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Private colleges typically charge the same tuition regardless of the student or parent's residency status.
All students must provide state residency verification prior to finalizing college acceptance at a SC public institution. Tuition decisions for public colleges are based on the parent's residency status. Therefore, the parent's undocumented status generally precludes students from being considered as in-state residents for the purpose of tuition and state scholarships. However, students are strongly encouraged to call the colleges' financial aid and/or admissions office and inquire about assistance such as out-of-state fee waivers, etc.
Emancipated minors and/or independent students are considered based on their own residency status, regardless of parent's status. However, this status is often difficult or cumbersome to establish.
Students have the right to appeal a college’s decision. The Southern Poverty Law Center is one agency that may be available to represent the students for free. However, the student should be aware that this can be a lengthy process. Therefore, it is important to begin the college process early.
A recommended timeline includes:
submitting college applications no later than October of the senior year;
completing the FAFSA by the end of February, and
taking the SAT and ACT* in the spring of the student’s junior (11th) year and again before the end of December of their senior (12th) year.
Student's wishing to firmly establish their own SC State residency are encouraged to obtain a SC State ID, Learner’s Permit, or Driver’s License as soon as possible.
*Note: SAT and ACT Fee waivers are available to students receiving free/reduced lunch. College application fee waivers are also provided to seniors receiving an SAT/ACT waiver. Students should see their school counselor for these waivers.
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