SCWINS

What is SCWINS?

Some South Carolina residents enrolled in critical workforce programs that lead to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, diploma or degree are eligible for the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS). SCWINS covers the cost of tuition, fees and course-related expenses (up to $5,000 per academic year) for eligible programs for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.

To qualify for the SCWINS scholarship at Trident Technical College, academic students must:

  • be an eligible South Carolina resident*
  • be enrolled in an eligible program 
  • have a high school diploma or GED on file with the TTC Admissions office
  • have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at TTC
    • For Fall 2025 and Spring and Summer 2026, have a 25-26 FAFSA on file.
    • For Fall 2026 and Spring and Summer 2027, have a 26-27 FAFSA on file.
  • maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher while enrolled in a credit program (does not apply to new students who do not have a previous academic record at TTC)

*Students in default or overpayment of Title IV funds and non-US citizens are not eligible for SCWINS funds. For all eligibility requirements, view the policies and procedures for granting SCWINS (section VI) here.

See a list of programs that are eligible for no-cost tuition for the 2025-26 academic year.*

See a list of programs that are eligible for no-cost tuition for the 2026-27 academic year.*

*SCWINS funds are awarded annually for one academic year, and eligible programs may change from year to year. 

NOTE: SCWINS tuition assistance will only be applied for courses required in the eligible program of study. Students are limited to one program of study unless the subsequent program constitutes progression in the same field of study. To retain SCWINS eligibility, students who graduate with a certificate or diploma must advance to the next credential in the same field.

A student may not be eligible to receive the SCWINS Scholarship for more than one certificate, diploma or associate degree within any five-year period following the student's last scholarship disbursement unless the additional certificate, diploma or degree constitutes progress in the same field of study.

Students enrolled in associate degree programs shall not exceed nine semesters of receipt of SCWINS funds at TTC. Students enrolled in IRC, diploma or certificate programs shall not exceed six semesters of receipt of SCWINS funds.

If you are a traditional college student (not currently enrolled in high school) and you want more information about the SCWINS program, please email Financial Aid at financial.aid@tridenttech.edu.

NOTE: What does “no-cost tuition mean?”  For SC residents who qualify, your tuition is actually paid from sources other than your own funds. First, the college applies all federal and state assistance that you qualify for, including scholarships and grants. If you are eligible for SCWINS (up to $5,000 per academic year), these funds are applied after all other aid. Depending on your financial aid package, you may qualify for funds for tuition, fees, books, supplies and other materials.

For academic students, tuition and eligible fees can be covered by the SCWINS Scholarship at TTC if a balance remains after the below aid has first applied:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
  • S.C. LIFE Scholarship
  • SCNBG (S.C. Need-Based Grant)
  • SCLTA (S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance)

The SCWINS Scholarship pays up to $5,000 a year (split over two terms) for tuition, books and course-related materials. Up to $2,500 will be awarded for Semester 1, and up to $2,500 will be awarded for Semester 2.

To qualify for the SCWINS scholarship at Trident Technical College, Dual Enrollment students must:

  • be an eligible South Carolina resident*
  • be enrolled in an eligible program (students must contact the Dual Enrollment office to select their desired program)
  • complete the SCWINS affidavit form
  • maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher while enrolled in a credit program (does not apply to new students who do not have a previous academic record at TTC)

*Non-US citizens are not eligible for SCWINS funds. South Carolina residency is determined based on SC law and Commission on Higher Education (CHE) regulations. For more information, visit the Residency webpage on our website.

For questions regarding SCWINS eligibility for Dual Enrollment high school students, please contact Katheryn Mason, DE finance and scholarship coordinator, at Katheryn.Mason@tridenttech.edu. 

Continuing education/workforce training students who meet the criteria and are in a SCWINS eligible program can receive SCWINS tuition assistance. 

NOTE: SCWINS tuition assistance will only be applied for courses required in the eligible program of study. You can find eligible continuing education programs at the links above.