Paying for College

- Central Carolina Technical College offers tuition-free college to qualifying current high school graduates.
- Students receiving the LIFE scholarship or Palmetto Fellows could possibly attend CCTC free of charge, in addition to receiving up to $150 per semester for book allowance (amount varies with enrollment).
- Most students can complete the first two years of their general education college courses at CCTC and then transfer to complete their degree at a 4-year college or university, resulting in tremendous cost savings.
- CCTC provides the convenience and affordability of living at home, while still offering student life activities.
- Small class size and convenient campus resources provide students with a good foundation for their college career.

Types of Assistance

Types of Assistance

Federal Pell Grants:
A Federal Pell Grant is based onneed and does not have to be paid back. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need – those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.

Federal Work-Study:
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education. FWS students are issued paychecks monthly to assist with educational expenses. Participants must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Federal Direct Loans:
Regular students who have completed a FAFSA and are enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time (6 hours) may be eligible for the Direct Loan Program.

South Carolina Need Based Grant:
The South Carolina Need Based Grant (SCNBG) is funded by the state of South Carolina. The funds are awarded to students on a basis of need. Early applicants are given first priority for consideration. Participants must enroll in at least 6 credit hours and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

SC Foster Care:
SC Foster Care youth are eligible for additional Need Based Grant funding. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Lottery Tuition Assistance:
Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) is available to South Carolina residents that complete a FAFSA and meet all other LTA criteria. According to state law, federal grants and need-based grants will be applied against technical college tuition before lottery-funded tuition assistance will be applied.

LIFE Scholarship:
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship Program, approved by the General Assembly in 1998, is merit based. Students graduating from a South Carolina High School who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who enroll in 12 credit hours above the 100-level will be eligible for the LIFE Scholarship. This scholarship pays up to $2500 in tuition costs each semester. Eligibility criteria may be found at http://www.che.sc.gov.

SC WINS Scholarship:
The SC Workforce and Industrial Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) supplements Lottery Tuition Assistance to help cover tuition and mandatory fees left after applying all other scholarships or grants.

Foundation Scholarships:
Scholarships are provided through the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation and the generosity of industries, businesses, professional organizations, civic clubs and individuals. Each scholarship is awarded for one academic year beginning with the fall semester. Students must reapply each year. Visit http://www.cctech.edu/about/cctcfoundation/foundation-scholarships/ for more information about Foundation Scholarships.

Central Carolina Scholars:
Central Carolina Technical College along with community partners provides two years (six consecutive semesters) at Central Carolina Technical College tuition-free for high school students in the graduating class of 2022 and 2023 who graduate on time. For a complete list of criteria to receive a scholarship and to maintain scholarship eligibility, visit the College’s website, or contact the Financial Aid Office at (803) 778-7831.