Financial Aid & VA Services

USC Sumter recognizes that a college education is a major expense in most family budgets. It is important to know that there are many federal, state, local and institutional sources available to help students meet those expenses. Please read on for more information. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your campus Financial Aid Office. We are here to help!

Palmetto College Central Financial Aid Office

The Palmetto College Central Financial Aid Office is a centralized resource for students who attend any of the four Palmetto College campuses. Visit their website to find out about the types of available financial aid, to read important consumer information, to learn how to apply or to complete a required form.

Financial Aid Process

Consumer Information

Forms and Certifications

How to Apply

Students interested in federal or state grants, Federal Work-Study and student loans should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is something you’ll need to do annually to be considered for aid each year you’re in school.

Net Price Calculator

The USC Sumter Net Price Calculator allows prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides eligible students with part-time employment to assist with the costs of their education. It can also provide you with invaluable professional skills and an opportunity to serve your community. To receive FWS, eligible degree-seeking students should complete a FAFSA application. Hourly wages must not be less than the federal minimum wage.

Federal Work Study positions. For more information on available positions and on how to apply, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Work Study Positions

Light office work (filing, phones, meet and greet students, faculty/staff and issue appropriate equipment). Help promote and implement Student Life and recreation programs. Enforce department and University regulations, policy and procedures. Employees may serve in both areas, Student Union and Nettles Gym as assigned when needed. People skills are mandatory. Background in activities, recreation recommended. Work can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the program and need.

Greet students and direct them to an available financial aid counselor. If no counselor is available, take messages from students. Assists students with basic financial aid processes. Performs general office tasks such as copying and filing. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality due to the private nature of the information in this office.

Students must be able to deal with the public. You must be available to work some evenings and weekend hours if applicable. The students that are selected for these positions will be trained and expected to work in both the library and the computer lab. Students must become knowledgeable enough to be able to assist patrons in locating and using library materials. Other related duties as assigned.

Assist the lab manager in setting up equipment and supplies for labs, preparation of chemicals and solutions. Washing and re-shelving glassware, equipment and supplies. Cleaning and maintaining water bottles and all lab benches. Assist in the division office duties to include copy work, sorting mail, obtaining office supplies and other tasks assigned by faculty. This job offers excellent experience for someone interested in a Science degree.

File, answer telephone, take messages, instruct use of VIP on-line registration system, assist students and staff with inquiries, maintain supply of forms for records and registration office. Assist coordinator with data entry such as immunization records, change of area of concentration and others as assigned. Assist students with transcript request forms and fax transcript request forms. Other duties as assigned.

The student in this position will be required to perform basic office type duties such as answering the telephone and taking messages, helping students sign in properly, accepting OSP applications, creating and maintaining student files, form letters and group mailings, filing, copying, creating newsletters, assisting in the planning, execution and clean up of OSP functions such as lunches, meetings, trips, etc. The student performing these duties will need to have strong people skills, a basic knowledge of office procedures, basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft office software, good organizational skills, typing and filing skills. This person needs to be punctual, dependable and flexible with the work schedule. The nature of the OSP program would require most importantly that any employee have the ability to keep all information confidential.

This position involves manual labor. Basic knowledge of computers, office applications, and information technology preferred. Prefer those willing to learn about audio/visual equipment. Duties include: Keeping campus computers up to date, assisting IT Director and Technicians, and computer troubleshooting. Those skilled in IT or interested in a career in IT preferred.

Must be able to teach basic skills needed to live a self-sufficient life to students. Must be able to teach students how to improve their education through family literacy tutoring so they will be able to receive their GED or diploma. Assist the Community Education Coordinator with various functions that provide low-income individuals with more education so that they can succeed in life.

Front desk duties, such as answering phone calls, filing, maintaining daily sign-in logs, and orienting veteran students to appropriate areas for assistance

Assist veteran students with the initial application process for VA education benefits and submitting institutional documents as required

Assist with coordinating and organizing veteran students’ activities and events on campus and in the community

Assist veteran students when needed with the overall process of student support services from admission services to the graduation process for each semester

Self Service Carolina

To manage your academic, financial, and personal information, visit Self Service Carolina (SSC), the University’s secure website.

Once admitted, you will claim and manage your account through myaccount.sc.edu before you can access Self Service Carolina and your university email.

How to Claim Your VIP ID

How to Review Your Financial Aid Application, Accept Your Aid, or Sign your State Aid Certification

Veterans Benefits

There are many programs available to help service members and their families pay for college. New students who are eligible for VA benefits must apply through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are a transfer student who has used VA benefits at another school, you must complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training form to change schools.

Apply for VA Benefits online then provide the USC Sumter Financial Aid Office with a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). All students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA every October 1 and complete the Scholarship application by March 1.

All USC Sumter students must complete an Enrollment Certification Request (ECR) form for every semester enrolled.

Contact our Military Services Counselor Savannah Williams if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment about your VA benefits.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals

All students deemed ineligible to receive financial aid as a result of failing to meet any component of this policy have the right to appeal. All appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFAS). Appeals are approved on a case-by-case basis. The student must have experienced one or more specific, mitigating or other unforeseen circumstances that interfered with the completion of his or her coursework.

Contact the Financial Aid Office for help with your appeal.