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Traditional 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?
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
864.231.7555 | Aid@AndersonUniversity.edu
PLEASE CHECK THE ACADEMIC CATALOG FOR DETAILED FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Please check the AU Catalog for more detailed information and limitations regarding financial aid.
SCHOLARSHIPS / GRANTS/ ENHANCEMENTS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) RESIDENTS
The below programs are contingent upon approved funding by the South Carolina State Legislature.
This award is for academically outstanding SC residents who attend an in-state college full-time. Recipients are selected by the SC Commission on Higher Education. For more information click here.
Eligibility Requirements
- With Class Rank: 3.5 high school GPA (SCUGP) + 1200 SAT or 25 ACT + top 6% of your class in grade 10, 11, or 12.
- Without Class Rank: 4.0 high school GPA (SCUGP) at the end of your senior year + 1400 SAT or 31 ACT by the June national test of your senior year.
- Please email us for information on eligibility requirements if you graduate mid-year.
Restrictions & Renewal
- HOPE & LIFE recipients may not receive this award.
- This award can increase to $7,500 in future years if meet eligibility requirements.
- Renewal requires a 3.0 GPA at AU and 30 credits each academic year at AU or a PFS-eligible institution. Dual enrollment credits, transfer credits, and credits earned before college (AP, CLEP, IB) may not be used to meet the 30-credit requirement.
This merit-based scholarship is available to SC residents who attend an eligible in-state college full-time. For more information click here.
Eligibility Requirements (must meet 2 out of 3)
- 3.0 high school GPA (SCUGP).
- 1100 SAT or 22 ACT.
- Rank in the top 30% of your graduating class (not applicable to mid-year graduates).
Restrictions & Renewal
- PFS & HOPE recipients may not receive this award.
- Renewal requires a 3.0 GPA at AU and 30 credits each academic year at AU or another institution. Dual enrollment credits, transfer credits, and credits earned before college (AP, CLEP, IB) may be used to meet the 30-credit requirement.
This scholarship is available to SC residents who do not meet LIFE scholarship criteria but do meet minimum GPA requirements. For more information click here.
Eligibility Requirements
- 3.0 high school GPA (SCUGP).
Additional Information
- This scholarship is for freshmen only. Hope recipients may be eligible for the LIFE Scholarship in subsequent years if you earn a 3.0 LIFE GPA and 30 credits by the end of the academic year.
This is available for PFS & LIFE Scholarship recipients in eligible majors during their Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. For more information click here.
Eligibility & Renewal Requirements
- You must meet all the eligibility requirements for the base scholarship (PFS or LIFE) and be enrolled in an eligible major (Accounting, STEM, Education).
- Please see the AU Catalog for additional information about eligible majors/courses & other requirements.
This is a need-based program for SC residents who attend an eligible in-state college full-time. For more information click here.
Eligibility & Renewal Requirements
AU MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Students can only receive 1 of the 5 asterisked (*) merit-based scholarships. All requirements must be met by March 1. Scholarships for first-time freshmen are renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters of full-time undergraduate AU enrollment (12 or more credits each semester). Student must meet SAP to renew these awards.
For first-time freshmen based on their academic credentials.
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 1300 SAT or 28 ACT or 88 CLT
For first-time freshmen based on their academic credentials.
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 1220 SAT or 25 ACT or 78 CLT or top 10% of class
For first-time freshmen based on their academic credentials.
- 3.0 high school GPA
- 1100 SAT or 22 ACT or 74 CLT or top 20% of class
For first-time freshmen based on their academic credentials.
- 3.0 high school GPA
- 1020 SAT or 20 ACT or 66 CLT or top 30% of class
Awarded to any first-time freshmen not receiving a President’s Founder’s, Provost’s, or Dean’s Scholarship.
Awarded to first-time transfer students only based on their college GPA:
Scholarship | GPA |
$14,000 | 3.5 – 4.0 |
$13,000 | 3.0 – 3.49 |
$12,000 | 2.5 – 2.99 |
Merit-Based Scholarships for Transfer Students
Awarded to first-time transfer students based on cumulative college GPA, as follows:
Scholarship | GPA |
$14,000 | 3.5-4.0 |
$13,000 | 3.0-3.49 |
$12,000 | 2.5-2.99 |
AU COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
Competitive scholarships are designed for the highest achieving, first-time freshmen who meet eligibility requirements. Test scores are required to receive consideration for these scholarships.
