McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards
Offered by University of South Carolina
About This Scholarship
The McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards are the University of South Carolina's most prestigious scholarships for out-of-state students, part of the university's Top Scholars family alongside the Stamps, Carolina, and 1801 awards. The McNair — established with a $30 million gift — pays $24,000 per year plus a tuition reduction to the in-state rate, a published four-year value of more than $199,000, plus a $14,000 enrichment fund. The Horseshoe pays $11,000 per year plus the in-state tuition reduction, worth more than $147,000 over four years.
Twenty McNair Scholars and up to 20 Horseshoe Scholars are named each year, and with five Stamps Scholars the university offers about 45 nonresident Top Scholar awards annually — meaningful odds for a package this large at a flagship.
Candidacy requires two submissions: the USC admission application and the separate South Carolina Honors College/Top Scholars application, due November 15. Top Scholar selection draws heavily on the honors application's essays and record of leadership, so treat the honors application as the scholarship application.
Eligibility
- High school senior who is not a South Carolina resident (these are USC's flagship nonresident awards)
- Applying for first-year admission to the University of South Carolina
- Must complete the separate South Carolina Honors College/Top Scholars application
- Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership
How To Apply
- Submit the University of South Carolina admission application
- Complete the separate South Carolina Honors College/Top Scholars application by November 15
- Submit all supporting credentials promptly (the university advises having materials complete by early December)
- Selected Top Scholar candidates are invited to finalist events in the spring
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the McNair and Horseshoe awards worth?
The McNair pays $24,000 per year plus a tuition reduction to the in-state rate — more than $199,000 over four years plus a $14,000 enrichment fund. The Horseshoe pays $11,000 per year plus the in-state reduction, worth more than $147,000 over four years.
Who is eligible?
These are the University of South Carolina's premier awards for nonresident (out-of-state) students. South Carolina residents compete for separate in-state awards like the 1801 Scholars.
How do I get considered?
Submit both the USC admission application and the separate South Carolina Honors College/Top Scholars application by November 15. There is no separate McNair or Horseshoe form — the Top Scholars application covers all the awards.