South CarolinaStudents could use CLT scores for several state scholarships
The proposal would let scholarship and teaching-loan applicants use equivalent CLT scores while keeping other academic and service requirements.
What it does
Palmetto Fellows applicants could use an equivalent CLT score instead of an SAT score under either listed score-and-grade option, while other eligibility rules remain.
LIFE Scholarship applicants could use an equivalent CLT score where the program requires an SAT or ACT score, subject to the program's other eligibility rules.
Future public-school teachers could use an equivalent CLT score for one route into the state's teaching scholarship loan program, while college and service requirements continue.
Argument forAllowing CLT scores could give students who use that test another way to qualify for state scholarship programs.
Argument againstStudents would still depend on score-equivalency rules, application deadlines, and other academic requirements, which could make the added testing route harder to use.
More detail
Students could use an equivalent Classic Learning Test score to meet either of two Palmetto Fellows score options. The provision covers students seeking Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, including South Carolina residents attending approved out-of-state high schools. Students must also meet the required grade average and class-rank rules, unless they qualify through the separate higher-score and 4.0-grade-average option. High schools must certify qualifying scores on the scholarship application by the application deadline. The Commission on Higher Education may reject an out-of-state grading scale that substantially differs from South Carolina's grading scale. The provision would take effect when the Governor approves the act.
Students could use an equivalent CLT score to meet LIFE Scholarship testing requirements. The provision covers eligible LIFE Scholarship students, including entering freshmen at four-year institutions and students attending two-year colleges or technical colleges. Students must still meet the required residency, in-state tuition, grade-average, and other eligibility rules. The testing requirement does not apply to students attending a qualifying two-year college or technical college. Entering freshmen at four-year institutions must meet two of three criteria: the required grade average, the required test score, or a top-thirty-percent class rank. The provision would take effect when the Governor approves the act.
A student could qualify as a talented and qualified resident for the Governor's Teaching Scholarship Loan Program through an equivalent CLT score. The provision covers freshmen and college students seeking loans to attend public or private colleges and become certified public-school teachers. The freshman test-score route requires a combined SAT score of at least 1,100 or an equivalent ACT or CLT score. College students must have completed one year of college and earned at least a 3.5 grade average. To remain eligible while in college, a student must maintain at least a 3.0 grade average. Loan cancellation depends on certification and teaching in South Carolina public schools for the required period. The provision would take effect when the Governor approves the act.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 1Referred to Committee on EducationLatest
- Mar 17Introduced and read first timeIntroduced
EducationGovernment & EthicsPublic Safety