State Aid
The state of South Carolina makes available assistance to undergraduate South Carolina residents attending college at a South Carolina institution. CIU is authorized by the SC Commission on Higher Education and participates in the State Assistance Program. Aid is made available by the state for both need and academic achievement.
For state aid a student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours per semester.
The following chart gives an explanation of financial assistance available to South Carolina students attending CIU:
| Name of Award | Eligibility Requirements | Amount of Award | How to Apply | Renewal Policy |
| Financial Need | up to $3,450 | Submit FAFSA | Submit FAFSA Annually |
| Palmetto Fellows Scholarship | Academic Excellence - Contact your High School Guidance Counselor for details
| $6,700 | Apply to State Department of Education | Complete 30 hours and maintian 3.0 GPA. |
| Life Scholarship | Must meet two of these three: 3.0 HS GPA; 1100 SAT/24 ACT; or top 30% of graduating class
| $5,000 | FAFSA and CIU Student Financial Service Application | Complete 30 hours and maintain 3.0 GPA. |
| Hope Scholarship (freshmen only) | HS GPA of 3.0 | $2,800 | FAFSA and CIU Student Financial Services Application
| Not renewable, however a student may qualify for the Life Scholarship after their first year. |