University of South Carolina-Columbia (out-of-state)

Annual value: Up to $20,750 + tuition reduction + $10,000 enrichment fund. Four-year value: Up to $176,000. The Top Scholars Awards are the most prestigious awards at the university. Approximately, 45 out-of-state students with strong academic records who are leaders in their high schools and communities will be invited to participate in an interview weekend. Of these candidates, 20 will be named McNair Scholars and 20 will be named Horseshoe Scholars. Additionally, the top five candidates will be nominated as Stamps Scholars and will interview for the chance to receive the top scholarship along with an enrichment stipend to fund opportunities such as undergraduate research, study abroad, service projects or unpaid internships. Candidates must participate in the entire weekend (March 2-4, 2019) in order to remain in consideration for these awards. Last year, out-of-state Top Scholars had an average SAT score of 1540 (ACT score of 34) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.79. Recipients of these awards qualify for the in-state tuition rate.