GPA of 2.75, is a South Carolina resident and not receiving any other state or institutional scholarships. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Wells Fargo Bank Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a rising senior Business major with the highest GPA, who maintains at least a 3.0 GPA throughout the academic year and is a resident of South Carolina. In the event of a tie, the selection shall be based on demonstrated need, leadership, and community service. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Wesley K. Wilber Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to assist male, non-traditional students majoring in business, with financial need, and not eligible for state merit-based scholarships. The student must complete the FAFSA and can be enrolled full or part-time. Up to $500 can be awarded.

Donald W. Yates Scholarship provides financial assistance to a part-time or full-time business major with an emphasis on marketing. The student must also have financial need, do not qualify for any state merit-based scholarships, and be a non-traditional student, rising senior and a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Hubbell Scholars Program To support five summer academically credited internships through $1,000 scholarships to upper level business students. Student must be qualified to take course BADM U499 (36 credit hours in JCBE, cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher or a 2.5 GPA on twelve or more hours for the previous semester) and must have completed at least 54 semester hours.

Jerry Bennett Endowed Scholarship The Jerry Bennett Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a transfer student from South Carolina's Technical College System, with a preference given to students from Spartanburg Community College and Greenville Technical College, to help pursue a major in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. The recipient must be a full-time student, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, a minimum of 30 transferable hours, and a resident of South Carolina.

Matthew Poliakoff Endowed Scholarship Matthew Poliakoff was a practicing attorney in Spartanburg and a member of the General Assembly representing Spartanburg County for an extended period of time. His devotion to his responsibilities and his care for the common good resulted in a remarkable career of public service. Thus, a scholarship was created in his honor to provide need-based financial assistance to a junior with at least 60 credit hours completed, majoring in political science, business administration, or pre-law and has at least a 3.0 GPA.

College of Education, Human Performance, and Health

Gail Hogan Hood Education Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to an education major pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree, who is in good academic standing, a resident of Spartanburg County, with preference given to a married student and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship may be renewed up to four years.

Impact Education Scholarship The Impact Education Scholarship was established to award full-time College of Education, Human Performance, and Health students majoring in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle-Level Education, Physical Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education - Learning Disabilities, resulting in eligibility for a recommendation for teacher certification. The student must maintain a cumulative institutional GPA of 2.75, demonstrate financial need or hardship, and represent an underrepresented population in the field of education. The scholarship may be renewable for an additional three years, as long as the recipient

  1. maintains full-time enrollment, as defined by current institutional policy for full-time course load standards for the recipient’s classification (undergraduate);
  2. continues to make satisfactory progress toward a degree; and
  3. continues to meet all initial mandatory scholarship selection criteria.

This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year per student.

Dr. Charles Love Tribute Scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving graduate students in the field of Special Education: Visual Impairment with a scholarship opportunity to assist them in completing their program of study. Students must have completed one semester in the Masters of Education and Special Education: Visual Impairment Program or Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education: Visual Impairment with a minimum GPA of 3.25. The student must be in good standing with the university and be enrolled part-time. The scholarship is renewable each semester. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Sonja K. Ruppe Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a freshman student who is a recent graduate of Gaffney High School entering USC Upstate as an Education major. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Kasler & Gerry Hughes Scholarship Endowment To establish a scholarship endowment found for a student in teacher education. Applicant must be an undergrad majoring in teacher education. Can be awarded to same student for four years. Recipient must carry minimum 15 credit hours per semester. Recipient must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Mary Black College of Nursing

Helen P. Biehl Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Ms. Biehl for her years of service as Dean of the Mary Black College of Nursing. Her honorary scholarship provides financial support to students enrolled in the upper division of the Nursing College. The students must have financial need, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrated leadership in the university. Preference is given to a first-generation college student. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 per year.

Career Center Nursing Scholarship provides need-based assistance for an Upper-division Nursing student and awards up to $500 per year.

Jerome R. & Cecilia J. Cogdell Endowed Nursing Scholarship The Jerome R. & Cecilia J. Cogdell Endowed Scholarship was established by the Mary Black School of Nursing's Retired Professor Emerita Dr. Cecilia J. Cogdell and her husband, Mr. Jerome R. Cogdell, to provide financial assistance to students pursuing professional nursing careers. The one-year scholarships are awarded, in any combination, to junior or senior full-time students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program and/or to full-time students in the Master's Degree Program in Nursing, who in either case, show need for financial assistance, who hold a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, and who demonstrate leadership potential and professional promise.

