LIFE Scholarship

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LIFE Scholarship

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent institution in South Carolina. It’s purpose is to increase ACCESS to higher education, improve EMPLOYABILITY of South Carolina students, provide INCENTIVES for students to be better prepared for college, encourage students to GRADUATE from college on time. You may read more about the guidelines for the LIFE Scholarship provided by CHE on their website. We have provided below a link to the list of Frequently Asked Questions from CHE and also at Furman University.

Scholarship Specifics:

There is no application process for the LIFE Scholarship. Students will automatically be reviewed and awarded the scholarship by Furman. This information is subject to change by either the South Carolina General Assembly or the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. You may view the most recent guidelines for the LIFE program at South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

List of FAQ's for LIFE Scholarship (CHE List)
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  • Graduate from high school or complete a home school program as prescribed by law;
  • Attend an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of high school graduation and be a legal resident of South Carolina as defined in applicable State statutes governing the determination of residency for tuition and fee purposes at the time of high school graduation;
  • Be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student;
  • Certify that he or she has never been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any second of subsequent alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year;
  • Verify that he or she is not in default and does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State financial aid;
  • Must not be a SC HOPE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance recipient.
  • For a LIFE Scholarship Enhancement, students must attend an eligible four-year South Carolina public or private college or university

To qualify for the LIFE Scholarship, a first-time entering freshman attending an eligible four-year institution must meet two of three of the following criteria:

  • Earn a cumulative 3.0-grade point average (GPA) based on the SC Uniform Grading Scale upon high school graduation
  • Score 1100 on the SAT or an equivalent of 22 on the ACT
  • Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class

Other information regarding these factors:

  • The grade point average must be reported to two decimal places (minimum) and cannot be rounded. The GPR must be calculated after the official completion of courses required for graduation
  • The ranking percentages must be reported in two decimal places (minimum) and cannot be rounded. The class rank must be based on the SC Uniform Grading Scale.
  • The rank must be based on all students who received their diploma during the traditional graduation ceremony typically in May/June. The graduating class cannot include any students who graduated during the summer
  • SAT/ACT scores will be accepted through the June national test administration of the high school graduation year.
  • It is permissible to select the highest SAT Evidence-based Reading score combined with the highest SAT Evidenced-based Math score from different test administrations.
  • The ACT composite score may be based on multiple test sittings.

After completion of the first academic year of college or to earn the scholarship while in college, students must:

  • Meet all general eligibility criteria;
  • Earn an average of 30 credit hours* by the end of each academic year (fall, spring, summer) equaling a minimum of 30 credit hours consistent with the policies and procedures of the institution if a rising second-year student, 60 credit hours if a rising third-year student consistent with the policies and procedures of the institution, or 90 credit hours consistent with the policies and procedures of the institution if a rising fourth-year student; and
  • Earn a minimum 3.0 LIFE grade point average (GPA) based on grades earned at ALL institutions attended excluding remedial, continuing education, and non-degree credit courses by the end of each academic year (fall, spring, summer). Please note that the new LIFE GPA includes any dual enrollment grades earned while in high school.
  • To receive the LIFE Scholarship Enhancement, the student must be a recipient of the LIFE Scholarship in his/her second, third, or fourth year of enrollment at an eligible four-year institution in SC. In addition, the student must have a declared major in a math or science field and have successfully completed a total of at least fourteen credit hours of instruction in mathematics and life and physical science courses (including AP, IB and dual enrollment courses taken during high school) by the end of the student’s first year of enrollment in college (based on the initial date of college enrollment).

 

* Credit hours include any college credits earned during an academic year, as well as any AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, CLEP, and exempted credit hours

Annual value: $5,000 per year

Four-year value: $20,000

  • The LIFE Scholarship award amount is determined annually by the South Carolina General Assembly.
  • Currently, the maximum value is $5,000
  • Sophomore-, junior-, and senior-level students may receive a maximum of $7,500 provided they are in a declared major of science or mathematics and other conditions are met.
  • Note: The LIFE Scholarship in combination with all other scholarships and grants may not exceed the cost of attendance as defined by Title IV regulations.

Terms 

You may receive the LIFE Scholarship through the eighth consecutive semester following initial college enrollment. The eight-semester limit is a time limit only. The limit is not determined by the number of semesters the LIFE Scholarship has been received and may include periods of non-enrollment.

Timeline

Once a student begins college (assuming they have met the initial criteria to be awarded the scholarship), they have up to eight semesters of potential eligibility. If a student graduates before using all eight semesters, the student forfeits any remaining LIFE Scholarship semesters (stipends). LIFE Scholarship funds cannot be used toward a graduate degree if a student completes their first baccalaureate degree in less than eight semesters.

The LIFE Scholarship is credited to your student account to satisfy any charges. If all tuition and fees are satisfied and you are enrolled full-time, excess aid is refunded to the student and can be used for any college-related expenses, including off-campus housing.

The LIFE Scholarship is typically available during the Fall and Spring semesters.  If you are participating in a study abroad program that is not affiliated with Furman, you will not be able to use your scholarship eligibility for that semester.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions.

Dropping Below Full-Time or Withdrawing

If you are receiving the LIFE Scholarship or any other financial aid, dropping below full-time status or withdrawing completely may affect your eligibility to receive aid. If you are considering dropping a class (and will be enrolled in less than 12 credits hours as a result) or considering withdrawing from the University, you should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at financialaid@furman.edu to determine the effect on your financial obligations.

LIFE GPA

The LIFE GPA is a GPA used only for the purpose of LIFE Scholarship awards. It represents an all-college GPA, consisting of the combined total of a student’s Grade (Quality) Points divided by the cumulative number of attempted credit hours from all schools attended to earn college credits, even while still enrolled in high school. The GPA must be 3.0 or better.

 

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