COLUMBIA, S.C. — State education officials announced on Friday that the state has officially hit its student limit for the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund for the upcoming school year, roughly six months after applications opened.
The South Carolina Department of Education stated that the program offers $7,500 scholarships to income-eligible K-12 students for approved uses. These can include tuition and fees at independent schools, out-of-district public school attendance fees, transportation, uniforms, tutoring, educational therapies and technology solutions.
The bill, a revision to one struck down by the South Carolina Supreme Court in 2024, was passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Henry McMaster in early May.
The state education department stated that applications were tentatively available in mid-January, and distributions are expected to be deposited into student accounts in late July. A wait list is now also in place for additional applicants.
The cap for the 2025-2026 school year was set at 10,000 students, but the state’s Department of Education announced plans to award at least 15,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year.
To qualify, students must be South Carolina residents and K-12 students who have not graduated or turned 22. Participants must also have a household income less than or equal to 300% the federal poverty level or be a confirmed Medicaid recipient. They also must not be assigned to a resident public school for the year in question.
The education department said 26 public school districts are set up to accept “interdistrict transfer students” through the program.
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