This program provides opportunities for first-time freshmen students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and mission-fit to AU.
Program Details
- Presidential Fellows – Full Tuition, Housing, Food
- Academic Fellows Scholarship – Full Tuition, Housing Stipend
- AU Fellows Scholarship – Full Tuition
Eligibility Requirements
- 5 high school GPA.
- Score 1250 SAT or 27 ACT or 82 CLT.
Additional Information
- The annual award renewal amount is capped at the monetary amount noted in the contract.
- Outside scholarships and Federal grants and loans may be applied to cover housing and food.
This is a competitive annual scholarship that is reserved for first-time freshmen. The ability to apply for this scholarship is by invitation only.
- 3.0+ high school GPA
- 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT or 74+ CLT
Click here to access FAFSA.
AU is privileged to serve as the host site for the Palmetto Boys State Encampment. In recognition of this partnership, AU offers one $40,000 ($10,000 per year) scholarship each year to a first-time freshman who participated in this event. The recipient must be named a Palmetto Boys State Citizen, submit an application, and participate in the scholarship interview event by the Office of Admission. The recipient must live on campus from his freshman year through his senior year. The deadline to apply is January 15.
The Center for Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family is proud to support the One Anderson Scholarship Competition. This scholarship seeks to equip first-time freshmen and transfers who are passionate about making AU, the Church, and the world – places where we truly and biblically reflect God’s design for humanity. While this is the highest award opportunity, there are other scholarships of varying amounts that are generously awarded each year.
Eligibility Requirements
- First-time freshmen: 3.0 high school GPA.
- Transfers: 2.5 high school GPA.
Additional Information
- Interviewees will be chosen based on their applications.
This scholarship is reserved for first-time freshmen who reside in Anderson County. The ability to apply for this scholarship is by invitation only and is sent to all eligible students in January of their senior year. While this is the highest award opportunity, there are other scholarships of varying amounts that are generously awarded each year.
Eligibility Requirements
- 3.0 high school GPA.
- 1100 SAT or 22 ACT or 74 CLT or top 30% of their class.
Click here to access FAFSA.
PROGRAM-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS
These opportunities are available only to students who plan on majoring in certain areas of study.
Art + Design Portfolio Review
- A portfolio review is RECOMMENDED for all students planning to major in Art + Design.
- Students are invited to compete for a portfolio-based visual scholarship.
Music Audition Scholarship
- An audition is REQUIRED for all students planning to major in Music.
- Students are invited to compete for a performance-based Music scholarship.
Theatre & Dance Audition Scholarship
- An audition is REQUIRED for all students planning to major in Theatre or Dance.
- Students are invited to compete for a performance-based Theatre scholarship.
An application and portfolio review are RECOMMENDED for students interested in this scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
- 4.0 high school GPA.
- 1250 SAT or 27 ACT.
This annual award is given to students who have been accepted into the College of Christian Studies.
This award is available to eligible SC residents pursuing an undergraduate Education degree. (Students enrolled in online or hybrid degree programs are not eligible for this award.)
Information
- You must be a resident of SC at the time of your high school graduation to be eligible for this award.
- You must apply online between October 1 and December 1 of your final year of high school.
- Failure to perform teaching obligations will convert this award to a loan that must be repaid.
- Complete information can be found here.
Renewal
- Earn a 2.8 cumulative GPA.
- Complete 30 credits per academic year.
This loan is available to SC residents who are interested in changing careers to a teaching career and are enrolled (or intend to enroll) in an Education degree program.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have earned a baccalaureate degree at least 3 years ago (unless you are currently an instructional assistant in a SC public school).
- You must be employed full-time for at least 3 years.
- Loan forgiveness is available to qualified students.
- Complete information can be found here.
This loan is available to SC residents who are enrolled in an Education degree program and plan to teach in the SC public school system upon graduation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Loan forgiveness is available to qualified students.
- 1020 SAT or 18 ACT.
- Rank in the top 40% of your graduating class.
Information
- You must be making satisfactory academic progress on a minimum half-time basis.
- If you are already certified to teach, you must seek certification in a different subject area.
