ABBEVILLE PROMISE PROGRAM
Let’s explore a path to higher education for every student in Abbeville County who wants it. We have a solid foundation — it’s time to take action and build on it.
🎓 The Abbeville Promise: Changing Futures Through Tuition-Free Education
The Abbeville Promise is no longer just an idea—it’s a reality that is changing lives.
Thanks to overwhelming community support, visionary leadership, and strong local partnerships, the Abbeville Promise has successfully delivered on its mission to provide tuition-free college to eligible graduates of Abbeville County.
What is the Abbeville Promise?
The Abbeville Promise guarantees free tuition and fees for an associate degree at Piedmont Technical College for any qualifying student who is a resident of Abbeville County and graduates from:
- Abbeville County School District 60
- Calhoun Falls Charter School
- A homeschool, private, or other state-accredited program
This includes students from diverse backgrounds and educational paths, ensuring that opportunity is open to all.
A Community That Believes in Its Youth
The Abbeville Promise is made possible by the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and civic organizations. In an extraordinary show of unity and belief in our young people, the community raised over $1.2 million—primarily from local sources—to fully fund the Promise endowment.
This commitment demonstrates what we already know: Abbeville County values its future and is willing to invest in it.
Proven Impact
Since the program’s launch, the Abbeville Promise has:
- Increased local enrollment in higher education
- Reduced financial barriers for students and families
- Encouraged students to stay in school and pursue a path beyond high school
- Sparked conversations around workforce development, community renewal, and the power of education
The long-term impact is still in the works —but the momentum is undeniable.
A Model for Rural Progress
Modeled after successful Promise programs across the country, Abbeville’s version is one of the few Promise initiatives serving a rural community. It has become a symbol of hope and possibility, demonstrating that small towns can do big things when they work together.
The Promise is more than a scholarship—it’s a community development strategy, preparing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and leaders.
Still Growing. Still Promising.
As the program continues, the Freshwater Coast Community Foundation is committed to:
- Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Promise Fund
- Supporting students beyond tuition through career exploration and workforce readiness
- Expanding awareness so that every eligible student and family knows what’s available
How to Support or Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Abbeville Promise?
The Abbeville Promise is a placed-based last dollar scholarship program to attend Piedmont Technical College (PTC) for students who reside in Abbeville County and graduate high school. The graduate must begin attendance at PTC within 24 months of receiving their high school diploma. Enrollment must be a minimum of 6 credit hours. The scholarship will be for Associate’s Degree programs or its equivalent and cover tuition and required fees.
- Are there limits on the time from graduation to entering Piedmont Technical College?
Yes. For a student with a traditional high school diploma, you must begin enrollment at PTC within 24 months of receiving your diploma. For General Equivalence Diploma (GED) graduates, you need to have received your GED within 24 months of completion of your high school studies and then be enrolled in PTC within 24 months of your GED diploma date.
- Are the scholarships need based?
No. The emphasis is on providing assistance to all Abbeville County high school graduates to ensure they can earn an Associate’s Degree free of any cost related to tuition and required fees.
- What must a student do to be qualified for the scholarship?
Each student must apply for all Federal and State scholarships and grants using the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Following the determination of the total aid received from these sources, the Abbeville Promise will pay the remaining cost of tuition and required fees. Each student must meet PTC standard admission qualifications, begin enrollment within 24 months of receiving their high school diploma, and maintain a minimum of 6 credit hours.
- What are required fees?
Fees that are required of all students are covered in the Promise Scholarship. Not covered: fees such as application fees, contact-hour fees and course-specific fees.
- What if you receive a diploma from an Abbeville County school but do not live in Abbeville County?
You are not eligible for the scholarship if you reside outside of Abbeville County.
- How do you establish that a student is a resident of Abbeville County?
The location of the residence where the student is claimed as a dependent child for IRS purposes determines the permanent place of residence.
- How do I start the application process?
Contact the PTC Admissions Office, telling them you believe you are eligible for the Abbeville Promise. They will add this to your application information, and they will guide you through the financial aid materials needed to receive the Promise.
- What are eligible institutions?
If your major is offered at PTC, then you must attend PTC. However, if the major is not offered at PTC, then the student may enroll at another SC technical college that does offer the selected program. The degree or course of work must be at least 6 credit hours to be eligible and shall be subject to approval by the Foundation.
- What degree programs are eligible?
All certificate and Associate’s Degree programs offered by PTC are covered.
- Are summer school classes covered?
No.
- What if I am required to take developmental/remedial programs?
Students enrolled in developmental/remedial programs will not be eligible for Abbeville Promise funding unless enrollment includes at least 6 credit hours of non-developmental courses.
- Is study abroad covered?
Only if the program is administered by PTC or eligible institution. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours and no extraordinary tuition or expenses are covered.
- Can the scholarship be transferred to a private college/university or out-of-state vocational training program?
No.
- Are there additional requirements that must be met following initial award?
Yes. You must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) using the standard calculation used in other Federal and State Aid programs. If you fall below the level of SAP, you are no longer eligible for the Abbeville Promise funding.
- Are there other general requirements?
Yes. If you have been convicted of any felonies or any second or subsequent alcohol or drug related misdemeanors within the previous 24 months of graduation and up to the entrance in PTC, you are not qualified for the Abbeville Promise.
If you have defaulted on any previous student Federal loans you are disqualified.
All students must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- How long will my scholarship last?
Until you receive your Associate’s Degree or 36 months, whichever comes first.
- Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Exceptions are handled on a case-by-case basis for military or National Guard personnel.
- Can the funding by the Foundation be discontinued?
Yes, if extraordinary circumstances require the Foundation to discontinue the funding, you will be notified as soon as possible.
- Is there an appeals process?
Yes. Contact PTC Admissions Office for details.
- What is the deadline for application?
Consult the PTC website for their registration dates and application deadlines.
This summary does not constitute a contract by or between the Foundation, PTC or the applicants. This summary is subject to modification as requirements are updated.