Catherine Ervin '81 Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Cathy Ervin Overstreet, a graduate of USC Upstate. The proceeds from the endowment will be awarded to a student in the Mary Black College of Nursing, with preference given to a graduate of Broome High School and/or a student receiving limited funding from other grants and scholarships. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Jackie S. Floyd Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time rising senior majoring in Nursing with at least 90 credit hours completed, a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher, and is a resident of Upstate, South Carolina. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Paul Foerster Endowed Excellence in Nursing Scholarship is given in honor of Paul F. Foerster's volunteer service to improve the health and wellness of the people and communities of Spartanburg County. His scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time senior nursing student enrolled in the BSN program who has financial need, has a record of service to the university and the community, and who has at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Margaret P. Henson Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to a deserving Mary Black College of Nursing student who has a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

The HOPE Nursing Success Scholarship The HOPE Nursing Success Scholarship provides 33 renewable scholarships awarded at $5,000 ($2,500/semester) to full-time lower-division freshman and sophomore nursing majors enrolled in the Mary Black College of Nursing's BSN track. The scholarship seeks to support students from an ethnic or minority background with legal US citizenship or permanent residency status in efforts to encourage degree completion. Priority will be given to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds as identified on FASFA. Additionally, new incoming freshmen must be admitted with a 3.0 high school GPA; Transfer students and existing students must also have a 3.0 GPA.

Gary Robert Kaylor II Endowed Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a full-time junior nursing major with a 3.0 GPA or higher and is a resident of Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina. This scholarship awards up to $1,200 per year.

Zerno Martin Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time student, who has completed 60 hours, is a declared nursing student with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and must have completed the FAFSA to show need. Preference is given to a student intending to pursue employment with Spartanburg Regional Hospital once boards have been passed. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Guy, Elma & Marian Murph Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to a student accepted into the Mary Black College of Nursing. The student must have financial need, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a resident of the Upstate of South Carolina. Priority will be given to a student returning after having dropped out of school. This scholarship awards up to $2,500 per year.

OB/GYN Society of Spartanburg Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a student specializing in OB/GYN nursing, a resident of South Carolina, willing to work for at least two years in Spartanburg County, and given priority to nurses who have been working in OB/GYN units at Spartanburg Regional Hosptial or Mary Black Campus.  This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Cecil O. and Mary F. Smith Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to one nursing and one education student. This scholarship awards up to $3,500 per year.

Frances Elizabeth Sitton Smith Endowed Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time nursing student who has a financial need with a preference given to a non-traditional student. Preference also given to a married student whose parents own a small local business or industry. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Spartanburg County Medical Society Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time declared Nursing student in the Mary Black College of Nursing, a Spartanburg County resident, minimum 3.0 GPA, who has completed 90 credit hours and has financial need as defined by the (Department of Education) completion of the FAFSA. This scholarship awards $2,950 per year.

Teresa Tiller Splawn Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance up to $500 per year to a student enrolled in the Mary Black College of Nursing.

Strengthening The Nursing Faculty Pipeline in SC Scholarship The Strengthening The Nursing Faculty Pipeline in SC Scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees for nursing students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Nursing Education Program who are committed to assuming a nurse faculty role (part-time or full-time) within 12 months of degree completion. Preference is given to students from Cherokee, Union, Abbeville, Oconee, Greenwood, Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Anderson, and Pickens counties. Students must complete the graduate Rural Health in Nursing course prior to degree completion.

Edith Thrower Memorial Scholarship was established by Ms. Thrower's family and friends to honor her dedication to caring for others through her life's work in nursing. This scholarship provides financial support to non-traditional nursing students renewable for each year of satisfactory progress toward a nursing degree. The recipient must have demonstrated academic ability and financial need. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Denise Tone Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Denise Tone. The proceeds from the endowment will be awarded by the scholarship committee of the Mary Black College of Nursing to students accepted into a nursing program in recognition of academic excellence. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

The Marjorie Bourke Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship The Marjorie Bourke Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a full-time nursing student with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The Dr. Julian and Elizabeth Williams Scholarship Fund The Dr. Julian and Elizabeth Williams Scholarship Fund is provided to a nursing student through the Spartanburg County Foundation. The student must be a non-traditional student, independent, enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. 

