USC Upstate Promise Scholarship
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPSTATE HAS LAUNCHED ITS PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDING UP TO 90 SPARTANBURG COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WITH A CHANCE TO EARN THEIR BACHELOR’S DEGREE DEBT FREE.
This pilot program will cover the full cost of tuition for recipients during the four years they pursue their undergraduate degrees at the university. Students must maintain their LIFE Scholarships to remain eligible for the program.
USC Upstate’s announcement, along with similar, bold initiatives by Spartanburg Community College and Spartanburg Methodist College, remove college cost barriers, said Dr. Russell Booker, executive director of the Spartanburg Academic Movement.
“Removing cost barriers for college students allows us to further enhance Spartanburg’s economic vitality and overall quality of life by boosting college attainment rates,” Booker said.
The Promise Scholarship Program requires scholarship recipients to have graduated from one of the county’s nine public high schools. The current cost of tuition at USC Upstate is about $12,000 annually. Promise Scholars will receive their funds after all other scholarships and grants have been applied to their tuition. The university will encourage candidates not to take out any student loans.
“We are so excited about this opportunity, which demonstrates USC Upstate’s commitment to postsecondary attainment in Spartanburg County and reducing student debt throughout our region and state,” said USC Upstate Chancellor Dr. Bennie Harris. “Our objective is simple: help the county retain its most talented individuals by encouraging them to learn, then eventually live and work in this community.”
Spartanburg Community College, in partnership with OneSpartanburg, Inc., announced free tuition as part of the Bringing Back the Burg Business Recovery Task Force to make tuition free for all students in 2021-22.
Since, SCC President Dr. Michael Mikota has announced the initiative would continue through 2022 and 23 as the college continues its focus on retaining current students and re-engaging those who delayed educational plans due to the pandemic and financial barriers.
SCC has realized increased enrollment as 6,097 students, a record high for the school, were enrolled in 2021. While the SC technical college system saw a decline in enrollment from 2019 to 2021, SCC enjoyed a 32 percent increase. Mikota points to an enrollment increase among the minority population with a 55 percent increase among African American males, 44 percent increase in Hispanic or Latino students and 10 percent increase in Asian students. Also, the school saw a 66% enrollment increase in students 24 or older.
Spartanburg Methodist College, another landmark higher education institution, also offers free tuition for students who qualify for the life scholarship. Students qualify if they have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, be a South Carolina resident, complete the federal application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and enroll in one of SMC’s programs.
Spartanburg Methodist College offers an associate degree and concentration/specialization and bachelor’s degree so graduates will leave college with two degrees and career development course training. According to SMC President Dr. Scott Cochran, a college degree increases a student’s earning power significantly over his working years. SMC provides the complete college experience without breaking the bank and in addition, SMC offers personal and academic support for all students.