Residency classification is an essential part of fee determination, admission regulations, and other relevant policies of Greenville Technical College.
Greenville Technical College (GTC) determines student residency status in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws, Sections 59-112-10 through 59-112-100. Residency classification directly impacts tuition and fee assessment and is initially determined based on information provided at the time of application for admission.
A legal resident of the state is one who has his or her legal domicile in the state of South Carolina for a period of 12 continuous months. Regulations regarding the establishment of legal residency in South Carolina for tuition and fee purposes at South Carolina institutions of higher education are governed by the South Carolina Code of Laws, Sections 59-112 to 59-112-100. South Carolina residency law information can be found on the SC Commission on Higher Education website.
The initial determination of one’s residency classification is made at the time of admission. The determination at that time, and any determination made thereafter, prevails for each semester until the determination is challenged successfully by the student. Note: If the student is not a legal resident of South Carolina when he or she initially applies to the college or enrolls at the college, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the Admissions Office to verify the steps required to meet the requirements at a later date. The required paperwork with documentation must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the start of the semester.
If conflicting documentation or information is provided on the student’s application, the Office of Admissions will notify the applicant and assign a residency classification based on the most accurate available data. The burden of proof for establishing residency lies with the applicant.
Residency determinations are made by Greenville Technical College in accordance with South Carolina residency statutes and guidelines. Final authority rests with the institution.
Residency classification considers whether a student is dependent or independent.
Dependent students are presumed to have the same residency as their parent or legal guardian. Independent students must establish their own residency.
If conflicting documentation or information is provided, the Office of Admissions will notify the applicant and assign a residency classification based on the most accurate available data. The burden of proof for establishing residency lies with the applicant.
Persons who have physically resided and have been legally domiciled in South Carolina for 12 continuous months immediately before the date classes begin for the semester for which resident status is claimed may qualify to pay in-state fees. Note: An applicant or student residing in South Carolina for the sole purpose of enrolling at Greenville Technical College may not acquire resident status.
Residency for tuition purposes is categorized as follows:
Students who believe their residency classification is incorrect may appeal by submitting a written request along with all supporting documentation to the Director of Admissions. The Director will review the case based on state law and institutional policy.
If the student is dissatisfied with the decision, a final appeal may be submitted to the Vice President for Student Services, whose decision is final.Students classified as out-of-county or out-of-state based on their initial application, submitted documents, and/or FAFSA submission who can show they have established in-state or in-county residency may request a change in residency status once they have met the applicable domicile and residency requirements.
Students classified as in-state who submit information via their FAFSA that lists them in a state outside of South Carolina will be updated to out-of-state status and notified of that change by Greenville Technical College.
Residency changes must be requested and approved at least three weeks before the start of the academic term in order to affect tuition for that term.
An applicant/student applying for a change of residency classification must provide the following documentation in addition to the Residency Certification form. The burden of proof is the responsibility of the person applying for a change of resident classification.
Three of the four items listed below MUST BE presented when applying for residency. These items MUST show a twelve-month residency period IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE DATE THAT CLASSES BEGIN FOR THE SEMESTER FOR WHICH RESIDENT STATUS IS CLAIMED.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT W-2 Forms or Car Insurance Invoices
Both items listed below MUST BE presented when applying for residency.
Laws and regulations governing the residency requirements for tuition and fee purposes for the State of South Carolina are maintained by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Students seeking additional information regarding applicable state regulations may visit the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Website, the state agency governing the enforcement of residency determination for South Carolina colleges and universities.
View the S.C. Regulations for the Commission on Higher Education »
View the Determination of Rates of Tuitions and Fees »
View the Approved Visa Classifications »
Get answers to your questions about residency.