College of Science and Technology

Joseph L. Balintfy Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance up to $500 per year to a full-time junior majoring in mathematics or computer science with a preference given to an immigrant or first-generation citizen. The applicant must write a one-page personal statement regarding his/her qualification for the scholarship and their interest in the chosen field of mathematics or computer science. This scholarship is renewable for the recipient's senior year.

Codespoti Computer Science Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance up to $500 per year to a Computer Science major in honor of Dr. Codespoti, a retired USC Upstate professor.

Contec Chemistry Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a declared Chemistry major with a minimum 3.2 GPA and must have completed Organic and Qualitative Analysis. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

David B. Dedmon, DMD Scholarship provides financial assistance to students in pursuit of a Health Science degree. Applicants must be full-time students, have completed 32 hours in science curriculum, have at minimum a 3.0 GPA, be active in the community and on campus, and be a junior in good academic standing. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Featherston Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to a part-time or full-time student. The award is given to a student who is a declared major in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences or the College of Science and Technology, with a minimum of 30 credit hours, a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and that is not eligible for any state merit-based scholarship. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Mathematics Scholarship Provides support to an incoming freshman interested in pursuing a degree in mathematics. The recipient must have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA and an SAT score of at least 1100. The scholarship is awarded to full-time students and may be renewable for up to seven semesters provided the student continues to major in mathematics, maintains a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in mathematics courses. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time student at USC Upstate engaged in a program of study in Biology, Chemistry, or toward completion requirements for Pre-engineering, Engineering Technology Management, or Pre-Pharmacy. The recipient must have completed 60 credit hours (30 of which must have been earned at USC Upstate) by the end of the semester of application, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with involvement in campus and/or community activities. The scholarship is renewable for an additional year and awards up to $1,000 per year.

The Scholarship for Informatics Excellence The scholarship for informatics excellence can be awarded to any student who has a 3.0 average going into their senior year majoring in information management systems or health informatics and is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. 

General

Adult and Non-Traditional Student Book Award Established in 2021 by an anonymous USC Upstate Academic Advisor, this book award is meant to help adult and non-traditional students pay for textbook expenses with the USC Upstate Bookstore and alleviate the financial burden of attending college. To be considered for this award. the adult and non-traditional student must be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and have expressed financial need. Applicants must also provide a copy of their registered classes for the upcoming semester, total textbook expenses from the USC Upstate Bookstore, and provide a brief explanation for why they need this book award. Once awarded, the recipient may retrieve a voucher at the Financial Aid Office to use at the University’s bookstore toward their textbook expenses. This award may be up to $200.

Vic Bailey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to those demonstrating financial need as a full-time student, who is a resident of Spartanburg County, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and who shows passion, promise, and purpose for public and community service. The scholarship is renewable up to two additional years and awards up to $1,000 per year.

Bannon Scholarship provides financial assistance to a recipient who must have genuine financial need, be a resident of South Carolina with a preference given to residents living near Greenville or Spartanburg, be of sound moral character, and are active in volunteer work. The recipient should be a student who qualified for but did not receive one of the USC Upstate Scholars Program award. This scholarship awards up to $3,000 per year.

The Beacon’s Scholarship A-Plenty Scholarship Established in 2021 by the owners of the famous southern landmark, The Beacon Drive-In, this scholarship supports residents of Spartanburg County, SC, seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at USC Upstate. To be considered, applicants must: transfer from Spartanburg Community College with a minimum of 30 credit hours, be residents of Spartanburg County, SC, have demonstrated financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and seeking to learn “a-plenty.” In addition, the applicant must write a well thought out and genuine 5-8 sentence paragraph explaining how this scholarship will benefit them. The recipient will receive $2,500 for the academic year ($1,250/semester) and be known as “The Beacon Scholar.”

Bernard F. Odasz Scholarship was established in honor of Mr. Odasz's commitment to higher education by his wife Susan Wilson Odasz '78. It provides financial assistance to a full-time student over 25 years of age, maintaining a 2.0 GPA in an acceptable course of study at USC Upstate, and takes a minimum of 30 hours of credit annually. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Billie Weiss-McAbee Scholarship was established to assist a full-time, non-traditional student. The recipient must complete the FAFSA form, carry 12 or more hours per semester and not be eligible for any state scholarships.  This scholarship awards up to $1,800 per year.

