LEGAL RESIDENCY

The University of South Carolina is required by state law to determine the resident classification of applicants. The initial determination of one's resident status is made at the time of admission. The determination made at that time, and any determination made thereafter, prevails for each subsequent semester until information becomes available that would impact the existing residency status and the determination is successfully challenged. The burden of proof rests with the students to show evidence as deemed necessary to establish and maintain their residency status.

Legal Residency Requirements for Fee and Tuition Purposes

For information concerning South Carolina Legal Residency Requirements see http://www.che.sc.gov/StudentServices/Residency/Right_res.htm

Application for Change of Resident Status

Persons applying for a change of resident classification must complete a residency application and provide supporting documentation at least four to six weeks prior to the start of classes for the semester for which status is requested.

The burden of proof rests with those persons applying for a change of resident classification who must show required evidence to document the change in resident status.

All requests for refunds are limited to the current academic year for which the refund is requested. Refunds may be requested any time during the academic year in which the applicable term occurs. Residency applications must be completed before the end of the academic year for which a refund is requested. The academic year begins with the fall term and ends with the last summer.

Inquiries and Appeals

Inquiries regarding residency requirements and residency determinations should be directed to the Legal Residency Office, University Of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208 (803) 777-4060.

Any person, following a decision on his or her resident classification, may appeal the decision to the University Committee on Legal Residence. The committee, however, is bound by the same laws and regulations as the residency officials, so its purpose is only to review the facts and details of any case brought before it to evaluate the correctness of the decision may by residency officials. Neither the committee nor residency officials may waive the provisions of the law or regulations.

Persons who appeal residency decisions must provide a letter to the Legal Residency Office informing the office that they want to appeal the decision made by the residency official. The letter must also include a summary of the person's situation and a statement which specifies the residency provision under which the person feels he or she qualifies to pay in-state fees. The director of legal residency will then schedule a hearing as soon as possible for the committee to hear the appeal.