Presbyterian College Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Presbyterian College, a small private institution in Clinton, South Carolina, founded in 1880, offers undergraduate degrees in 36 majors. For prospective students and their families, understanding the costs associated with attending Presbyterian College and the available financial aid options is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition, fees, scholarships, and other financial aid resources available to students.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

Presbyterian College's tuition is $46,160, which is cheaper compared with the national average cost of tuition of $50,159. This figure represents the sticker price, encompassing both tuition and fees. These fees support various campus services, including library resources, gym facilities, student centers, technology, and health services.

However, the total cost of attendance extends beyond tuition and fees. It includes expenses such as food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At Presbyterian College, the total cost is $63,540.

Net Price: A More Realistic View

The net price provides a more accurate reflection of what students can expect to pay after factoring in grants and scholarships. The average net price at Presbyterian College is $20,058 per year.The net price a student pays is unique to their circumstances and a college’s financial aid policies. The most precise estimate of your net price can be obtained using the college’s Net Price Calculator.

Financial Aid at Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College is committed to making education accessible, with 75.85% of students receiving financial aid. The average aid package awarded is $46,941. The college also demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting students' financial needs, covering 87% of their demonstrated need.

Read also: The Story of Presbyterian Football

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid encompasses grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. These packages are tailored to individual financial needs, primarily determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Need-Based Aid

In fall 2023, 81% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $44,350. Need-based self-help aid, which includes federal loans and work-study, averaged $3,660.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, also known as non-need-based aid, is awarded based on academic achievement or specific talents. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Presbyterian College was $18,883, excluding athletic scholarships.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are invaluable forms of financial aid as they do not require repayment. These can be need-based, merit-based, or awarded based on community service, unique hobbies, personal background, or a parent’s affiliation (e.g., employer or military).

Specific Scholarship Opportunities at Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College offers a variety of scholarships, including:

Read also: Scholarship Guide: PCUSA

Music Scholarships: For incoming undergraduates majoring in Music with exceptional musical talent. Candidates are selected from regular music auditions.
Leadership Scholarships: For incoming freshmen with a minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1200, a 3.5 GPA, and demonstrated leadership skills.
Presbyterian Church Scholarships: For incoming freshmen who are members of the Presbyterian Church, with a minimum ACT score of 29 or SAT score of 1300, a 3.7 GPA, and an interview.
Georgia Hope Scholarship: For Georgia residents who are incoming freshmen or transfer students and qualify for the Georgia Hope Scholarship.
Presbyterian Church USA Student Opportunity Scholarship: For U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are members of a Presbyterian Church, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have a recommendation from their church pastor.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence F. Scholarship: For South Carolina residents who are the spouse or child of an organ donor or organ transplant recipient, or have received or donated an organ.
Trident Technical College Scholarship: For Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County, South Carolina residents enrolled at Trident Technical College pursuing an Associate of Arts or Science degree.
Curtis E. Scholarship: For Cumberland County, North Carolina residents attending Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A & T, or South Carolina State University.
South Carolina Electric Cooperative Scholarship: For female residents of South Carolina who are members/customers of a South Carolina electric cooperative and have been away from postsecondary studies for at least ten years.
Sumter County Scholarship: For Sumter County, South Carolina residents enrolled full-time at an accredited postsecondary institution in South Carolina.
Converse College Scholarships: For female students admitted to Converse College, with preference given to South Carolina residents.
Children of Veterans Scholarships: For children of veterans killed in action, died or disabled resulting from service, were a Prisoner of War, awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and/or the Purple Heart, or missing in action.
South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA) Scholarship: For college juniors or seniors pursuing studies in the Television Industry at an accredited institute in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, or Ashville, North Carolina.

Student Loans and Debt

While scholarships and grants are ideal, many students rely on loans to finance their education. It's important to understand the potential debt burden and plan accordingly.

At Presbyterian College, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $26,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for these borrowers is $276. Additionally, 22% of graduating students took out private loans, with an average of $37,805 in private loan debt at graduation.

The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $38,632, with 68% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.

Work-Study Programs and Campus Jobs

Working while in school can help offset student loan debt. Presbyterian College offers work-study programs to eligible students and campus jobs to those seeking to earn money. Students can explore job opportunities through in-person or online job boards.

Financial Aid Application Process

To apply for financial aid at Presbyterian College, students must complete the FAFSA. The application deadline for financial aid is March 15. Applying before the priority application deadline ensures the strongest consideration for aid.

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