- Loan forgiveness is available to qualified students.
- Complete information can be found here.
Renewal
- Earn a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Pass the Praxis Core or score 1100 SAT or 22 ACT.
Please speak with your Admission Counselor and consult the Financial Planning Guide online.
ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Awarded to AU students who come from outside SC.
Awarded to first-time entering freshmen or transfer students in good standing with a Baptist church.
Awarded to first-time entering freshmen or transfer students who are named a Boys or Girls State citizen by their state.
Awards vary by sport and are determined by coaches. Please contact your coach for scholarship availability.
Awarded to students who send their member information to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Submit certificates of attendance or request information here.
Students who attend a Summit Student Conference prior to their high school graduation are eligible for this scholarship. Please let your Admission Counselor know about your participation and provide a certificate of attendance here.
Students who attend a Worldview Academy Camp prior to their high school graduation are eligible for this scholarship. Please let your Admission Counselor know about your participation and provide a certificate of attendance here.
Students who participate in NCFCA Nationals in high school are eligible for this scholarship. To take advantage of this offer, please let your Admission Counselor know about your participation and provide a certificate of attendance here.
This award is for international students who do not qualify for an AU Merit-Based Scholarship.
Outside scholarships that require billing are handled by Anderson Central. Locate outside scholarships here
FEDERAL GRANTS & LOANS
All students must meet basic eligibility requirements.
This need-based grant is for students without a previously earned baccalaureate degree. Pell is considered to be the foundation of Federal financial aid, to which other financial aid might be added. This grant does not have to be repaid but can be received for a maximum of 12 full-time semesters of enrollment. You can lose PELL eligibility if you receive non-federal financial aid (state, institutional, private) that equals or exceeds your Cost of Attendance (COA).
This limited grant is based on financial need, your award package, and fund availability at AU. To be considered, you must be PELL-eligible. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
The TEACH Grant is for students (except for Freshmen) who agree to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Locate additional information in the AU Academic Catalog and here.
Students should consider available Federal Student Loans before their parents borrow a PLUS Loan (see below). Interest rates & loan origination fees are higher for PLUS loans than Federal Student Loans. Federal Student Loans do not require a credit check.
Subsidized Loan: This is a low-interest loan made by Federal government that is based on financial need. No interest payments are required before repayment begins or during an periods of deferment. The Federal government subsidizes the loan during these periods by paying the interest on your behalf.
Unsubsidized Loan: This is a low-interest loan made by the Federal government that is not based on financial need. Interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed. You may allow the interest to accumulate, which will cause it to be added to the loan amount. Interest will be charged based on the loan amount & accumulated interest. This is called capitalization. If you decide to pay the interest, you will avoid capitalization and lower your loan payments.
Current Student Loan Limits (prior to July 1, 2026)
|
|
| ||||
Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
| Lifetime Loan Limits | |
Dependent Students | $5,500 | $6,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| $31,000 |
Independent Students | $9,500 | $10,500 | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| $57,500 |
New Student Loan Limits (effective July 1, 2026)
- Annual loan limits remain unchanged.
- Lifetime loan limits: $257,500 for all federal loans (undergraduate & graduate).
Note: Recent federal legislation contains provisions that impact student loans. Provisions include loan repayment, loan limits, and loan legacy. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Note: Federal student loans originate with the Department of Education (DOE) and are used to fund one’s education at AU. When you enter loan repayment, please be aware that your loan may be serviced by a third-party. This third-party is neither the DOE nor AU.
These loans are available to parents of dependent students. The parent must be the student’s biological parent, adoptive parent, or stepparent (if the biological or adoptive parent has remarried at the time of application).
Before a parent can apply, the student must be enrolled at least half-time. Parents must apply online at the Federal Student Aid website. If approved, the parent will be required to complete an MPN. If denied, a dependent student will be offered an additional Unsubsidized Loan based on grade level. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website. Parent PLUS loans require a credit check.
Current Limits (prior to July 1, 2026)
- Annual Limit: Determined by formula.
- Aggregate Limit: No limit.
New Limits (effective July 1, 2026)
- Annual Limit: $20,000 per student (combined from all parents).
- Aggregate Limit: $65,000 per student.