Cates Chancellor's Endowed Scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to a full-time student, who is a graduate of a South Carolina high school, has a minimum 1100 SAT or 24 ACT score, and at least a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship awards up to $3,500 per year.

College Pointe (Upstate Coliving) Apartments Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to provide an annual scholarship for a full-time incoming or returning student who is a resident of the College Pointe (Upstate Coliving) Apartment Complex, in good standing academic standing, and demonstrates financial need. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

D. L. Scurry Foundation Scholarship was established to provide several scholarships awarded to South Carolina residents who demonstrate academic ability, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and have financial need. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Earl Gordon Scholarship Endowments was established to honor the memory of Mr. Earl Gordon, Former Dean of Students.  An outstanding educator of the noblest of human qualities, Mr. Gordon was dedicated to serving the needs of students. The scholarship tributed to his legacy provides financial assistance to sophomores and juniors who have a 2.0 cumulative GPA, service or involvement in school or community, and financial need. This scholarship will award one up to $1,000 and two up to $500 per year.

Eb and Maggie Barnes Endowed Scholarship was established to provide an annual award in memory of Dr. James "Eb" Barnes and his wife, Maggie Barnes, to a USC Upstate student completing a degree at the University Center of Greenville. The award is given to a student who most closely meets the criteria of a non-traditional student, enrolled in a degree-completion program at UCG at least part-time, with established financial need. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Heidi G. From Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance to a student who has completed freshman year (30+hours), is a full-time student (12+hours per semester), meets a minimum 2.5 GPA, has completed their FAFSA, and is a resident of South Carolina. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Gosnell Family Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a returning sophomore with at least 30 completed credit hours, has a minimum 2.8 GPA, and is a resident of South Carolina. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

James B. Greer Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to non-traditional students, with past education interrupted by full-time employment, military service, or family responsibilities for a minimum of two years, has a 2.0 GPA and at least 30 completed credit hours. This scholarship is renewable and awards up to $1,000 per year.

Anne Porchér Z. Perrin Scholarship was established by the late Edward Perrin in honor of his wife, Anne Porchér, for her love of Spartanburg and education. These scholarships will be awarded to incoming Freshmen with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who are within the top 30% of their high school class and are residents of Spartanburg County. Students must not have received aid (excluding loans) that exceeds the cost of tuition and books (commuter) or exceeds the cost of tuition, room/board, and books (residential). Three scholarships per year awarded to students (one per high school) selected from each of the Public High Schools in Spartanburg County Districts 3, 6, and 7. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years but must obtain a GPA of 2.5 to the sophomore year, 2.75 to the junior year and a 3.0 senior year. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 per year.

Race 4 Achievement Scholarship The Race 4 Achievement Scholarship was established in 2021 by a USC Upstate alumnus, Ryon Smalls, Esq. ‘14, who co-founded the non-profit Race 4 Achievement while he was a junior at USC Upstate. His organization helps guide high school and middle school students in North and South Carolina communities who aspire to develop professional skills and become well-rounded scholars and citizens in their neighborhoods. Through R4A’s programs and scholarships, the non-profit is able to provide life-impacting opportunities for many in the Carolinas. Thanks to Mr. Small’s Race 4 Achievement Scholarship financial assistance is available to students from historically, socio-economically disadvantaged communities, who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and affinity for USC Upstate. These student applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum 2.3 GPA and submit a 300-word essay expressing their academic and professional goals for the next ten years. This scholarship awards up to $1,000.

Horace C. Smith Scholarship Endowed Fund awards $1,500 annually to three students who qualify as Metropolitan Scholars within the USC Upstate Scholars Program. The student must have a ranked top 10% of their high school class and have a minimum 1100 SAT score or 24 ACT score. A 3.25 GPA and South Carolina resident is also required.

N. A. Stirzaker Scholarship was established to honor the first director of USC Upstate, Dr. Norbert A. Stirzaker, by his colleagues and friends in tribute to his many years of service to the university. This scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time USC Upstate junior with high academic standing and is for the recipient's senior year if a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Simoton Scholarship was established to award the president of the African American Association at USC Upstate $250 per year.

