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Coker College offers access to the following federal, state, and Coker aid programs. We consider the unique circumstances and preferences of each student and family to the extent that we are able.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
Undergraduates receiving Pell Grant funds that are US citizens enrolled full-time in their freshman or sophomore academic year could be eligible for ACG. The ACG is a need-based grant and does not have to be repaid. Freshman students that have completed a rigorous secondary school program, graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and have not been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program could be eligible for up to $750. Sophomore students must have completed a rigorous secondary school program and graduated from high school after January 1, 2005 and have at least 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the completion of their first year of postsecondary study. Sophomore students could receive up to $1,300. For more information, press on the following link: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/NewPrograms.jsp.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)
Undergraduates may receive SMART if they are US citizens enrolled full-time in their junior or senior academic year in an eligible degree program in physical, life, computer sciences, engineering, technology, mathematics, and/or critical-need foreign language, and have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Students eligible for SMART could receive up to $4,000 during their third and fourth academic years. For more information, press on the following link: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/NewPrograms.jsp.

South Carolina Tuition Grants are grants awarded to state residents who are full-time students at South Carolina independent colleges. The awards are based on family resources, cost of the College, and satisfactory progress toward a degree. Use FAFSA to apply.

SC HOPE Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship is a non-renewable scholarship for entering freshmen residents of South Carolina who are enrolled full-time. Awards are made automatically so no scholarship application is required. The HOPE Scholarship may be received for no more than two semesters and only during the first year of college enrollment. Award amounts are determined annually by the SC General Assembly. Currently, the maximum value is $2800. General eligibility requirements and additional information including Frequently Asked Questions and Appeal guidelines are available at the Commission of Higher Education's website at http://www.che.sc.gov/New_Web/GoingToCollege/HOPE_Hm.htm

South Carolina LIFE Scholarships (varies yearly but can be up to $4500) are awarded to state residents who meet at least two of the following three criteria: 1) 3.0 cumulative grad point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; 2) a score of 1100 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or an equivalent ACT score of 24; 3) rank in the top thirty percent of the graduating class.

SC Enhancement for LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
The LIFE and Palmetto Fellow Enhancement Scholarship is offered at the beginning of the sophomore year to students enrolled in one of the following programs: science, mathematics, computer science, information technology, engineering, science education, math education, and healthcare. The students would have completed 14 hours in math and science during their freshman year. The maximum value is $7,500 per year for LIFE recipients and $10,000 per year for Palmetto Fellows recipients. General eligibility requirements and additional information including Frequently Asked Questions and Appeal guidelines are available at the Commission of Higher Education's website at http://www.che.sc.gov/New_Web/GoingToCollege/HOPE_Hm.htm

SC Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. Each Palmetto Fellow may receive a scholarship of up to $6,700 for their first year and up to $7500 each subsequent year. Palmetto Fellows may be supported for a maximum of eight full time terms of study toward the first baccalaureate degree at a participating institution in South Carolina. Selection and initial notification is made by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). Application is made during the senior year of high school through the high school guidance office. Click here for more information on http://www.che.sc.gov/New_Web/GoingToCollege/PF_Hm.htm

Federal Pell Grant provides undergraduate students with financial assistance to attend post-secondary educational institutions. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined solely by financial resources of a student's family and the cost of the institution. The Pell grant requires the FAFSA to be filed. All students requesting financial aid are expected to apply each year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are available to a limited number of undergraduate students from low income families. Financially eligible students who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis may receive awards up to $4,000.00 per year. This award also requires the student to file the FAFSA each year.

The Federal Perkins Loan are low interest (5%) loans for students with exceptional financial need. These loans are made through the Coker College Financial Aid Office using federal government funds. They do not require a separate loan application. Students may borrow up to $3,000.00 per year, up to a total of $15,000.00. Repayment of the loan begins nine months after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment. The Perkins loan requires the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Federal Stafford Loans are available to students enrolled on at least a half-time basis who demonstrate satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students may borrow up to $3,500 in the first year; $4,500, the second; $5,500.00, the third year; and $5,500.00 in the fourth year. Repayment on the principal and interest of Federal Stafford Loans must begin six months from the time that a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Students who do not qualify for interest benefits will be encouraged, but not required, to make periodic interest payments while in school. Stafford loans require the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Federal Parent Loans Unsubsidized (PLUS) are available for those who need additional loan funds after all other awards have been applied. Such loans are only limited by a student's cost of attendance, but do require a credit check. These loans are taken in the name of the parent but the funds must be spent on educational expenses. If a parent tries for but does not qualify for a PLUS loan, then the student can be eligible for Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to students whose parents have tried for but are not eligible for the PLUS loan. Students may borrow up to $6,000.00 in the first year; $6,000.00 in the second year; $7,000.00 in the third year; and $7,000.00 in the fourth year. Repayment on the principal and interest of Federal Stafford Loans must begin six months from the time that a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Students who do not qualify for interest benefits will be encouraged, but not required, to make periodic interest payments while in school. Stafford loans require the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

The Federal College Work-Study Program (CWSP) provides part-time jobs to defray college expenses. A federally subsidized assistance program, CWSP uses financial need as the prime consideration for participation. A student may work up to 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage rate. This also requires the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Coker College Scholarships Among the many College-endowed scholarships, described under Institutional Scholarships, are several that give priority to students with financial need. These awards do not require a FAFSA to be applied for.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was created to modernize workforce development in the areas of unemployed and underemployed individuals. The WIA program is federally funded. One-Stop agencies within the state of South Carolina provide WIA opportunities for those looking to access education, training, and information on careers. Potential clients can apply for WIA benefits through their local county One-Stop office. If the client is approved, the One-Stop office assigns a case work to work with the client on determining their educational needs. Through WIA, a client can receive one or all of the following types of funding: educational funding for tuition, fees, and/or books. Click on the following website to access further information: http://www.sces.org/jobs-training.asp.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) helps those workers that lost their job due to work being outsourced to other countries. The TAA program is federally funded. Potential clients would contact their local county One-Stop office to determine eligibility and benefits. If the client is approved, the One-Stop office assigns a case work to work with the client on determining their educational needs. Through TAA, a client can receive one or all of the following types of funding: educational funding for tuition, fees, and/or books. Click on the following website to access further information: http://www.sces.org/jobs-training.asp.

Other Financial Options

Aid from Private Sources Installment Payment Plan provides a method of paying yearly educational expenses in scheduled payments over a period of 10 months. There is an annual enrollment fee. Information is mailed directly to students each summer. For more information you may go to this web site: www.TuitionPay.com

Aid for Handicapped Students Vocational rehabilitation offices provide educational benefits and other services for handicapped persons. Anyone interested in these services should contact his or her local vocational rehabilitation office.

Apogee Search Essay Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to the student who gives the best-written projection of Google's influence in the search engine marketing industry within the next 5 years. Application details are located at the Apogee website www.Apogee-Search.com/scholarship.

Army Emergency Relief Scholarship For spouses of active duty Army soldiers and the widows and widowers of soldiers who have died while on active duty. This scholarship is to assist spouses in furthering their education. To apply go to www.aerhq.org.

Veterans' Benefits The Veterans Administration recognizes Coker College as an eligible institution to provide education to qualified veterans. Veterans and veterans' dependents should contact the Veterans Administration (1-800-827-1000) for information and forms. You may also go on-line to apply at: www.gibillexpress.com. Veterans enrolled in the Coker Military Programs should contact: Angela White at 843-383-8055 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it