College Financial Information
Paying for a college education can be a challenge. Fortunately, CERRA is here to help. The primary purpose of these pages is to provide high school students and individuals who have chosen to pursue a career in education a number of resources to explore that can help finance a path to the classroom. Start by clicking the appropriate tab below.
Financial Info for Future Teachers
What Should I Know First?
Grants and Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Most loans must be repaid, under most circumstances. They usually have low interest rates, and most do not have to be repaid until the student leaves college.
Fellowships are funds granted for advanced study. In many cases, Fellows share similar professional interests.
Student Employment is a job that the college coordinates or assigns for the student to offset the cost of attending school.
Most loans must be repaid, under most circumstances. They usually have low interest rates, and most do not have to be repaid until the student leaves college.
Fellowships are funds granted for advanced study. In many cases, Fellows share similar professional interests.
Student Employment is a job that the college coordinates or assigns for the student to offset the cost of attending school.
The South Carolina Teacher Loan Program
The South Carolina Teacher Loan Program encourages South Carolina residents to enter the teaching profession. These loans are forgiven by teaching in a SC public school in a critical subject and/or critical geographic area.
What are the critical geographical areas?
Critical geographical areas vary in each district and every year. Please visit https://scstudentloan.org/current-borrowers/teacher-forgiveness/critical-geographic-schools for more information.
Critical Subject Areas are designated annually. However, to be eligible to cancel a debt for teaching in a critical subject the recipient must be teaching a subject designated as critical at the time the recipient began borrowing through the Teachers Loan Program. A list of critical subject areas can be found at https://scstudentloan.org/current-borrowers/teacher-forgiveness/critical-subject-areas.
Do you qualify? You must:
Maximum Loan Amounts
Freshmen and sophomores may borrow up to $2,500 per year with the SC Teachers Loan. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may borrow up to $5,000 per year. The aggregate maximum is $20,000 for undergraduate and graduate students.
Career changers may borrow up to $15,000 per year and up to an aggregate maximum of $60,000.
Interest RateIf you do not teach, repayment will begin six months after you graduate or cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2013, the interest rate shall equal the Direct Stafford Loan interest rate charged for unsubsidized loans to undergraduate students plus 2%, not to exceed 8.25%
For more information, visit the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation ‘s website at www.scstudentloan.org or call 803.798.0916 or 800.347.2752.
What are the critical geographical areas?
Critical geographical areas vary in each district and every year. Please visit https://scstudentloan.org/current-borrowers/teacher-forgiveness/critical-geographic-schools for more information.
Critical Subject Areas are designated annually. However, to be eligible to cancel a debt for teaching in a critical subject the recipient must be teaching a subject designated as critical at the time the recipient began borrowing through the Teachers Loan Program. A list of critical subject areas can be found at https://scstudentloan.org/current-borrowers/teacher-forgiveness/critical-subject-areas.
Do you qualify? You must:
- You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- You must be a resident of South Carolina.
- You must be enrolled in and making satisfactory academic progress at an approved institution on at least a half-time basis.
- You must be enrolled in a program of teacher education or have expressed an intent to enroll in such a program.
- Entering freshmen must have been ranked in the top 40% of their high school graduating class and have an SAT or ACT score equal to or greater than the South Carolina average for the year of high school graduation. Currently, the average scores are: SAT (ERW and Math) 1058, ACT 18.
- Enrolled undergraduate students, including enrolled freshmen (2nd term of freshman year), must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and must have taken and passed the Praxis Core (Praxis I prior to 07/01/14). Students with a SAT taken on or after 03/05/16, earning a total score of 1100 or greater (1650 for 3-part exams taken 03/01/05 - 03/04/16) or an ACT score of 22 or greater are exempt from the Praxis requirement. Other Praxis exemptions may apply, check with your College's Education Department.
- Entering graduate students must have at least a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
- Graduate students who have completed at least one term must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- If previously certified to teach, you must be seeking initial certification in a different critical subject area currently listed
Maximum Loan Amounts
Freshmen and sophomores may borrow up to $2,500 per year with the SC Teachers Loan. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may borrow up to $5,000 per year. The aggregate maximum is $20,000 for undergraduate and graduate students.
Career changers may borrow up to $15,000 per year and up to an aggregate maximum of $60,000.
Interest RateIf you do not teach, repayment will begin six months after you graduate or cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2013, the interest rate shall equal the Direct Stafford Loan interest rate charged for unsubsidized loans to undergraduate students plus 2%, not to exceed 8.25%
For more information, visit the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation ‘s website at www.scstudentloan.org or call 803.798.0916 or 800.347.2752.
Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship
The Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship, named in memory of Dr. Ken Bower, an architect of the original Teacher Cadet course and curriculum, is awarded each year to as many as five senior Teacher Cadets who intend to become classroom teachers in one of South Carolina's many public schools. Teacher Cadet instructors receive notification of the call for applications early each calendar year, and the additional scholarship information can be found at https://www.teachercadets.com/ken-bower-scholarship.html.
Applications must be postmarked on or before March 30, 2019. All applicants, even those who are not selected, will
be notified by May 11, 2019. Thanks to the generosity of silent auction "shoppers" at CERRA’s 2018 Pre-Collegiate
Fall Renewal Conference and the SC Teacher Forum Conference, recipients will receive a onetime award of
$1,000.00. The award is mailed directly to the recipient's college or university in August and is applied to his or her
account. Awards are determined based on the merits of scholarship, school and community involvement, teacher
recommendations, and a written essay. The Ken Bower scholarship is not "needs-based" and does not rely on the
Teacher Cadet's family financial information. Teaching Fellows may also be recipients of the Ken Bower Scholarship.
Applications must be postmarked on or before March 30, 2019. All applicants, even those who are not selected, will
be notified by May 11, 2019. Thanks to the generosity of silent auction "shoppers" at CERRA’s 2018 Pre-Collegiate
Fall Renewal Conference and the SC Teacher Forum Conference, recipients will receive a onetime award of
$1,000.00. The award is mailed directly to the recipient's college or university in August and is applied to his or her
account. Awards are determined based on the merits of scholarship, school and community involvement, teacher
recommendations, and a written essay. The Ken Bower scholarship is not "needs-based" and does not rely on the
Teacher Cadet's family financial information. Teaching Fellows may also be recipients of the Ken Bower Scholarship.
South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program
In 1999, South Carolina’s General Assembly, recognizing the shortage of teachers in our state, funded the Teaching Fellows
Program at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement - SC (CERRA). The mission of the program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and to help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides Fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors (actual number determined annually based on funding by the General Assembly) who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach South Carolina’s children.
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment and professional development programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state, and receive up to $6,000 in yearly scholarships for four years while they complete a degree leading to teacher certification.
The scholarship provides up to $5,700 for tuition and board and $300 for special enrichment programs (contingent on funding from the South Carolina General Assembly). A Fellow agrees to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year he/she receives the Fellowship. There are 10 public and private colleges and universities designated as Teaching Fellows Institutions that are currently accepting new Teaching Fellows: Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Lander University, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Winthrop University. Applicants invited to a regional interview will be asked to rank order their college choices before their interview session.
The application window for the 2019-2020 cohort has closed. Check CERRA’s website at https://www.cerra.org/teaching-fellows-application.html next fall to apply for the 2020-2021 cohort.
Program at the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement - SC (CERRA). The mission of the program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and to help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides Fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors (actual number determined annually based on funding by the General Assembly) who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach South Carolina’s children.
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment and professional development programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state, and receive up to $6,000 in yearly scholarships for four years while they complete a degree leading to teacher certification.
The scholarship provides up to $5,700 for tuition and board and $300 for special enrichment programs (contingent on funding from the South Carolina General Assembly). A Fellow agrees to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year he/she receives the Fellowship. There are 10 public and private colleges and universities designated as Teaching Fellows Institutions that are currently accepting new Teaching Fellows: Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Lander University, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Winthrop University. Applicants invited to a regional interview will be asked to rank order their college choices before their interview session.
The application window for the 2019-2020 cohort has closed. Check CERRA’s website at https://www.cerra.org/teaching-fellows-application.html next fall to apply for the 2020-2021 cohort.
Call Me Mister
The mission of the Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) Initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader background. Call Me Mister combines the special strengths of Clemson University with the individualized instructional programs offered by several colleges and universities in South Carolina. The project also has limited enrollment in the middle school Master of Arts in Teaching Program.
Partner Schools:
Aiken Technical College, Anderson University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Greenville Technical College, Horry Georgetown Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, Midlands Technical College, Morris College, Newberry College, Piedmont Technical College, South Carolina State University, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Tri-County Technical College, Trident Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken, University of South Carolina Beaufort, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Winthrop University
Call 800.640.2657, visit https://www.clemson.edu/education/callmemister/, or e-mail MISTER@clemson.edu.
