Frequently Asked Questions

For independent students, not by itself; the other requirements still have to be met. For parents of dependent students, SC has to be the primary state of residence. The property taxes they pay go into the local treasury; we are supported by the State Treasury.

Not unless they have been made your legal guardians through the court, before age eighteen. Be aware that the law says that if it appears that steps have been taken just to obtain resident tuition, the application will be disapproved.

You still have to meet the other requirements. For admission, other things are as important, such as where transcripts are from, and addresses of both parents.

No.  If your parents purchase a home and add your name to the deed or put the home in your name you will be required to prove how you paid for the home out of your own earnings.  You will also be required to prove how you pay for the mortgage and all housing expenses. 

No. That is considered money coming from elsewhere, and doesn't count toward making you independent. Your support has to come from the sources listed in the requirements.

No. Those loans are applied for and awarded to the parents. Parents have to pay back those loans, so it's their money that they give to the students.

Even though they're in the students' names, since the parents put the money in and they get the tax break, it's considered support from the parents.

No, because we don't know where the money came from. It has to come from the sources listed in the requirements.

Total support, and the support has to be more than the total expenses.

No.  Education plans or investment accounts are not funded by the student, therefore the student cannot claim the funds in the account or funds used toward financial independence.

No.  You will still be required to demonstrate your ability to pay for your other expenses.

No, nothing is automatic about residency. Students have to meet the requirements, submit their applications, and be approved before any changes are made.

No.  The regulations state that applicants must be reporting to an employer physically located in South Carolina.  Having a business license without meeting the full time work week definition ( “Full time employment” is defined as employment that consists of at least thirty seven and one half hours a week on a single job in a full time status, with gross earnings of at least minimum wage. However, a person who works less than thirty seven and one half hours a week but receives or is entitled to receive full time employee benefits shall be considered to be employed full time if such status is verified by the employer) does not solely meet the full time employment requirement.

No, the full-time job does not override any of the other requirements. 

You are still required to have:

• A South Carolina license
• South Carolina vehicle registration
• Residence
• Proof of financial independence (if you are applying as an independent person).