The Gamecock Guarantee ensures that the cost of undergraduate tuition, technology fee and average program fees at USC Columbia will be covered through grants and scholarships. At a minimum, the program provides each eligible student $4,500 per year as long as their grant and scholarship aid does not cover the total cost of attendance. If the combined total of the $4,500 award, grant and scholarship aid does not cover the cost of tuition, technology fee, and average program fees, the Gamecock Guarantee program will increase the award to cover the difference.

In addition to the monetary award, the program provides comprehensive academic support services through the TRIO Programs office or the South Carolina Honors College if admitted as an honors student.

Following are the eligibility requirements for the program:

• S.C. resident
• First-time, full time freshman
• First-generation freshman entering in the fall semester
• Low-income family
• Submit USC application by Dec. 1
• Submit a complete FAFSA and any additional information requested by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships 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.