Institutions of higher education are required to determine the residency classification of applicants. The initial determination of one’s residency classification 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 classification 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 classification.
All students who believe they are South Carolina residents MUST complete the SC Residency Classification Form in their Self Service Carolina (SSC) account after admission.
For questions related to residency, please contact one of the residency officers listed below:
Ira Pace
864-503-5808
Rebecca Kunz
864-503-5281
Any appeals related to the residency classification should be directed to Donette Stewart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services.
University of South Carolina Upstate Policy and Procedures
In accordance with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education policy 59-112-10, the University of South Carolina Upstate is committed to providing proper assessment for all students for state grants, scholarships, and as a state institution, assessment of tuition charges. USC Upstate will use guidance and statutes provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to ensure fair and equitable decisions are made for all students regardless of legal residency in the state or out of state.
USC Upstate Admissions counselor will provide a comprehensive review process from the time of admission to the completion of the add drop period. The state of responsibility for determining a student’s legal residency status is listed below and meets the South Carolina Commissions on Higher Education’s statute regarding legal residency. All students who wish to claim legal residency must meet the requirements listed in SC Code of Laws, Section 59-112-10 will be reviewed in a fair and equitable process.
- It is the student’s responsibility to support the burden of proof as outlined by CHE.
- It is the university’s responsibility to provide required forms, as needed.
- It is the student’s responsibility to complete required forms to be considered. The university does not take special consideration for any student regardless of length of legal residency. All submissions will be reviewed with impartiality.
- Students must complete residency certifications prior to the end of the term for which they wish to be considered. However, students must be eligible for in-state residency prior to the start of the term for the petition to be approved during the current term.
- Retroactive refunds for academic years which have passed will not be granted.
- Students who become eligible during a term may apply for residency consideration for the following term.
- For example:
- A student beginning enrollment in Fall 2023 but attended both fall 2023 and spring 2024 may be eligible for retroactive adjustments so long as they have completed the residency verification form and were legally residents of the State of South Carolina before the beginning of new academic year.
- Forms will be processed in order of receipt from the student.
Residency Requirements
Residency is based on several factors used to establish South Carolina domicile and intent to remain in the state.
- Live in a permanent home in South Carolina (not temporary student housing)
- Establish a primary residence (domicile) in South Carolina
- Obtain a South Carolina driver’s license or ID within 45 days of establishing domicile
- Failure to do so may delay the residency start date
- Register vehicles in South Carolina within 45 days of establishing domicile
- Failure to do so may delay the residency start date
- File South Carolina state taxes as a resident when applicable
- Show intent to remain in South Carolina
- Not maintain residency ties to another state
Independent Students
- Support more than half of their own expenses
- Live in South Carolina for at least 12 consecutive months before qualifying
- Cannot be claimed on another person’s taxes
- Must independently establish South Carolina residency
Dependent Students
- Supported by a parent, spouse, or guardian
- Residency is determined based on the supporting individual’s residency status
Residency is generally established after:
- Living in South Carolina for 12 consecutive months at a primary domicile
- Obtaining a South Carolina driver’s license or ID
- Registering vehicles in South Carolina
- Filing South Carolina taxes as a resident when applicable
Some exemptions may waive the 12-month waiting period but still require proof of South Carolina domicile and intent to remain.
Possible exemptions include:
- Certain military-related benefits through the Veterans Affairs Office
- Retirees relocating to South Carolina on terminal leave
- Full-time employees working for South Carolina-based employers
- Active-duty military personnel stationed in South Carolina
The residency clock begins when:
- Domicile is established, AND
- A South Carolina driver’s license or ID is obtained, AND
- Vehicles are registered in South Carolina
- Example: Within 45 Days
Example: Within 45 Days
- Domicile established: June 1
- License and vehicle registration completed by July 15
- Residency clock starts June 1
Example: After 45 Days
- Domicile established: June 1
- License and vehicle registration completed after 45 days
- Residency clock starts on the date the final requirement is completed