1. SC Commission on Higher Education — Free
State financial aid, scholarships, and educational programs for women
803-737-2260 · 1122 Lady St Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Education resources for women include FAFSA-based federal aid (Pell Grants up to ~$7,000/year), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title IX protections against sex discrimination on campus, and dedicated single-mother scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Community colleges offer low-cost two-year degrees and trade certificates, often with CCAMPIS-grant subsidized on-campus childcare. AAUW funds career development grants and fellowships for women. GED and HiSET programs run through state adult education offices, usually free. This directory covers FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education, and women's scholarships.
South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services and the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) serve women.
State financial aid, scholarships, and educational programs for women
803-737-2260 · 1122 Lady St Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
16 affordable technical colleges offering career training and associate degrees
803-896-5410 · Statewide · Varies by campus · Visit Website
Free Application for Federal Student Aid for grants, loans, and work-study
800-433-3243 · Online Application · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Need-based financial aid for undergraduate women attending SC colleges
803-737-2260 · 1122 Lady St Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Academic programs in women's studies at the state flagship university
803-777-4007 · 1600 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29208 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Women's leadership programs and support services at Clemson
864-656-3311 · Clemson, SC 29634 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Free GED preparation and adult literacy classes across South Carolina
803-734-8347 · Statewide Locations · Varies by location · Visit Website
Private HBCU offering undergraduate programs with strong women's support
803-256-4220 · 1600 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Lottery-funded tuition assistance for SC residents at technical colleges
803-896-5410 · Statewide · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Need-based grant of up to $7,395/year for undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
American Association of University Women — fellowships and grants for women pursuing degrees.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Multiple scholarship and loan programs supporting women pursuing higher education.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Education grants for women who are primary financial support for their families and pursuing education.
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Scholarships for low-income women age 35+ pursuing technical/vocational training or undergraduate degrees.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Education support and scholarships for low-income mothers pursuing post-secondary education.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free national scholarship search engine with millions of scholarships for women, minorities, and adult learners.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free college planning, scholarship search, and SAT prep from the College Board.
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Free official SAT practice in partnership with the College Board.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website