Merit Scholarship

Allen University offers a merit-based scholarship for honor students who meet certain criteria based on availability of funds. Additionally, students who are South Carolina residents can receive the state funded LIFE Scholarship and the Merit Scholarship.

Life Scholarship

The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the Financial Aid Office at each eligible public and independent college and university in South Carolina. The LIFE Scholarship may be used towards the cost of attendance for up to eight terms based on the student's initial college enrollment date. Students must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate's degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree program in order to initially receive this award.

General Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduate from high school or complete a home school program as prescribed by law.
• Attend an eligible South Carolina public or private college or university.
• Be a South Carolina resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time of college enrollment.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (who meets the definition of a eligible non-citizen according to State Residency Statutes).
• Be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student.
• Certify that he or she has never been convicted of any felonies and has not been convicted of any alcohol or other drug-related misdemeanor convictions within the past academic year.
• Verify that he or she is not in default and does not owe a refund or repayment on any Federal or State financial aid.
• Must not be a SC HOPE Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance recipient.
  

Initial Eligibility Requirements:
In order to qualify for the LIFE Scholarship, first-time entering freshman attending an eligible four-year institution must meet two of three of the following criteria:

1. Earn a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) based on the SC Uniform Grading Scale upon high school graduation

The grade point average must be reported to two decimal places (minimum) and cannot be rounded. The GPR must be calculated after official completion of courses required for graduation.

2. Score an 1100 on the SAT or an equivalent 24 on the ACT
SAT/ACT scores will be accepted through the June national test administration of the high school graduation year.
It is permissible to select the highest SAT Critical Reading score (formerly known as SAT Verbal) combined with the highest SAT Math score from different test administrations. Students cannot use the SAT Writing subsection score to meet the minimum 1100 SAT requirement.
The ACT composite score must be at one test sitting.

3. Rank in the top 30% of the graduating class
The ranking percentages must be reported in two decimal places (minimum) and cannot be rounded. The class rank must be based on the SC Uniform Grading Scale.
The rank must be based on all students who received their diploma during the traditional graduation ceremony typically in May/June. The graduating class cannot include any students who graduated during the summer.

Interested persons can contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

OTHER INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Allen University offers a variety of scholarships based on athletic and choral ability. Awards are made by the appropriate departments based on tryouts and auditions.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
Allen University's academic regulations specify the minimum cumulative grade point average a student must earn in order to avoid being placed on academic probation or suspension.
Academic progress to receive aid will be reviewed at the end of each semester and a decision regarding satisfactory progress is made at the end of the academic year. Students placed on financial aid suspension for not meeting academic progress will be notified in a timely manner and may contact the Financial Aid Office for information about the appeal process.

INFORMATION For additional information regarding financial aid programs, application procedures or aid awards, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (866) 828-1514 or (803) 376-5740 (See the Director of Financial Aid).