To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid office on each eligible S.C. public college campus administers the S.C. Need-based Grant program, determines the students eligibility to receive grant funding, and the exact amount. All gift aid and scholarships must be applied first before awarding the grant. The grant must be applied directly towards the cost-of-attendance. Students may receive up to a maximum of eight full-time equivalent terms. The S.C. Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission administers the Need-based Grant Program for students attending an independent college or university. Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program in their first one-year program, first associates degree, first two year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first pre-professional undergraduate degree, to include those pre-professional degree programs that may not require a baccalaureate degree at an eligible S.C. public institution. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident who meets the definition of an eligible non-citizen under State residency statutes.