The proposed bill H. 4741 aims to establish the Tuition Gap Scholarship Program in South Carolina, designed to ensure that eligible students receiving LIFE Scholarships, HOPE Scholarships, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships have their remaining tuition costs fully covered during any semester they receive these awards. The bill introduces a new section, 59-150-385, which outlines the eligibility criteria for students enrolled in public institutions of higher learning and specifies that the Tuition Gap Scholarship will cover the difference between the actual cost of full-time tuition and the total value of the scholarships awarded to the student, including any STEM supplements.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Tuition Gap Scholarship cannot be used for non-tuition expenses such as fees, room and board, or books. The administration of the program will be overseen by the Commission on Higher Education, which is tasked with developing application procedures, coordinating with institutions to calculate tuition costs, and reporting annually to the General Assembly on the program's impact. Importantly, the funding for the Tuition Gap Scholarships will come exclusively from the South Carolina Education Lottery, with no general fund appropriations permitted. The act is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval and will first apply to the academic year beginning in Fall Semester 2027.

Statutes affected:
Latest Version: 59-150-385