Partner Schools:
Aiken Technical College, Anderson University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Greenville Technical College, Horry Georgetown Technical College, Lander University, Limestone College, Midlands Technical College, Morris College, Newberry College, Piedmont Technical College, South Carolina State University, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Community College, Tri-County Technical College, Trident Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken, University of South Carolina Beaufort, University of South Carolina Upstate, and Winthrop University
Call 800.640.2657, visit https://www.clemson.edu/education/callmemister/, or e-mail MISTER@clemson.edu.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a private or public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach in a high need field for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of TEACH Grants that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
READ MORE
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College Financial Newsletter
The Center's College Financial Newsletter serves as a resource tool between high schools and college admissions/financial aid representatives. The College Financial Newsletter tries to get students past the roadblocks that may discourage the prospective college student, as well as his or her parents, from pursuing a college education. To assist in finding information about college scholarships, loans and other programs, the Center publishes the College Financial Newsletter, a newsletter featuring a review of current financial aid information.
Financially Speaking
CERRA and The South Carolina Student Loan Corporation have partnered to created a new publication called Financially Speaking: Becoming a South Carolina Teacher. This brochure provides detailed information on financing a degree in teaching.
South Carolina Scholarship Programs
Palmetto Fellows
Students must meet all of the following academic criteria to receive funds at a four-year institution:
READ MORE
LIFE Scholarship
Students must meet two of the following three academic criteria to receive funds at a four-year institution:
For students attending an eligible two-year public/ private college or technical college in SC, the LIFE scholarship pays up to the maximum cost of tuition at the two-year regional campus (plus a $300 book allowance) each academic year.
Students must earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA based on the SC UGS upon high school graduation to receive the LIFE Scholarship at a two-year college.
Freshmen attending an eligible four-year college or university may receive up to $2,800 (including a $300 book allowance) toward the cost of attendance.
READ MORE
Students must meet all of the following academic criteria to receive funds at a four-year institution:
- 1200 SAT/27 ACT by the June national test administration.
- cumulative 3.5 GPA based on the Uniform Grading Scale (UGS) at the end of the senior year
- rank in the top 6% of the sophomore, junior, or senior year
READ MORE
LIFE Scholarship
Students must meet two of the following three academic criteria to receive funds at a four-year institution:
- 1100 SAT/24 ACT
- cumulative 3.0 GPA based on the UGS upon high school graduation
- rank in the top 30% of the graduating class
For students attending an eligible two-year public/ private college or technical college in SC, the LIFE scholarship pays up to the maximum cost of tuition at the two-year regional campus (plus a $300 book allowance) each academic year.
Students must earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA based on the SC UGS upon high school graduation to receive the LIFE Scholarship at a two-year college.
Freshmen attending an eligible four-year college or university may receive up to $2,800 (including a $300 book allowance) toward the cost of attendance.
READ MORE
Federal Sources for Financial Aid
Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - Loans made to parents who are then responsible for repaying the amount borrowed.
Federal Pell Grant - Direct aid for students based on need. Maximum amount awarded for the 2018-2019 is $6,095, depending on program funding, financial need, and cost of attendance. FAFSA completion automatically targets students who qualify.
Federal Stafford Loan
A type of federal loan available to students who are enrolled in college at least half-time. Borrowers who receive a Federal Stafford Loan may be eligible for the US Department of Education’s Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for teaching. Upon meeting specific criteria, including teaching for five consecutive, complete school years in a low income school, recipients may be eligible to forgive up to $17,500.
http://www.staffordloan.com/ and http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/teacher
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Grants of $100 to $4,000 for students with exceptional financial need.
Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) - Jobs on campus for students with financial need.
Click here for more Info.
- Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or permanent resident. (Eligible noncitizens may also receive federal student aid.)
- Be registered with the Selective Service, if you are a male 18 or older
- Have documented financial need for certain types of aid
- Have a high school diploma, a GED, or a passing score on a test approved by the U.S.
- Be enrolled as a regular student in a course of study leading to a degree or certificate
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Meet the school’s standard for academic progress
- http://studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/infographic-accessible
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - Loans made to parents who are then responsible for repaying the amount borrowed.
Federal Pell Grant - Direct aid for students based on need. Maximum amount awarded for the 2018-2019 is $6,095, depending on program funding, financial need, and cost of attendance. FAFSA completion automatically targets students who qualify.
