Financial Aid

Paying for college can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help! We’ve put together an overview of the types of aid available. Your first step in applying for aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This will help determine your scholarship, grant, student loan or work-study options. All of your paperwork must be completed before the annual June 30 priority deadline.

Types of Aid

Financial Aid Help Sessions

We offer in-person and virtual financial aid help sessions. We hope you’ll join us! You will need to have your FSA ID and password to complete the FAFSA so please make sure to complete this process and bring the information with you to the session. 

Virtual Help Session

Join us on – Feb. 21, 3-5 p.m.


In-person Help Sessions

Join us on – Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Financial Aid Office, Health Education Complex (HEC 2081)

Join us on – March 12, 4-7 p.m.
Financial Aid Office, Health Education Complex (HEC 2081)

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    • March 1: FAFSA priority deadline
    • July 15: Deadline for all loan and verification requirements for fall semester
    • November 1: Recommended deadline to submit verification documents for spring semester
  • First complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. USC Upstate’s School Code is 006951. Then log on to Self Service Carolina at my.sc.edu to complete the following:

    • Review tuition and fees charges
    • Check for pending/missing requirements
    • Send any requested information to the Financial Aid office
    • Check for Financial Aid awards
    • Verify S.C. residency (if applicable)
    • Accept/decline awards
    • Complete state certifications (can be found under the Terms & Conditions tab)
    • Complete Title IV fee authorization (can be found under the Resources/Additional Info tab)
    • Use the College Financing Plan for estimating charges
  • Education benefits are available to qualified veterans and children of deceased and disabled veterans. Inquiries should be made to the Veterans Affairs office in the student’s home county seat and the University of South Carolina Upstate Office of Records and Registration.

  • If you plan to transfer to USC Upstate, you must complete the following steps in order to be considered for financial assistance:
    Transfer students must have been admitted to USC Upstate and have their current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at USC Upstate by November 1 for the spring semester or June 1 for the fall semester. Applications submitted after this date will be processed; however, aid may not be available by the first day of classes.

    If you wish to be considered for financial assistance at USC Upstate, you should add us to your processed FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. In order for the Federal Processor to send USC Upstate your information, they will need our school code (006951) and your “DRN” number from your Student Aid Report (SAR). USC Upstate does not have access to your “DRN” number. If you do not have your SAR, you may request a duplicate copy by calling 1-800-433-3243; or, if you know your Department of Education PIN number, you may add our school code online to expedite the processing.

    Before USC Upstate can award you financial aid, any aid at your prior school must be cancelled.

    Your financial aid award at USC Upstate will be based on the academic credits that have been accepted and posted as of the day your financial aid award is made. Late transfer credits may result in higher loan eligibility.

    For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid

  • If you will not be attending the upcoming semester at USC Upstate, the Financial Aid Office needs written notification in order to cancel any aid for the future term.

    If you have received student loans at USC Upstate, you must complete an exit interview in the financial aid office.

    If you wish to be considered for financial assistance at your new school, add your new school to your processed FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

  • For 529 and Tuition Assistance payments, contact the Cashier’s Office at 864-503-5326 or email cashiersoffice@uscupstate.edu.

    To set up a tuition payment plan, follow the instructions on our Payment Plan page.

    Outside scholarships can be sent to the Cashier’s Office or Office of Financial Aid, Health Education Complex, Ste. 2081, 300 N. Campus Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29303. These funds will be posted to your account once they are received.

    For Veterans Affairs benefits, contact Robin Hollis, the VA coordinator in the Records and Registration office, at rhollis@uscupstate.edu.

    *Check your school email account often.*

    • Log in to Self Service Carolina at my.sc.edu
    • Click the Financial Aid tab
    • Click FINANCIAL AID then FINANCIAL AID FOR AID YEAR
    • Click the Award Overview tab to review your award offers
    • Click the ACCEPT AWARD OFFER tab
    • The aid offer will be displayed separately if you receive more than one offer.
    • You must accept or decline each award offer by either selecting ACCEPT FULL AMOUNT ALL AID OR Accept or decline the full amount of each fund individually by using the drop-down box. (This also allows you to accept partial amounts.)
    • Click Submit Decision.
  • Federal regulations require that students successfully complete course work within a reasonable timeframe to maintain eligibility for financial aid. The financial aid office must monitor your progress toward your degree. More information is available on the Satisfactory Academic Progress page.

Need additional support?

Bonnie Carson Durham

Director of Financial Aid
carsonbc@uscupstate.edu
864-503-5349

Casey Bolin

Assistant Director of Scholarships
bolincu2@uscupstate.edu
864-503-5343

Cynthia Jackson

Assistant Director for Loans
jackscy@uscupstate.edu
864-503-5341

We have you covered! With several resources and programs available to help you navigate the financial aid process, Upstate is here to support you every step of the way.