| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.04 |
| Liaison | Larry Cook |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of South Carolina
PA-8: Affordability and Access
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 4.00 |
Namita
Koppa Assistant Director for Program Management Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:
1. Since 2008, the Gamecock Guarantee has offered an affordable, high quality education to academically talented first-generation students from low-income South Carolina families. The scholarship covers tuition and technology fees for four years (as long as the student continues to meet the program criteria).
2. Opportunity Scholars Program
The program encourages student success by creating a “small college” atmosphere that includes tutoring assistance, academic advising, guidance on undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, mentoring, workshops and cultural enrichment opportunities. Low income, first generation students take freshman year courses as a cohort. Facts:
50% minority students
72% five-year graduation rate (2008 cohort)
95% freshman to sophomore retention rate for the past five years
A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers a variety of trainings and resources to facilitate discussions of diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Green Zone, Intercultural, Safe Zone, and HR university trainings also allow interested faculty,staff, and students to serve as advocates for specific campus populations.
A brief description of any programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:
1. In partnership with Midlands Technical College, UofSC offers this “bridge” program to students who do not meet the entrance criteria for freshman enrollment. However, the students are high potential students who can benefit from attending Midland’s Technical College for one year, while residing in student housing. After the first year students transfer to UofSC. The program is designed to promote access for underrepresented students. Facts:
35% minority students
72% of students in the program transferred from Midlands Tech to UofSC
70% graduation rate among minority student who matriculate through the program
2. Upward Bound is a pre-college program for TRIO-eligible students attending high school in Richland County. It provides extensive academic support that includes weekend and evening activities, a six-week summer residential component, and college-placement services. The program serves 110 students from high schools in Richland School District One. The Upward Bound program helps students take advantage of the educational opportunities provided by their high schools and to realize their potential and meet their academic and career goals.
A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:
They submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Their families' taxable income for the most recently completed tax year is not greater than 150% of the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines. They are eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant.
A brief description of any programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:
Educational Talent Search (ETS) counselors work with 12 high schools and 7 middle schools in Richland County, serving over 1,300 students each year with grade-specific services that help students prepare for college. Services and activities, such as leadership conferences and college fairs for middle school students, cultural enrichment activities, college visits, and etiquette training for 8th grade students, are designed to encourage an interest in higher education. Beginning their work with students in the sixth grade, Educational Talent Search counselors work with students and their parents to encourage them to consider college, to ensure that they are enrolled in college preparatory high school courses, and to assist them in completing admissions and financial aid applications.
A brief description of any targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:
Both the ETS program and the Upward Bound program mentioned above target local area schools with low-income families to recruit them into their higher education training.
A brief description of other admissions policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
A brief description of other financial aid policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:
A brief description of other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:
Does the institution have policies and programs in place to support non-traditional students?:
A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:
A brief description of any onsite child care facilities, partnerships with local facilities, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:
University faculty, staff, and students receive discounted rates for children to attend the Carolina School.
A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
| Percentage (0-100) | |
| The percentage of entering students that are low-income | --- |
| The graduation/success rate for low-income students | --- |
| The percentage of student financial need met, on average | --- |
| The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt | --- |
The percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
The website URL where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.