The University of South Carolina has introduced a program designed to provide customized advising for scholarship students who may be at risk of losing their financial aid. Launched in 2021, this initiative has reportedly helped approximately 2,500 students retain their scholarships.
Challenges Faced by Students
According to a Student Voice survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab, many college students report that balancing academic responsibilities with personal, familial, and financial obligations is a major source of stress. University officials confirmed that a significant number of students lose their state-sponsored merit scholarships annually due to declining academic performance or failure to meet credit hour requirements.
Successful Advising Outreach
The university’s advising outreach has successfully enrolled students in summer courses, assisting them in meeting necessary criteria and staying on track for graduation. Over the past three years, this intervention has proven effective in helping thousands of students maintain their scholarships and re-enroll for future terms.
Merit Scholarship Overview
Every year, the South Carolina state government awards merit scholarships based on academic performance and residency. Students may apply these awards towards eligible higher education institutions within the state. Two of the leading scholarships, the Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, provide substantial funding—up to $20,000 and $29,200 respectively—over a four-year period. To retain eligibility, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credits each academic year.
The Importance of Academic Advising
Mike Dial, associate director of undergraduate academic advising at USC, emphasized the challenges introduced by high education costs and the academic standards required for scholarship retention, which can significantly impact students at risk of losing financial aid. Data shows that students who lose their scholarships exhibit notably lower persistence and graduation rates when compared to their peers who retain their aid.
Scholarship Risk Intervention Program
In 2021, the University’s Advising Center collaborated with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to establish the Scholarship Risk Intervention program, which supports students in maintaining their financial aid. Advisers receive lists of at-risk students, identified by GPA, credit hours, or both, enabling them to develop tailored strategies for meeting eligibility requirements. When opportunities for intervention arise, advisers reach out to discuss options, including enrolling in courses aligned with the students’ strengths or managing course loads to protect GPAs.
Promoting Collaboration for Student Retention
This initiative promotes collaboration between advising and financial aid offices, enhancing student retention efforts. Program data from March 2021 to August 2024 indicates that a significant number of at-risk students engaged with advisers, leading to increased summer session enrollment and improved retention rates.
Impact on Academic Outcomes
The program illustrates the importance of academic advisers in navigating the complexities of financial aid, contributing to improved retention and academic outcomes for students. Recent findings show that 55% of participating students worked with advisers, and 80% chose to enroll in summer courses, which significantly facilitated their scholarship retention.
Addressing Challenges for Diverse Students
This comprehensive initiative aims to address the various challenges faced by scholarship students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds or first-generation college students, equipping them to continue their educational pursuits effectively.
(Original source: Inside Higher Ed)