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Undergraduate Aid
The financial aid process can seem overwhelming – it doesn’t have to be.
We are here to help you every step of the way. We believe a high-quality, Christian education should be accessible and affordable. That is why 100% of our undergraduate students receive financial aid assistance. Together, we will find a financial aid package that will make your journey to Anderson University a reality.
Undergraduate students can apply for financial aid as early as October 1 each year and may be eligible for institutional awards, federal & state financial aid, and outside funding. Types of financial aid are listed below.
Have any questions? We’re happy to help.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
864.231.7555 | Aid@AndersonUniversity.edu
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AID
This scholarship is awarded to academically outstanding SC residents who attend an in-state college full-time. For more information, please visit www.che.sc.gov.
Application: Students must meet the academic criteria of the program and apply by the deadline dates (usually April 15 & June 15) of their senior year. Applications and additional information are available through the high school guidance office.
Eligibility: General eligibility requirements can be found at www.che.sc.gov. Academic requirements are as follows:
- For early awards:
- A minimum score of 1200 on the SAT (25 on the ACT) by the March national test administration, minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the junior year, and rank in the top 6% of the class at the end of the sophomore or junior year.
OR
- A minimum score of 1400 on the SAT (31 on the ACT) by the March national test administration and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the junior year.
- For late awards:
- Minimum score of 1200 on the SAT (25 on the ACT) by the June national test administration of the senior year, minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year, and rank in the top 6% of the class at the end of the sophomore, junior, or senior year.
OR
- A minimum score of 1400 on the SAT (31 on the ACT) by the June national test administration of the senior year and a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year.
Continuation: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn 30 credit hours each academic year. Credit hours earned before high school graduation, hours exempted, CLEP, IB, and AP cannot be used to meet the credit hour requirement.
MERIT BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
For first-time freshmen based on their academic credentials.
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 1300 SAT or 28 ACT or 88 CLT
Students can only receive 1 of 5 Anderson University merit-based scholarships. Requirements for these scholarships must be met by March 1. Scholarships for first-time freshmen are renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment. Full-time (12 credit hours or more each semester) enrollment at AU is required. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew their awards from year to year.
COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
Check out our frequently asked questions regarding our competitive scholarships. 
For first-time freshmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and mission-fit to Anderson University. The ability to apply for this scholarship is by invitation only.
- 3.5+ high school GPA; and
- 1250+ SAT or 27+ ACT or 82+ CLT
PROGRAM-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS
Students can compete for a portfolio-based visual arts scholarship up to $5,000. A portfolio review is recommended for all students planning to major in Art + Design. Click here for more information
OTHER ANDERSON UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Grant awarded to any out-of-state student (cannot be a South Carolina resident.)
FEDERAL GRANTS (FAFSA Required)
Pell Grants are a program for students who have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree. PELL Grants are considered to be the foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. PELL Grants do not have to be repaid and can only be received for up to 12 full-time semesters of enrollment. Students can track their remaining PELL Grant eligibility on the Federal Student Aid website or the SAR.
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS (FAFSA Required)
Subsidized Loans are low-interest loans made by the US Department of Education (ED) that are awarded on the basis of financial need. No interest payments are required before repayment begins or during an authorized period of deferment. The federal government subsidizes the loan during these periods by paying the interest on behalf of the student. This loan does not require a credit check.
To determine eligibility, a student must complete a FAFSA and the AU financial aid process. Students must also complete an online Entrance Counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Loan limits are determined by grade level. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours each semester. Repayment begins 6 months after graduating or dropping below 6 credit hours. This 6-month period is referred to as the “grace period.”
OTHER FUNDING OPTIONS
Private student loans are the last resource for students who are not eligible for other financial aid or who may need additional funds to meet education expenses. Private student loans should be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, as they typically have higher interest rates than federal student loans, are credit-based, and do not always offer the same benefits as federal student loans. Students are responsible for finding the company through which they want to obtain the loan. Students can seek loan options through banks, credit unions, and other student loan services. Click here to access a tool that helps student research and apply for private student loans.
MILITARY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
These benefits can be awarded up to the cost of attendance as defined by Title IV regulation. Service members must be in good academic standing with AU to receive funding. The maximum amount is determined annually by the SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE). To determine eligibility, contact the Services Office.
Students with outside scholarships that require billing are handled by Anderson Central. Please email this office for additional information.