USC Union

How the partnership works

• Students are able to take college courses from our approved postsecondary partners and earn both college and high school credits

• USC Union DE courses are weighted the same as AP courses in the UGP,  which is on a 6.0 scale - SC UGP Grading Scale

• Students must take at least two DE courses each semester from the same postsecondary partner (college) to qualify for free lottery tuition

• Students and families are responsible for textbook purchases and any other fees for a DE course

• Teachers for the in-person classes are CHS or LWHS teachers who are also college professors

• Teachers for the online classes are USC Professors available via email and during office hours

How to qualify for USC Union Coursework

• Students must apply to USC Union by all deadlines

• Students must be in 11th or 12th grade

• Students must be a South Carolina resident to qualify for lottery tuition assistance. Otherwise, the student will pay the tuition costs directly to USC Union.

• Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher AND meet the prerequisite coursework

• USC Union courses are ABOVE and BEYOND graduation requirements. For example, students must earn four units of math before enrolling in a DE math course. Students must earn three units of science before enrolling in a DE science course. Students must earn four units of English before enrolling in the semester-long English 101. US History is an exception as the DE US History course includes the state-mandated EOC.

Cost for USC Union Courses 

• The tuition cost of one USC Union class is approximately $100 per credit hour. For a 3-hour class like English 101, that would be $300. US History is a 6-hour class ($600) while Calculus 1 is a 4-hour class ($400). 

• The student may also be required to purchase a textbook. The average cost is around $100. 

• The GOOD NEW for South Carolina residents - If a student enrolls in between 6 and 12 hours per semester, the state will pay the tuition through the LTAP program. Families will only need to purchase the book. 

Thoughts to consider before participating in any DE program

• Students who take DE courses are establishing a permanent college transcript. The college transcript will be required by future postsecondary institutions for review and can affect college admission decisions. The student's college transcript can also affect state scholarship awards.

• Students who take DE courses are considered college students and their academic information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Communication regarding the student's academic performance in the course, including grades, cannot be shared with parents during the semester. 

• DE courses are college courses. Students will be exposed to the same academic rigor and course content as if they were taking the course at a college campus after high school. 

• 504/IEP accommodations do not automatically follow the student to their DE courses. Students must contact the Office of Disability Services at the college and request accommodations. Postsecondary accommodations may be different from high school accommodations.  

• Students who are considering taking an online DE course must possess strong computer literacy skills, as well as organizational and self-advocacy skills. Students must have enough time in their schedules to complete online coursework. 

Two applications are required by March 9, 2026

USC Union ONLINE Application **APP NOT YET UPDATED** (This application is free. If you pay, you are on the wrong site.)

Clover High School PAPER Application **APP NOT YET UPDATED** (Students may print or pick up a copy in room 154.)

If the applications are not complete and submitted by the above deadline, the USC Union DE class will be removed from a student's course requests and a high school class will be substituted.