CHE Announces FAFSA First Challenge Early Bird Winners
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Today the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) announced the winners for the Early Bird Award (Highest FAFSA completion by Feb. 1, 2026) component of its FAFSA First Challenge. The CHE is proud to facilitate this friendly statewide competition that encourages high schools to support seniors in completing the FAFSA—opening doors to grants, scholarships, and other critical financial aid opportunities.
This initiative aims to increase FAFSA completion across South Carolina and celebrate schools that go above and beyond in promoting college and career readiness.
Early Bird Award Winners:
5A: Catawba Ridge High School – 50.13%
4A: Gray Collegiate Academy – 51.63%
3A: Governor's School for Science and Mathematics – 84.00%
2A: Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities – 70.69%
1A: HCS Scholars Academy High – 82.22%
Congratulations to these outstanding schools for leading the way and helping students take an important step toward their future.
There is still an opportunity to be awarded Highest Completion Rate – Top percentage of seniors with completed FAFSAs by May 1, 2026, for 1A through 5A school designations.
SOURCE: CHE Announces FAFSA First Challenge Early Bird Winners via Commission on Higher Education.