The SC HOPE Scholarship Program was established under the SC Education Lottery Act approved by the General Assembly during the 2001 legislative session. The program is a merit-based scholarship created for students attending a four-year institution who do not qualify for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. Students attending an eligible four-year public or private college or university will receive up to $2,800 (including a $300 book allowance) towards the cost-of-attendance during the first-year of attendance only. Applicant must 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. A student who transfers from a two-year college or university to an eligible four-year college or university who enrolled in remedial courses during the freshman year may be eligible to receive the SC HOPE Scholarship. There is no application required for the SC HOPE Scholarship. The college or university will determine eligibility based upon the final official high school transcript and will notify students if eligible to receive the scholarship. If you believe that you are eligible, but have not received information from the college or university, please contact the financial aid office at the college to inquire about your eligibility.