Federal Stafford Loan
A type of federal loan available to students who are enrolled in college at least half-time. Borrowers who receive a Federal Stafford Loan may be eligible for the US Department of Education’s Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for teaching. Upon meeting specific criteria, including teaching for five consecutive, complete school years in a low income school, recipients may be eligible to forgive up to $17,500.
http://www.staffordloan.com/ and http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/teacher
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Grants of $100 to $4,000 for students with exceptional financial need.
Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) - Jobs on campus for students with financial need.
Click here for more Info.
FAFSA
Federal law requires the U.S. Department of Education to provide students with the opportunity to apply for federal aid without paying a fee. To be considered for student aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed and submitted. Forms are available in high school guidance offices and online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 800-4-FED-AID (800.433.3243).
To apply for FAFSA, you will need the following:
Electronic FAFSA form: www.fafsa.ed.gov
After applying, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) noting eligibility for aid.
To apply for FAFSA, you will need the following:
- An application or computer access for e-filing
- Social Security number
- The most recent student and parent income tax information
- All W-2 statements of earnings
- Current bank statements
- Any stocks, bonds or other investment statements
- a FSA ID to sign electronically
Electronic FAFSA form: www.fafsa.ed.gov
After applying, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) noting eligibility for aid.
Other Sources of Financial Aid
Private College Information
The South Carolina Tuition Grants Program provides undergraduate grant assistance to eligible SC residents who attend SC independent, non-profit (private) colleges on a full-time basis.
Visit www.sctuitiongrants.com
Think creatively about financial aid options!
**Consider community agencies, civic groups, corporations, cultural organizations, foundations, fraternal groups, religious organizations, and the military for additional aid.
Ask your guidance counselor, and check the guidance office’s bulletin boards OFTEN for local information.
The South Carolina Tuition Grants Program provides undergraduate grant assistance to eligible SC residents who attend SC independent, non-profit (private) colleges on a full-time basis.
Visit www.sctuitiongrants.com
Think creatively about financial aid options!
**Consider community agencies, civic groups, corporations, cultural organizations, foundations, fraternal groups, religious organizations, and the military for additional aid.
Ask your guidance counselor, and check the guidance office’s bulletin boards OFTEN for local information.
College Admissions Testing
Important Links
|
ACT
ACT Fee Waivers Call Me MISTER Cappex CERRA College Board CollegeNET FAFSA (English & Espanol) Federal Information Financial Aid for Minority Students Gates Millennium SC Scholarships & Colleges NABSE Private Sector Scholarships SAT SAT Fee Waivers (need-based) Scholarships for Education Majors School Soup SCABSE Scholarship SC Student Loan Corporation SC Teaching Fellows SC Teacher Loan SC Tuition Grants Student Aid InfoCenter The SmartStudent™ Guide to Financial Aid US Dept. of Education Veterans’ Affairs |
www.act.org
319.337.1270 www.callmemister.clemson.edu www.cappex.com www.cerra.org www.collegeboard.com www.collegenet.com www.fafsa.ed.gov / 800.433.3243 Student Aid Website Financial Aid for Minority Students www.gmsp.org www.che.sc.gov www.nabse.org www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.com 866.756.7436 CLICK HERE http://www.goodcall.com/scholarships/ http://www.scabse.net/SCABSE-Scholarship-Application.html www.scstudentloan.org or 800.347.2752 http://www.cerra.org/teachingFellows http://www.scstudentloan.org www.sctuitiongrants.com Student Aid Info Center www.finaid.org US Dept. of Ed. Website Veterans Affairs Website |
Need Some Good Advice?
We do our best to provide you with current links to additional information that can aid you in securing the finances needed for college. There are many other sources available on the internet. We encourage you to spend time researching for additional resources, but some of these sites do not have your best interests in mind. Don't fall prey to fraud when searching for information on student financial aid.
The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act helps protect against fraud in student financial assistance.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions students to look for tell-tale lines such as these:
The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act helps protect against fraud in student financial assistance.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions students to look for tell-tale lines such as these:
- “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
- “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
- “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
- “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
- “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
- “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
Financial Information for High School Graduates
Financial Aid
The following information lists loans, scholarships and grants that are available to qualifying students who are interested in teaching. These links take you directly to the Web sites where more information is available. There are also Web sites and free services listed where a search can be conducted for additional scholarships. Finally, registration information for college entrance exams is listed.
The Winthrop Initiative for STEM Educators (WISE)
The Winthrop Initiative for STEM* Educators (WISE) is dedicated to helping individuals not only financially, but also with personal support. There are multiple financial opportunities within the WISE program to help pay for an undergraduate and/or graduate teacher certification program. The WISE program is also dedicated to helping prepare talented individuals for teaching in high need schools and supporting them beyond graduation. For more information please visit our website.
*STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
*STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
South Carolina Need-Based Grants Program
The South Carolina Need-Based Grants Program is designed to provide additional financial aid assistance to South Carolina's neediest students. To qualify, a student must be "needy" as defined by Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs.
For More Information Contact:
Commission on Higher Education
1333 Main Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-2262; FAX: (803) 737-2297
MORE INFORMATION
For More Information Contact:
Commission on Higher Education
1333 Main Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-2262; FAX: (803) 737-2297
MORE INFORMATION
South Carolina Teachers Loan Program
The SC Teachers Loan Program encourages South Carolina residents to enter the teaching profession by helping with college expenses. These loans are canceled by teaching in South Carolina public schools in an area of critical need. For a list of the current critical subject areas and critical geographic schools go to: http://www.scstudentloan.org
For more information contact:
SC Student Loan Corporation
PO Box 21487
Columbia, SC 29221
Local phone: (803) 798-0916, Toll-free: (800) 347-2752
http://www.scstudentloan.org/applyforaloan.aspx
For more information contact:
SC Student Loan Corporation
PO Box 21487
Columbia, SC 29221
Local phone: (803) 798-0916, Toll-free: (800) 347-2752
http://www.scstudentloan.org/applyforaloan.aspx
South Carolina Tuition Grants Program
The purpose of the program is to provide undergraduate grant assistance to eligible South Carolina residents attending, on a full-time basis, certain independent non-profit colleges located in the state.
For More Information Contact:
Tuition Grants Commission
PO Box 12159
1310 Lady Street, Suite 811
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 734-1200; FAX: (803) 734-1426
www.sctuitiongrants.com
For More Information Contact:
Tuition Grants Commission
PO Box 12159
1310 Lady Street, Suite 811
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 734-1200; FAX: (803) 734-1426
www.sctuitiongrants.com
Federal Stafford Loan
A type of federal loan available to students who are enrolled in college at least half-time. Borrowers who receive a Federal Stafford Loan may be eligible for the US Department of Education’s Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for teaching. Upon meeting specific criteria, including teaching for five consecutive, complete school years in a low income school, recipients may be eligible to forgive up to $17,500.
http://www.staffordloan.com/ and http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/teacher
http://www.staffordloan.com/ and http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/teacher
Federal PLUS Program
The Federal PLUS Program was established to ease the burden that the cost of post-secondary education places on many families. Federal PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent students who need additional assistance or who may not qualify for other types of financial assistance.
MORE INFORMATION
MORE INFORMATION
Troops to Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a Federal Program under the Department of Defense that assists veterans in becoming teachers. The program offers counseling, financial, and placement assistance. For those who qualify, there is a $5,000 stipend to help qualify for a SC license to teach, or up to a $10,000 bonus to teach in a high needs school, or a combination of the two not to exceed $10,000.
For more information and qualification requirements, visit:
http://proudtoserveagain.com or call 800.231.6242.
For more information and qualification requirements, visit:
http://proudtoserveagain.com or call 800.231.6242.
Loan Forgiveness Programs
- Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program – provides up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for eligible teachers with Federal Direct Loans and Federal Stafford loans who work in low-income schools for five consecutive years. For more information about this program, go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher#teacher-loan-forgiveness
- Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation – provides full loan forgiveness of Federal Perkins loans for eligible teachers working in low income areas. For more information about this program, go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher#teacher-cancellation.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program – pays the remaining balance on a Federal Direct Loan after a loan recipient who works for a qualifying employer makes 120 consecutive monthly payments. Public school districts normally would be considered a qualifying employer. For more information go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
- Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: SC Commission on Higher Education, 1333 Main Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 737-2262. This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors in SC who have achieved a high score on the SAT, and have noteworthy GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, leadership, and counselor recommendations. Students must attend a South Carolina institution. May receive up to $6700 annually.
- LIFE Scholarships: SC Commission on Higher Education, 1333 Main Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 737-2293. This scholarship is available to all South Carolina residents who graduated from high school after 1995. If attending a technical college the student must have a B average to receive up to cost of attendance. If attending a 4-year institution the student must have a B average, minimal SAT score and take a minimum of 30 hours per year to receive up to cost of tuition.
- Scholarship Grants for Prospective Teachers: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Attn. Scholarship Grants, PO Box 789, 8th and Union Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47402, (812) 339-1156. This grant is for high school seniors in the top third of their class who plan to become teachers.
