What is Palmetto Programs?
The Palmetto Programs of the University of South Carolina will be comprised of USC's regional campuses in Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter and Union and will provide students the opportunity to earn four-year degrees. Students at those campuses previously have been able to earn only two-year associate degrees and would have to transfer to USC Columbia or one of the senior campuses in Aiken, Beaufort or Upstate to complete a four-year degree. By using the combined strengths of the regional campuses' faculty and facilities, as well as distance-education technology, the Palmetto Programs will be a fully accredited, degree-granting college.

Do I really need a four-year degree?
Yes. A Moore School of Business study in 2000 showed the return on an educational investment at USC is more than 20 percent. The study found, "The average student career differential earnings amount to $639,830 compared with an average cost of $42,625 to obtain the degree."

When will Palmetto Programs begin operation?
Five courses will be offered for fall semester 2006. Following approval of degree proposals through the University and the SC Commission on Higher Education, the goal is for Palmetto Programs to be completely operational by fall semester 2007.

Where will classes be held?
Classes may originate at any of the four regional campuses. The professor and students will be located in a technology-enabled “smartroom” on one campus from which an interactive broadcast will connect to students at other campuses. Remote students will be able to ask the professor questions in real time and engage in class discussion with students at any location.

What courses will be offered?
Five courses, available in fall 2006, will be from (Art Education, English, History, and Psychology). Palmetto Programs courses will be listed in the USC Master Schedule of classes.

What degrees will ultimately be offered?
The faculty will propose degrees in Liberal Studies and Business Administration.

When can I expect to earn a degree from Palmetto Programs?
Students who enter the college with 45-60 hours and take a full academic load each semester should graduate in four to six semesters.

How do I apply?
Until a formal application process to Palmetto Programs is in place, students currently in the USC system may apply for a change of school into the college. Students currently enrolled at one of the regional campuses would normally seek entrance into Palmetto Programs near the completion of their two-year degrees. Students outside the USC system may apply through the Palmetto Programs Web site.

How much is tuition?
Tuition for Palmetto Programs will be the same as tuition for USC Columbia, but the college will substitute its own student technology fees in place of those that USC Columbia charges. Palmetto Programs tuition will be higher per credit hour than that of the regional campuses because students will be earning four-year degrees.

Can I receive financial aid?
Students are eligible for the full package of need-based financial aid. Unlike students in a two-year program, students in Palmetto Programs' four-year program will be eligible for LIFE Scholarships. The amount of LIFE Scholarships is determined annually by the South Carolina General Assembly. For the 2004-2005 academic year, the award amount at USC Columbia is $5,000: $4,700 related to tuition expense plus $300 for textbooks.

Who are the faculty?
Palmetto Programs faculty will come from existing faculty at the four regional campuses. Faculty will teach a Palmetto Programs-specific course in place of - not in addition to - their regular courses.

If I'm taking a course in a remote location, how can I contact the professor?
During class time, students will be able to interact with the professor through the interactive broadcast. Outside the classroom, faculty will have the discretion to use Blackboard, class listservs, e-mail and telephone to communicate back and forth.

What types of online academic resources are available?
Students will be able to register for courses online through VIP, interact with their professors and fellow students through Blackboard, and access a variety of library resources. Among the online offerings are the newly launched South Carolina Virtual Academic Library, a consortium for sharing books and academic materials; a USC-wide library catalog; databases and indexes with full-text articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals; and ILL Express for interlibrary loan requests of print materials.