Gamecock Guarantee
The Gamecock Guarantee program ensures that undergraduate tuition, technology fee and average program fees at USC Columbia are covered through a combination of grants and scholarships. At a minimum, eligible students receive $5,000 per year if their existing grant and scholarship aid does not fully cover the cost of attendance. If the combined total of the $5,000 award and other grant and scholarship aid does not cover tuition, the technology fee and average program fees, the Gamecock Guarantee award will be increased to cover the remaining difference.
In addition to financial support, the program provides comprehensive academic support services through the TRIO Programs office or the South Carolina Honors College for students admitted to the Honors College.
Eligibility requirements include:
- South Carolina resident
- First-time, full-time freshman
- First-generation freshman entering in the fall semester
- From a low-income family
- Submission of the USC application by Dec. 1
- Submission of a complete FAFSA and any additional required documentation by April 1
All freshmen admitted to USC, including those in the South Carolina Honors College and Capstone Scholars Program, are automatically considered for this award. There is no separate application process.
Learn more about Gamecock Guarantee benefits and eligibility criteria.