Sydney Elizabeth McMakin Memorial Scholarship was created to memorialize her life and acknowledge the positive impact she made in the lives of her peers. This award will recognize a senior at James F. Byrnes High School who plans to attend the University of South Carolina Upstate and meets the requirements for admission, demonstrates financial need, maintains an overall 3.0 GPA, completes the scholarship application, including a 500-word essay. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

USC Upstate Alumni Association Scholarship was initiated by the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association of USC Upstate to honor USC Upstate students of alums. The recipient must be a child of a USC Upstate graduate, a resident of South Carolina, and have a cumulative USC Upstate GPA of 3.0 or better. The student must also list collegiate/community organizations, activities, and committees to which they have belonged, as well as write a short paragraph explaining their need for the scholarship and why they would benefit from being awarded a scholarship. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

USC Upstate Course Materials Award The USC Upstate Course Material Award supports students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need in purchasing required course materials when an emergency arises and the student cannot afford to purchase or lease the required materials themselves. To be considered for the award, the student must submit an application and provide a copy of their registered classes for the upcoming semester, total required textbook or course material expenses from the USC Upstate Bookstore, and provide a brief written explanation demonstrating their financial need. When providing a copy of the total textbook or course material expenses from the USC Upstate Bookstore, each selection should be in accordance with the three options below. If awarded, the recipient may retrieve a voucher at the Financial Aid Office for the cost of their books up to $500 to use at the USC Upstate Bookstore toward their textbook and course material expenses. Students may receive future support if they apply and meet qualifications.

Spartanburg (SC) Chapter of Links, Inc.-GAP Scholarship To provide scholarships for junior or senior students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must have demonstrated need to fill a gap in support in order to continue enrollment.

Victor and Jacquelyn Austin Endowed Scholarship To provide scholarships for students who meet the eligibility criteria for Aspire Scholarships, as determined by the office of financial aid.

Catherine Micelotta Scholarship The Catherine Micelotta Scholarship is for a non-traditional student pursuing their Bachelor's degree. The recipient cannot be enrolling in college directly from high school. First preference will be given to someone returning to college to complete their degree. Preference will be given to full-time students with consideration for students who need to be enrolled part-time due to full-time employment. This is a needs-based scholarship that has no geographic or major/minor requirements. The minimum GPA is 2.5. 

John & Kelly Swift Endowed Scholarship To support scholarships for first generation students who are active in the initiatives of the South Carolina Centro Latino ("El Centro") at USC Upstate.

Advance your Activism Scholarship To provide scholarships for students that are active members of the USC Upstate NAACP Chapter.

Adams Scholarship Established in 2016 by C. Daniel Adams '83, a USC Upstate alumnus, UofSC Board Trustee, and former member of both the Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education and the USC Upstate Foundation Board, Mr. Adams wished to assist students attending his alma mater who may be struggling to meet the financial needs associated with earning a higher education.

Dr. Judy Prince Leaders Scholarship The scholarship will be awarded by the University's Office of Student Financial Aid at USC Upstate to a degree seeking student returning to college who has been out of school for several years because their education was disrupted.

The Leon and Maliaka Wiles Family Endowed Scholarship The Leon and Maliaka Wiles Family Endowed Scholarship awards up to $750 to an incoming freshman with a 2.75 GPA or above; preference is given to a person active in their church or community and a resident of South Carolina, Ohio or Oklahoma. The applicant must also have demonstrated financial need according to FAFSA.

SCCHE Endowed Scholarship Provide scholarships for USC Upstate students coming from the counties the Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education serves: Spartanburg, Greenville and Cherokee.

Athletics

Joseph C. & Mrs. Deanna M. Bowman Scholarship was established to assist a current student who is an active member of the Volleyball team, earned a minimum of 30 credit hours, and has a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship awards up to $1,000 per year.

Lee & Carol Fowler Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance up to $500 per year to a female student-athlete with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Charlie & Jakie Hodge Scholarship was established to award one or more full-time undergraduate student-athletes who maintain a 2.8 GPA. The recipients must be pursuing the state of South Carolina teacher certification and are eligible for or admitted to a professional teacher education program at USC Upstate. The scholarship shall be automatically renewable for up to three additional years, as long as the recipients maintain full-time enrollment, continues to make satisfactory progress towards a degree, and meets all other mandatory scholarship selection criteria. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

The LaRoche Family Men's Soccer Endowed Scholarship The recipient of The LaRoche Family Men's Soccer Endowed Scholarship is to be selected by the Head Men's Soccer Coach based on need and ability with preference going to a student from South Carolina.

