SC Commission on Higher Education

College & Education · South Carolina · Free

State financial aid, scholarships, and higher education information for South Carolina residents including fathers returning to school. The Commission administers state programs and publishes tuition, program, and financial aid guidance from the Lady Street office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours or visit online for eligibility details. Gather tax returns, ID, and school transcripts before applying for state aid programs.

Contact & Details

Address: 1122 Lady St #300, Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: 803-737-2260

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

More College & Education in South Carolina

  • SC Technical College System — Network of 16 technical colleges offering affordable career and transfer programs to South Carolina fathers and residents. Programs range fr
  • Midlands Technical College — Affordable associate degrees, certificates, and technical training for Columbia-area fathers and residents. MTC offers transfer programs, wo
  • Greenville Technical College — Career and transfer programs with multiple campuses across the Greenville area, serving fathers returning to school and traditional students
  • Trident Technical College — Affordable education and workforce training for Charleston-area fathers and residents. Trident Tech offers associate degrees, certificates,
  • FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study for college or career programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Fathers
  • SC Adult Education – GED Programs — Free GED preparation and adult literacy programs for South Carolina fathers and residents who did not finish high school. Local adult educat

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.