- The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) - This program provides grants of up to $4,000 for students with exceptional financial need.
- The Federal Perkins Loan Program - This program provides loans for students with demonstrated need. No interest is paid while you are enrolled in college. When you leave college, you must repay the loan with 5% interest.
- The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) - This program provides jobs for students with demonstrated need.
- Federal Pell Grants - These grants are based on your family's financial circumstances and may be used at the college of your choice.
- Call Me MISTER - The "Call Me MISTER" Program is a collaboration between Clemson University and historically black colleges to recruit, train, certify and secure employment for minority males as elementary teachers in the public schools of South Carolina. 1-800-640-2657 or CLICK HERE
- The Ron Brown Scholarship - This scholarship is open to African-American high school seniors who are academically talented and highly motivated. Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent academics, exceptional leadership potential, financial need and impact their communities through activities and service to others. Candidates must be pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees. Awards are $10,000 per year for four years. Visit http://www.RonBrown.org for more information.
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program - This scholarship is aimed at expanding access to higher education to those citizens who reflect the diverse society in which we live. The scholarship is designed to increase the number of African-American, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Americans and Hispanic Americans enrolling in and completing college degree programs. The United Negro College Fund administers the program in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the American Indian College Fund. 1-877-690-GMSP or http://www.gmsp.org.
- IPEDS College Opportunities On-Line - a direct link to over 9,000 colleges and universities in the United States. College Opportunities On-Line helps you find out about a specific college or set of colleges.
- Phi Delta Kappa Scholarships - The PDK Educational Foundation awards more than 30 scholarships each year to prospective educators who have a connection to PDK by having a family member or teacher who is a PDK member, or through membership in the Future Educators Association®. All scholarships are available under a single application.
Web Sites with Free Services
- ETS Net - offers a store where you can buy books and software to study for tests http://www.ets.org/
- fastWEB! (Financial Aid Search Through the Web) - This site provides a personally tailored search of scholarships and loans which you can check for updates. http://www.fastweb.com
- Kaplan - info on standardized tests such as the SAT http://www.kaplan.com
- Peterson's - This website brings together, at one central address, consistently organized information about educational opportunities at all levels, and gives individuals the ability to search Peterson's databases, as well as to request more information and apply to a school or program. www.petersons.com
- ThinkCollege- The Think College web site has been designed to provide information on educational opportunities beyond high school for learners of all ages. https://thinkcollege.net/
- XAP.com - This site will allow you to download college applications in any computer format. http://www.xap.com
Registration for College Entrance Exams
- SAT Registration : College Board APT, P.O. Box 6200, Princeton, NJ 08451-6200 (609-771-7600) or http://www.collegeboard.com
- ACT Registration: American College Testing Program, ACT Registration, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243 (319-337-1270) or http://www.act.org
Miscellaneous Information
Differences between the ACT and SAT Online Financial Aid Services
- FAFSA -http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
- Help in Completing the FAFSA - https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/help
- U.S. Department of Education - http://www.ed.gov/
Loan Forgiveness Programs
- Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program – provides up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for eligible teachers with Federal Direct Loans and Federal Stafford loans who work in low-income schools for five consecutive years. For more information about this program, go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher#teacher-loan-forgiveness
- Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation – provides full loan forgiveness of Federal Perkins loans for eligible teachers working in low income areas. For more information about this program, go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/perkins
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program – pays the remaining balance on a Federal Direct Loan after a loan recipient who works for a qualifying employer makes 120 consecutive monthly payments. Public school districts normally would be considered a qualifying employer. For more information go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
SC Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers who received a SC Teachers Loan or a SC PACE Loan may be eligible to forgive portions of your loan indebtedness by teaching in certain critical geographic and subject areas in the SC public school system. This forgiveness is available only to certified teachers and not to teacher's aides or teacher assistants and only to recipients of the SC Teachers Loan.
Information about teacher loan programs and forgiveness, including information about career changers, PACE, etc., can be found at https://scstudentloan.org/school-loans/sc-teacher-loan-programs-forgiveness.
- Critical Geographic Schools - If you taught in one of these schools during a particular school year, you may be eligible for forgiveness. Critical geographic areas are designated annually by the State Board of Education. It is the recipient's responsibility to determine a school's designation prior to accepting employment.
- Critical Subject Areas - If you received a loan to teach one of these subjects, you may be eligible for forgiveness.
Information about teacher loan programs and forgiveness, including information about career changers, PACE, etc., can be found at https://scstudentloan.org/school-loans/sc-teacher-loan-programs-forgiveness.
