Being a Top Scholar isn't just an academic award—it's an experience. 

Our scholar programs team is dedicated specifically to supporting Top Scholars, both individually and as a community. Through personalized advising and high-impact activities, our scholar programs initiative helps scholars turn their education into an opportunity.  

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What does it mean to be a Top Scholar?

We are the home base for Stamps, Carolina, McNair, 1801 and Horseshoe Scholars. These scholars are learners first and foremost, but also serve as researchers, global citizens, volunteers, campus leaders, and interns, and are well prepared for graduate school and the workplace. They are among some of the most giving, spirited and appreciative students at the University of South Carolina.  Learn more about the Top Scholar application process.

The Carolina Scholarship was developed in 1969 and began with nine scholars. Now up to 80 students have this award, keeping bright South Carolinians in the state. In 1998, the McNair Scholarship was established with a $30 million gift from alumnus Robert C. McNair and his wife, Janice, to attract the nation’s most talented students. And in 2013, the university partnered with the Stamps Foundation, which provides merit scholarships at nearly 40 schools across the country.

We also welcome up to 25 in-state 1801 Scholars and 20 out-of-state Horseshoe Scholars annually. These scholars excel alongside their Carolina, McNair and Stamps peers to create a strong, unified body of Top Scholars at the University of South Carolina. From their freshman year as First-Year Scholars, all the way to graduation, these students have four full years of programming and university support.

I enjoy having a community that inspires me so much. The grit, intellectual spirit and zest that Top Scholars have are contagious. Every Top Scholar is on a mission to be the best version of themselves they can be and that always motivates me to do the same. I love that the Top Scholar community understands each other and lifts each other up to achieve greatness.

University of South Carolina Top Scholar

All scholars receive the benefit of co-curricular advising from National Fellowships and Scholar Programs.