Francis Marion University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Francis Marion University (FMU) offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities to help students defray the costs of tuition. These scholarships are funded through a variety of sources, including state programs, institutional funds, donor contributions, and external organizations. With over 1,200 students benefiting annually from South Carolina’s Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE scholarships, FMU is committed to making education accessible and affordable.

State Scholarships

FMU students have access to state-funded scholarships designed to support their academic endeavors:

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: This scholarship is available to South Carolina high school students who plan to attend eligible colleges or universities within the state.
LIFE Scholarship: FMU enrolls many students who benefit from the LIFE (Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence) Scholarship.
HOPE Scholarship: The HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship also supports numerous FMU students.

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Enhancement Scholarship: An additional scholarship amount of up to $2500 per year may be available; however, specific requirements must be met by the end of the freshman year, including completing 14 hours of qualifying coursework in math, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, or Physical Science. Current interpretation of the new legislation precludes students from ever becoming eligible for the Enhancement scholarship if the 14 hour requirement is not met by the end of the freshman year.

Institutional Scholarships

FMU provides a range of institutional scholarships, some of which require a separate application. The FMU Admission Scholarship application should be submitted to be considered for these awards. All accepted first-time freshmen for the fall semester who are South Carolina residents are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded in rounds, with higher award amounts offered in earlier rounds.

Donor Scholarships

FMU offers over 150 named, specialty scholarships made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations:

The Nicki A. Ard Scholarship: Established in September 2006 by her brothers, Ken and Sammy Ard, to honor her memory. This scholarship pays tribute to Nicki and all that she overcame and accomplished. Although physically challenged and confined to a wheelchair, she ministered to others through her music and messages of hope and inspiration.
The Allen Mathematics Scholarship: Established in October 2008 to perpetuate the legacy of Dr. Roger “Bucky” Allen, who retired in August 2006 after 35 years of dedicated service to Francis Marion University.

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The Teresa C. Anderson Scholarship: Established in July 2000 by Teresa Anderson, a graduate of Francis Marion University.
The Bishop Bonar Anderson Memorial Scholarship: Established in May 1982 by Mrs. Sandra Levy and Mrs.
The Thomas L. Beaty Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Established in July 1993 by Mrs. Thomas L. Beaty, Mr. Lang Beaty, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack S.
Wylie H. and Isabelle B. Caldwell Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at Francis Marion University.
William J. Blackwell and William E. Carpenter Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at Francis Marion University who plan on a ministerial career.

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W.W. "Buster" and Martha H. Coleman Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at Francis Marion University.
The Eva and Emery Cramer Memorial Scholarship: Established in December 1992 by Sandra S. Levy and Sheila S.
The Doctors’ Tennis Scholarship: Established in July 1977 by Dr. C. Edward Floyd and Dr. T.
The William Dargan Douglas Trust Fund Scholarship: Established in February 1985-awards made in memory of William B.
The Florence County School District No.
The George W. Garrett Scholarship: Established in February 2011 by Shelia Garrett in memory of her husband George W.
The Jamie Grimsley Music Scholarship: Established in December 2010 in memory of James H. Grimsley Jr.
The Kirby Steam Scholarship: Established in April 1998 by John and Vicki Kirby, alumni of FMU, and endowed in July 2005 by Dr.
The Adele (Mrs.
The Douglas A. Mandra Psychology Scholarship: Established in November 1994 by friends and colleagues of Dr. Douglas A.
The Pee Dee Education Center Board of Directors Memorial Scholarship: Established by the Pee Dee Education Center in the fall of 1998 to honor deceased members of the Board of Directors-an award to a junior and senior in the teacher education program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
The James A. Rogers Memorial Scholarship: Established in October 1991 by family and friends of Dr. James A. Rogers who was a founder of Francis Marion University and served as the first chairman of the State College Board of Trustees which governed Francis Marion College, Lander College, and the College of Charleston. In addition, Mr. Rogers served as editor, then editor emeritus, of the Florence Morning News for many years.
The Robert C. Scott Jr. Distinguished Educator Scholarship: Established by the Pee Dee Education Center in the fall of 1998 to honor its founder and longtime director who dedicated his life to improving education in the Pee Dee region-an award to a junior and senior in the teacher education program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
The Charles B. and Idette H. Tucker Scholarship: Established in November 1982 by Charles B. and Idette H.
The Vocational Rehabilitation - H. B. Powell Scholarship: Established in June 1980-an award made to a deserving vocationally handicapped student from Dillon, Florence, and Marion counties of South Carolina. The award honors Mr. H. B.
The West Florence Rural Volunteer Fire Department Award: Established in June 1996 by members of the West Florence Rural Volunteer Fire Department, John E. Floyd, Jr.
William R. Barringer Scholarship: This scholarship is available to juniors and seniors majoring in business or economics at Francis Marion University.
William H. Breazeale Jr. Scholarship: This scholarship is available to sophomore, junior, and senior students at Francis Marion University.
The William Albert Lewis Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students majoring in business administration at Francis Marion University.
The Wellman Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students interested in a major or minor in business at Francis Marion University.

These scholarships often have specialized qualifying criteria, such as a particular field of study, hometown, or home county.

The Darla Moore Scholarships

Two significant scholarships are funded by the Darla Moore Foundation:

The Darla Moore Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition, housing, and a meal plan for incoming freshmen with demonstrated financial need. Applications are due by Jan. 19 and require an essay and recommendation letter.
The Darla Moore Forestry Scholarship: This scholarship provides funds for forestry majors for up to four years. To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA and a Donor Scholarship application, be South Carolina residents, and be enrolled full-time.

First Generation Fund

Francis Marion University’s First Generation Fund is designed to support students who are the first in their family to attend college. First Generation students represent a significant segment of the FMU community - more than 40 percent of the most recent freshman class. Students seeking First Generation funds are encouraged to complete an Admissions Scholarships application.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Governor Robert E. McNair Scholarship: This privately funded scholarship program prepares a rising generation of leaders to make a difference in their communities and instill a lifelong commitment to public service.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Scholarship: One renewable $1,000 scholarship is awarded per year to members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society who transfer to FMU. Students must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA at the institution where they are members of Phi Theta Kappa. The priority deadline for this scholarship is June 1.
Outside Scholarships: Students may apply for a variety of different outside scholarships. These scholarships are not connected to FMU but are processed through the accounting department to give credit to the student’s account. Scholarship search sites offer more than 8,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other outside financial aid award opportunities.

Eligibility and Application

Criteria for receiving a scholarship varies by type. Some scholarships require an application, while others do not. Scholarship opportunities range from $500 to full tuition, room, and board. It is highly recommended that incoming freshmen students have a minimum cumulative weighted high school GPA of 3.0 and rank in the top 40% of their graduating class. Academic scholarships are competitive, with class rank, cumulative weighted GPA, and SAT/ACT test scores strongly considered. Need-based scholarship support is based on federal need as indicated from the FAFSA review.

Full-time enrollment is generally required to receive a scholarship.

Premier Pledge

All admitted in-state students who are First Generation or fully eligible Pell students can start strong with the Premier Pledge, which provides a benefit for these students.

Scholarship Search and Awareness

Scholarship search sites offer more than 8,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other outside financial aid award opportunities. Be aware of potential scams.

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