Note: Recent federal legislation contains provisions that impact student loans. Provisions involve loan repayment, loan limits, and loan legacy allowances. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Note: Federal student loans originate with the Department of Education (DOE) and are used to fund one’s education at AU. When you enter loan repayment, please be aware that your loan may be serviced by a third-party. This third-party is neither the DOE nor AU.
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS (FAFSA Required)
Students are responsible for monitoring annual & aggregate loan limits (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS).
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.”
Unsubsidized Loans are low-interest loans made by the US Department of Education (ED) that are not awarded on the basis of financial need. Students are charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If the student chooses to have interest accumulate, the interest will be added to the added to principal amount (i.e., capitalization), and interest will then be charged based on the accumulated amount. Capitalization increases the amount that must ultimately be repaid. Students who choose to pay the interest while it accumulates will avoid capitalization and lower their loan payments. 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.”
This is available to parents of dependent students. The parent must be the student’s biological parent, adoptive parent, or student’s stepparent (if the biological or adoptive parent has remarried at the time of application).
Payments vary based on the amount borrowed and the interest rate in effect. Eligibility is determined by a credit check. Monthly repayment begins when the loan has been fully disbursed. The loan amount that can be borrowed cannot exceed the cost of attendance, less other aid awarded.
Before a parent can apply for this loan, the student must complete the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half-time. Parents must apply online at the Federal Student Aid website with the parent‘s FSA ID and password. If approved, the parent will be required to complete an MPN.
If the parent is denied this loan, a dependent student will be offered an additional Unsubsidized Loan based on his/her grade level. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPTIONS
The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for eligible students. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA. All students must meet basic eligibility requirements.
In addition to this program, AU offers work study student employment. FAFSA is not required for these positions. If you do not qualify for FWS, you are still eligible to apply for one of the several hundred on-campus student jobs.
Additional Information
- Limited funding is available.
- All work study positions are hourly and pay students on a monthly basis. Earned income does not apply directly toward your bill but are sent directly to your bank account.
For more information, visit Student Employment Resources or email the Center for Career Development.
These benefits are for active military and veterans. If you have questions about using these benefits, please email or call (864-231-5581) the AU Certifying Official for more information.
Veterans Administration
Eligible veterans can apply for education benefits through the Veteran Affairs (VA) website. The VA is the only agency that can determine eligibility for and award this benefit. For questions about eligibility, please contact your VA Regional Office.
Yellow Ribbon School
AU is a qualified Yellow Ribbon School. This program can help students pay for tuition & fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.
These loans should be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, as they are credit-based and often have higher interest rates than Federal student loans. You are responsible for finding private student loans and monitoring Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loan limits. Click here to access a tool that researches private student loans.
Some organizations offer employees Tuition Reimbursement (full or partial) to further their education. Contact the HR Department at your workplace to see if your company offers this benefit.
Persons with physical disabilities that are vocational handicaps are eligible for financial aid from the Vocational Rehabilitation Department in your home state. Contact this department for more information.
AU has partnered with many different state prepaid tuition plans (often known as 529 College Savings Plans). Anderson Central handles billing requirements for these plans.
These are funded by individual donors and offered as part of the AU Scholarship program during the scholarship awarding process. Because endowed funds are limited, it is an honor to receive an endowed scholarship that bears the name of a person, family, or organization.
To be considered, students must complete the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline. Recipients are selected based on established criteria and date of FAFSA completion. (Early FAFSA submissions receive priority.) Some scholarships require a separate application and/or interview. Recipients who accept these funds agree to –
- Complete a handwritten letter of appreciation to the donor.
- Attend an annual donor appreciation event hosted by AU and meet the donor.
Recipients who fail to satisfy either condition may forfeit the scholarship in the award year and future years.
Recipients will be provided instructions regarding the above conditions.
Students with outside scholarships that require billing are handled by Anderson Central. Please email this office for additional information.
Anderson University no longer accepts paper checks for Outside Scholarship payments. All payments must now be submitted online.
If you plan to submit multiple scholarships with a single payment (or are submitting more than five scholarships every semester, please email andersonuniversity@backpackpay.com and our team will walk you through bulk submission setup process. If your organization has questions or concerns surrounding submitting payment electronically, please contact andersonuniversity@backpackpay.com for other arrangements.
All efforts were made to produce current & accurate information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us – we are happy to assist!