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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. In the spirit of Great Hospitality, we believe a high-quality, Christian education should be accessible and affordable. That is why 100% of our undergraduate students receive tuition assistance through financial aid. 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 and 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
Awarded to first-time freshmen or transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements. Recipients selected by the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission. LIFE and HOPE recipients do not qualify.
- 3.5 high school GPA; and
- 1200 SAT or 25 ACT; and
- Top 6% rank in their graduating class
Without regard to rank (alternative criteria)
- 4.0 GPA; and
- 1400 SAT or 31 ACT
Awarded to first-time freshmen or transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements. Recipients selected by the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission. Palmetto Fellows and HOPE recipients do not qualify.
- 3.0 high school GPA; and
- 1100 SAT or 22 ACT; and
- Top 30% rank in their graduating class
One year only scholarship that is awarded to first-time freshmen or transfer students who meet the eligibility requirements. Recipients selected by the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.
- 3.0 high school GPA
- Attend an eligible four-year institution
At the end of a SC HOPE recipient’s first year, the student may be eligible to receive LIFE Scholarship in subsequent years if he/she meets renewal requirements.
Awarded to students (freshmen not eligible) who are a Palmetto Fellow or LIFE scholarship recipient. Eligibility is determined by academic program (science and math majors) and maintaining academic requirements during the student’s freshmen year of college.
Awarded to first-time freshmen or transfer students. This is a need-based grant.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Awarded to any first-time freshmen not receiving a President’s. Founder’s, Provost’s, or Dean’s Scholarship.
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.
Awarded to first-time transfer students based upon cumulative college GPA.
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
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
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
A competitive annual scholarship 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
Seeks to equip first-time freshmen who are passionate about making Anderson University, 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 also numerous scholarships of varying amounts generously awarded each year.
- 3.0+ high school GPA
- Interviewees will be chosen based on their submitted applications
A competitive scholarship reserved exclusively for first-time freshmen who reside in Anderson County. The ability to apply for the Hometown Fellows 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 also numerous scholarships of varying amounts generously awarded each year.
- 3.0+ high school GPA
- 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT or 74+ CLT or top 30% of their class
Anderson University is privileged to serve as the host site for the annual Palmetto Boys State Encampment. In recognition of this special partnership, AU offers one $40,000 ($10,000 per year) scholarship award each year to a first-time freshman who participated in Palmetto Boys State. Must be named a Palmetto Boys State Citizen, submit the required application, and participate in the scholarship interview event coordinated and hosted by the Office of Admission. To receive this award, the student must live on campus freshmen through senior year.
PROGRAM-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
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
Students can compete for a performance-based music scholarship up to $5,000. An audition is required for all students planning to major in music. Click here for more information.
Students can compete for a performance-based theatre scholarship up to $5,000. An audition is required for all students planning to major in theatre or dance. Click here for more information.
Awards for the School of Interior Design Scholarship will vary. An application and portfolio review are recommended for interested students who are majoring in Interior Design.
You must be accepted into the College of Christian Studies to receive this annual award.
Awarded per year by the SC Teaching Fellows Program to students who are SC residents pursuing a traditional undergraduate degree in education who CERRA has reconginzed as Anderson University recipients of the SC Teaching Fellows program.
Please speak with your Admission Counselor for more information.
Please speak with your Admission Counselor for more information.
OTHER ANDERSON UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Grant awarded to any out-of-state student (cannot be a South Carolina resident.)
Must be a member in good standing at a Baptist church.
Grant awarded to international students. Only awarded if student does not qualify for merit-based academic scholarship.
Awarded to any eligible student named a Boys or Girls State citizen by their state.
Contact coaches for availability.
Any student participating in Summit during their high school years is eligible for a yearly reoccurring scholarship. The prospective student must provide a certificate of attendance.
Any student participating in Worldview Academy during their high school years is eligible for a yearly reoccurring scholarship. The prospective student must provide a certificate of attendance.
Any student participating in NCFCA during their high school years is eligible for a yearly reoccurring scholarship. The prospective student must provide a certificate of attendance.
Available to members who submit their membership information to the Admission Office.
FEDERAL GRANTS
A federally funded grant based on need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Eligibility and amounts are determined by a student’s financial need, which is calculated as the Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by the FAFSA minus the Cost of Attendance as determined by the institution. Number of credit hours enrolled will also impact the award amount. The Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and is a program for students who have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree. Pell Grant is considered the foundation of federal financial aid to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. A student can only receive the Pell Grant for up to 12 full-time semesters. Students can track their remaining Pell Grant eligibility on their Student Aid Report.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to students depending on their financial need, the availability of FSEOG funds at Anderson University, and the amount of other aid received. In order to be eligible for consideration for the FSEOG a student must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Funding is limited. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships awards this grant on a first come, first served basis.
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, the student must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low income students. The student must also teach at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant.
If the student fails to fulfill this obligation, all amounts of the TEACH Grant received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest will be charged from the date the original grant was disbursed, and the student must repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. Federal TEACH Grant counseling and an Agreement to Serve are required.
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS
A low interest loan made by the U.S. Department of Education. Borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree seeking program and otherwise eligible. This loan does not require a credit check. To apply, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), complete an online Entrance Counseling session, and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN.) To decline federal student loans, students can email Aid@AndersonUniversity.edu.
A subsidized loan is 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 for the student.
A low interest loan made by the U.S. Department of Education. Borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree seeking program and otherwise eligible. This loan does not require a credit check. To apply, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), complete an online Entrance Counseling session, and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN.) To decline federal student loans, students can email Aid@AndersonUniversity.edu.
An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need. The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If interest is allowed to accumulate, it will be capitalized which means the interest will be added to the principal amount. Then interest will be charged based on this higher amount. Capitalization will increase the amount that must be repaid. If the student chooses to pay the interest as it accumulates, loan payments will cost less.
Repayment begins six months after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment. This six month period is referred to as a grace period.
The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan available to parents of dependent students. The parent must be the student’s biological or adoptive parent or the student’s stepparent if the biological or adoptive parent has remarried at the time of the application. Eligibility is determined by a credit check. Monthly repayment begins when the loan has fully disbursed and can vary based upon the interest rate and loan amount borrowed.
Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled at least half time. Students should consider borrowing the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans as available before a parent borrows a PLUS loan. The interest and origination fee are higher for a PLUS loan than for Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans.
To apply, parents must use their FSA ID to complete a Parent PLUS Loan application and, if approved, complete a PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN.)
FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS
Private Student Loans, also called Alternative Loans, are a last resource for students who are not eligible for other financial aid or who may need additional funds to meet education expenses. Private loans should be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, including federal student loans or other federal financial aid options for which you might qualify.
Private loans typically have higher interest rates than federal students 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 a private loan. To research and apply, students can seek loan options through Banks, Credit Unions, and other various Student Loan Services.
To participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, students must be enrolled half time in a degree-seeking program, complete a FAFSA, and qualify based on financial need. Students who do not meet the financial need requirement may be able to participate in the AU Work-Study Program. Students are responsible for securing their own work study jobs.
Anderson University is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in assisting our military veterans in obtaining their education. Veterans and the children of veterans should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Many organizations offer their employees full or partial tuition reimbursement for furthering their education. Talk to your employer’s Human Resources Department to see if your organization offers tuition reimbursement benefits.
Persons with physical disabilities which are vocational handicaps are eligible for financial aid from a State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Information may be obtained from the Vocational Rehabilitation Department in the student’s home state.
Students or parents with 529 College Savings Plans can contact the Office of Anderson Central at andersoncentral@andersonuniversity.edu for more information about using these funds to pay toward their bill at Anderson University.
