Coastal Carolina University - Horry County Students

The Horry County Higher Education Commission offers excellent scholarship opportunities to Horry County high school graduates who choose to attend Coastal Carolina University.

Horry County Higher Education Commission Scholarships

What is the HCHEC? Most of the Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) scholarship opportunities are application-based, and selection criteria include the review of one or more of the following: high school scholastic performance, volunteerism and contribution to the local community, talent in the visual and performing arts, and/or academic progress at Coastal Carolina University. The deadline to apply for the HCHEC application-based scholarships is March 1.

HCHEC Leadership Scholarship

Application is required, application deadline is March 1
This scholarship is awarded annually to Horry County high school seniors who plan to attend Coastal Carolina University and who have outstanding records in the areas of leadership, volunteer service and academics. Leadership Scholarship requirements:

Achieve a minimum 2.5 high school GPA through the junior year;
Be an Horry County high school senior (the Horry County high school must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools);
Be admitted to Coastal Carolina University;
Complete and submit the 2016-2017 HCHEC Scholarship Application to Coastal Carolina University by March 1;
Attach a brief essay (typed) describing an experience in leadership and service and how it impacted your life;
Provide documentation of at least 100 hours of community service within the past 24-month period (only activities in which the student has participated a minimum of 10 hours should be included);
Demonstrate outstanding citizenship through documented service and participation in other community activities; and
Be recommended by the high school principal or appointed school official.

Award amount: $2,500 annually for up to four years or eight semesters (renewal criteria must be met annually). Recipients must be enrolled full time at Coastal Carolina University. Renewal criteria are:

Be enrolled full time;
Complete a minimum of 30 credits annually (includes summer terms if needed); and,
Maintain a cumulative CCU GPA of 2.5.

Beginning each December, applications may be obtained from your high school counselor or from CCU’s Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage. Applications will be reviewed by the HCHEC Scholarship Committee. The number of new awards may vary annually.

HCHEC Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship

Application is required, application deadline is March 1
This scholarship is awarded annually to an Horry County high school senior who best displays critical thoughts about peace, conflict justice, human rights and human responsibility in the contemporary world through a written essay. Peace and Conflict Studies Scholarship requirements:

Be an Horry County high school senior (the Horry County high school must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools);
Be admitted to Coastal Carolina University;
Achieve a minimum 2.5 high school GPA through the junior year;
Complete and submit the 2016-2017 HCHEC Scholarship Application to Coastal Carolina University by March 1;
Write an essay of at least 1,500 words that answers the question: How can social media be best used in building or maintaining peace or in managing conflict?; and
Have an adult coordinator who will represent them and provide guidance, ensure the essay is conceived and written by the student, and that the essay meets contest requirements.

Be enrolled full time;
Complete a minimum of 30 credits annually (includes summer terms if needed); and
Maintain a cumulative CCU GPA of 2.5.

Beginning each December, applications may be obtained from your high school counselor, or from CCU’s Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage. Applications will be reviewed by the HCHEC Scholarship Committee. The number of new awards may vary annually.

HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship

Application is required, application deadline is March 1
This scholarship is awarded annually to talented Horry County high school seniors planning to major in art studio, graphic design, music, musical theatre, theatre arts or dramatic arts at Coastal Carolina University. Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship requirements are:

Achieve a minimum 2.5 high school GPA through the junior year;
Be an Horry County high school senior (the Horry County high school must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools);
Be admitted to Coastal Carolina University;
Complete and submit the 2016-2017 HCHEC Scholarship Application to Coastal Carolina University by March 1; and
Audition or present a portfolio presentation to a committee composed of the Visual and Performing Arts department chairs and appointed faculty representatives.
Additional requirements for the HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship are included in the application packet.

Be enrolled full time;
Complete a minimum of 30 credits annually (includes summer terms if needed); and
Maintain a cumulative CCU GPA of 2.5.

HCHEC Academic Excellence Scholarship

Automatic consideration
This scholarship honors the top graduate of each eligible Horry County high school for his/her outstanding academic accomplishments. The top graduate from each eligible Horry County high school who chooses to attend Coastal Carolina University will be awarded this prestigious scholarship. One scholarship is awarded per high school. Academic Excellence Scholarship requirements are:

Be the top-ranked student at an eligible Horry County high school at the end of your junior year or later; and
Be admitted to Coastal Carolina University by Jan. 1.

Award amount: $2,000 annually for up to four years or eight semesters (renewal criteria must be met annually). Recipients must be enrolled full time at Coastal Carolina University. Renewal criteria are:

Be enrolled full time;
Be an Horry County high school senior (the Horry County high school must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools);
Complete a minimum of 30 credits annually (includes summer terms if needed); and
Maintain a cumulative CCU GPA of 3.0.

No application is necessary for this scholarship. Coastal Carolina University will automatically award the top graduate from each eligible high school who meets the above requirements and begins enrollment at the University in the fall semester.

HCHEC Senior Collegiate Scholarship

Automatic consideration
This scholarship provides funding for Horry County high school students who have achieved senior status at Coastal Carolina University. Senior Collegiate Scholarship requirements are:

Be enrolled full time;
Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of course work toward an undergraduate degree;
Maintain a cumulative CCU GPA of 2.75;
Are not receiving the Palmetto Fellows or SC LIFE Scholarship; and
Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

No application is required to be considered for this award. Students are automatically selected based on the minimum criteria stated above. The number of awards and the amount vary annually. This one-time award is for one academic year.

HCHEC International Awareness Scholarship

Application required
This scholarship provides study abroad opportunities for Horry County high school graduates. International Awareness Scholarship requirements are:

Be enrolled full time;
Be an Horry County high school graduate (the Horry County high school must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools);

Additional information, criteria and application materials are available through International Programs and Services (843-349-2864).