SC State's free summer scholarships give rising seniors boost toward graduation
Students must have completed at least 81 semester credits for eligibility.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Rising seniors at South Carolina State University have one less thing to worry about: Summer Session tuition.
SC State is offering free summer scholarships to students who have earned at least 81 semester credits — helping them move one step closer to graduation while easing the financial burden.
“This program is all about finishing strong,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “We want students to stay on track, get back on track or accelerate, and most importantly, we want them to graduate. This reduces one of the most challenging barriers to completing a college degree.”
Eligibility: Rising seniors who earned a minimum of 81 semester credits at the end of the 2025 Spring Semester. Students who enroll in up to nine semester hours this summer automatically will receive the scholarship.
Eligible students can receive full tuition coverage for up to nine credit hours during the 2025 Summer Session, which is offered online. That means rising seniors can tackle required courses, dive into their majors, or explore new academic interests — all without pulling out their wallets.
Why having 81 semester credits matters
Having completed 81 semester credits typically means a student is entering the senior year, just shy of the 90 credits often required for senior status. At this stage, students are often focused on specialized coursework, research, or internships related to their major. This is also a prime time to take advantage of summer programs that offer scholarships, stipends, or tuition waivers to help finish degree requirements or explore career-related fields.
“As the academic year winds down, many college students begin planning how to make the most of their summer,” said Dr. Frederick Evans, SC State provost and vice president for academic affairs. “For rising seniors entering their final year of college, summer can be a pivotal time to gain experience, boost their resumes, or complete the remaining credits.
“For students with 81 semester credits, the good news is that free summer scholarships are available to help lighten the financial load and provide unique opportunities for advancement at SC State University,” Evans said.
The initiative is expected to boost graduation rates by helping students avoid costly delays that can come with part-time enrollment or missed semesters due to financial stress.
“This scholarship is a game-changer,” Conyers said. “It’s a chance for students to use their summer wisely, reduce debt, and walk across the stage on time.”
With financial stress off the table, SC State’s rising seniors can focus on what really matters: preparing for that final year, launching careers, and finishing their Bulldog journey strong.
Upperclassmen can register for the 2025 Summer Session using the Bulldog Connection Portal in SCSUAppsto register for classes. All summer classes for 2025 will be taught entirely online or through a videoconferencing platform.
Schedule:
- 1st Summer Session classes will run May 15, 2025 – June 23, 2025.
- 2nd Summer Session Classes will run June 25, 2025 – July 31, 2025.
Evans noted that students should consult with their academic advisors regarding course selection.