Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Department of Education has notified universities that the 2025-2026 FAFSA should become available to the general public on December 1, 2024.

We encourage USCA students to complete their FAFSA during winter break and come by our office for any help.

USCA’s 2025-26 FAFSA Priority Filing Date is March 1, 2025. This is a priority date, not a deadline. If you cannot meet the priority date, we encourage you to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, even after March 1.

More Information at StudentAid.gov

Welcome to the USCA Office of Financial Aid. We are committed to helping you navigate the financial aid process and access the necessary resources to fund your education.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a current student, or a family member, our goal is to provide clear, comprehensive information about your financial aid options.

Understanding Your Options

At USCA, we offer a wide range of financial aid options to support your educational journey, including:

Scholarships: Discover merit-based and need-based scholarships available for incoming and current students. Explore our scholarship portal for opportunities tailored to your academic achievements, community service, and unique talents.
Grants: Learn about federal, state, and institutional grants like the Pell Grant and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant, which provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid.
Loans: Familiarize yourself with federal and private loan options, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, and alternative loan choices. Understand the terms, interest rates, and repayment plans to make informed decisions.
Work-Study Programs: Gain valuable work experience while earning money to help pay for your education through our Federal Work-Study Program. Explore available on-campus positions and community service opportunities.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step. USCA's school code is 003449. Ensure you meet our priority deadline to maximize your aid eligibility.
Review Your Aid Offer: Once your FAFSA is processed, you'll receive a financial aid offer outlining your eligible scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options.
Accept Your Aid: Log in to your student portal to accept or decline your aid offers. Remember, you should only borrow what you need.

Apply Now

Deadlines & Important Dates

Stay informed about critical financial aid deadlines and dates to ensure you maximize your aid opportunities and meet all necessary requirements:

FAFSA Priority Date: March 15

Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance? Contact the USCA Office of Financial Aid:

Phone: (803) 641-3476
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST) Monday - Thursday
- 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST) Friday

We're committed to making your dream of an education affordable and accessible. Let's navigate your financial aid journey together.