TCL Admissions Reqirements

Residency Policy

The residency policy governing tuition at the Technical College of the Lowcountry complies with the South Carolina Code of Laws 59-112 in determining tuition and fees to be paid by students attending the College. Students who are not legal residents of the State of South Carolina, or who do not qualify for residency exceptions are required to pay out-of-state tuition rates.

South Carolina Residency

Applicants applying to TCL who wish to claim South Carolina residency for tuition and fee purposes must complete the Residency Certification section of the Technical College of the Lowcountry Application for Admission and present all requested documents to the Admissions Office at any TCL campus.

Permanent South Carolina Residents

For permanent residents of South Carolina, confirmation of legal South Carolina residency on the Technical College of the Lowcountry Application for Admission, along with the requested documents, is acknowledgment that the student meets all requirements of Section 59-112, South Carolina Code of Laws that determine eligibility for in-state tuition rates.

Other South Carolina Residents

Applicants must prove that they have resided in South Carolina for the preceding continuous twelve months and must have abandoned all prior domiciles immediately preceding the first day of classes. The burden of proof for dependent students rests with the parent or guardian. This provision does not apply to persons or their spouses if they are in South Carolina primarily as students.

Note: Students who falsify information regarding their state of permanent residence will be charged the appropriate tuition rate for each term attended and may incur additional financial penalties.

Residency Appeals

Applicants who wish to appeal their residency status must submit a completed Residency Reclassification Form, and the supporting documents, to the Admissions Office for consideration. Applicants will be notified of their residency reclassification status by the Director of Enrollment Services within ten (10) days after submitting the form.

Contact Us

For more information about residency requirements, please contact the Director of Enrollment Services at 843.525.8210 or mgallion@tcl.edu

South Carolina Residency Law

Click Here for the entire South Carolina Residency Law which determines rates of tuition and fees if you require more information than the following excerpt.

EXCERPT from the SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENCY LAW

Determination of Rates of Tuition and Fees

Chapter 112 South Carolina Code of Laws

South Carolina Domicile Defined for Purposes of Rates of Tuition and Fees - Section 59-112-20, South Carolina domicile for tuition and fee purposes shall be established as follows in determinations of rates of tuition and fees to be paid by students entering or attending State Institutions:

A. Independent persons who reside in and have be domiciled in South Carolina for a period of no less than twelve months with an intention of making a permanent home herein, and their dependents, may be considered eligible for in-state rates.

B. Independent persons who reside in and have been domiciled in South Carolina for fewer than twelve months but who have full-time employment in the State, and their dependents, maybe considered eligible for in-state rates for as long as such independent person is employed on a full-time basis in the State.

C. Where an independent person meeting the provisions of Section B above, is living apart from his spouse, or where such person and his spouse are separated or divorced, the spouse and dependents of such independent person shall have domiciliary status for tuition and fee purposes only under the following circumstances:

1. if the spouse requesting domiciliary status for tuition and fee purposes remains domiciled in South Carolina although living apart or separated from his or her employed spouse.

2. if the dependent requesting domiciliary status for tuition and fee purposes is under the legal custody or guardian-ship of an independent person who is domiciled in this State; or if such dependent is claimed as an income tax exemption by the parent not having legal custody but paying child-support, so long as either parent remains domiciled in South Carolina.

D. The residence and domicile of a dependent minor shall be presumed to be that of the parent of such dependent minor.

Effect of Marriage - Section 59-112-40. Marriage shall affect determinations of domicile for tuition and fee purposes only insofar as it operates to demonstrate an intention by the parties to make a permanent home in South Carolina.