Josh Lee Memorial Scholarship was established by friends and family of Josh Lee. This scholarship will be awarded to two members of Cross Country or Track team, male or female, minimum 3.0 GPA, must have completed 30 or more USC Upstate hours before eligible. If the recipient maintains good standing on the team and 3.0+ GPA, the scholarship is renewable for three years for up to $1,500 per year.

Beth & Allen Newman Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance for up to 2 student-athletes participating in men's basketball, men's or women's golf, or softball that are Upstate, S.C. resident with a preference toward students that live within 100 miles of USC Upstate. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 per year.

John Michael Romine Scholarship The John Michael Romine Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a member of the women's basketball team with a minimum 2.5 GPA and completed at least 60 credit hours with junior status. This scholarship awards up to $1,000.

Thomas L. Smith Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance up to $1,000 per year to an out-of-state student-athlete and member of the baseball team.

Mills Sproull Memorial Scholarship was established by friends and family of Mills Sproull, USC Upstate student. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has completed one academic year at USC Upstate, a minimum of 2.8 GPA, with a minimum one-year good standing on Men's Soccer Team. The Mills Sproull Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a member of the men's soccer team whose characteristics best reflect those of Mills. These attributes include being a hard worker, a good teammate, having a positive and selfless attitude, having perseverance, and being a good student. This scholarship awards up to $500 per year.

Cross Country/Track and Field Alumni Scholarship Created by USC Upstate alum, Michael Meissner '11, the Cross Country/Track and Field Alumni Scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time undergraduate student-athlete participating in USC Upstate's Cross Country and/or Track and Field teams, who have at least 30 credit hours completed, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Ed and Connie Wilde Endowed Scholarship The Ed and Connie Wilde Endowed Scholarship was established to provide a $500 annual award to a player on the USC Upstate Men's Soccer team. The recipient must be a returning member of the men's Varsity Soccer Team, have demonstrated good character and achieved academically. Preference is given to a player who has been involved in community service.

Women's Softball Scholarship Scholarship to be awarded to a member of the USC Upstate Softball program with financial need. The amount of the award is $5,000 a year for 3 years. Recipient to be chosen by Softball Coach with assistance from Financial Aid.

Other Scholarships

Ralph and Virginia Hendricks Endowed Scholarship The Ralph and Virginia Hendricks Endowed Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students from the Golden Strip, which includes Mauldin, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn of South Carolina. Students from these areas who demonstrate financial need will be given first priority at receiving the award, which may be renewable for an additional three years. The recipient shall be known as the "Ralph and Virginia Hendricks Scholar."

University of South Carolina Alumni Scholarships are awards of varying amounts made to freshmen from the several judicial circuits in South Carolina and from metropolitan areas outside the state. The awards are based on academic ability and are renewable. Note: There is a specific application for this scholarship, and it must be sent to USC Alumni Association in Columbia, SC.

The USC Faculty/Staff Dependents' Scholarship is open for application to any dependent child or spouse of a full-time University of South Carolina system employee. There is competition for this scholarship, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student on one of the University’s eight campuses and have attained a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Freshman eligibility is determined by high school class rank and SAT or ACT scores. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years for those students pursuing a baccalaureate degree provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. In some cases, graduate students may receive the scholarship until receipt of their graduate degrees. Note: There is a specific application for this scholarship that must be sent to USC Columbia.

USC Upstate Foundation Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship The USC Upstate Foundation Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship is renewable for existing recipients with a minimum 2.8 GPA, who are South Carolina residents and have demonstrated financial need.

Travel Abroad Scholarship This scholarship will provide scholarship support for students interested in travel abroad opportunities through the Center for International Studies. Award amounts vary.

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Many scholarships and stipends may be combined with other sources of financial assistance for which a student is eligible. However, a student may not receive more than one full-tuition University scholarship. Students wishing to be considered for scholarships must be unconditionally accepted for admission prior to deadlines. USC Upstate students who are awarded scholarships or stipends are required to be in good academic standing. These students must also be free of any current discipline code violation and may not be on disciplinary probation.

(Scholarship information is accurate at the time of publication. Availability of funds and other factors may change. For further information about scholarships and other financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office.)