Federal Student Aid
South Carolina State University offers and accepts a wide variety of aid for students.
Please review carefully the aid available and all processes and procedures for application
and administration.
To receive Federal aid, students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) immediately after October 1st. The school code for South Carolina State University
is 003446. Remember: Some funds are limited, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible.
Applying for financial aid and applying for admission to South Carolina State University
are separate processes. Students do not need to wait to be admitted to the University
to complete the FAFSA. Students’ data will be reviewed for financial aid eligibility
when they have been officially accepted for admission into a degree-seeking program.
New and transfer students need to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or College of Graduate & Professional Studies and follow their instructions regarding the admissions process.
Priority Application Filing Dates
Some financial aid funds are limited, so we recommend you complete your FAFSA and
apply as soon as possible. Be sure to file by the dates below
- Fall or Academic Year Enrollment – May 1st
- Spring Semester Enrollment – November 1st
- Summer Enrollment – April 1st
Federal and State Aid Eligibility
While we want to ensure as many students as possible can access and obtain aid as
needed, you must meet the requirements below to be eligible.
- Have a processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
- Be admitted as a regular student in a degree-seeking program.
- Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Males between the ages of 18-25 must register with Selective Service.
- Not be in default or owe a repayment of any Title IV funds.
- Register for a sufficient number of credit hours for certain types of aid.
In addition, some types of aid require that you register for a sufficient number of
credit hours. Review the requirements of your aid documentation carefully to ensure
you are meeting the required number of hours.
Federal Verification Process
Verification is a process in which a FAFSA is selected for review by the Department
of Education.
We are pleased to announce we have established a partnership with Inceptia to expedite the verification process for South Carolina State University Verification Gateway (VG) from Inceptia is an online portal to guide students and parents through verification.
If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S Department of Education,
you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org, or postcard from Inceptia, containing South Carolina State University’s unique website link to start the verification process.
We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification
from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments.
Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of
your financial aid.
Follow these steps to complete your verification.
- Access our school’s unique website link in the email from VGCS@inceptia.org or listed below.
- Create your account* and choose preferences for text messages and e-signatures.
- Complete your Task List.
- Confirm your signature and review your information.
- Sign your account.
*If you are a dependent student, your parent also needs to create their own account
and complete each of these steps.
South Carolina State University Verification Gateway Links and Deadlines
Questions about the verification process?
Contact Inceptia, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Central at 833.932.1877 or
VGCS@inceptia.org .
About Inceptia
Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access
and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. Our
mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial
success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching
their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping
schools maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning
experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.
Important Forms and Documents
There are several additional forms that may be required as you pursue your financial
aid and other types of assistance in paying for school. For your convenience, they
are all linked below.
2025-26 Academic Year
2024-25 Academic Year
Previous Terms
Contact Us
Have more questions about financial aid? Let us know and we'll respond as soon as
possible. Reach us at 803-536-7067 or financialaid@scsu.edu.
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