Winthrop University is required under South Carolina State Law (Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 59-112-10 to 59-112-100) to determine the residency classification of applicants. The initial determination of one's resident status is made at the time of admission. The determination made at that time, any determination made thereafter, prevails for each subsequent semester until information becomes available that would impact the existing residency status 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 status.
Winthrop University staff members cannot exercise autonomy when rendering residency decisions. All residency applications will be reviewed for compliance with State Residency Law.
The deadline for applying and submitting all documents for residency for any given semester is August 1 for fall semester, January 2 for spring semester, and two weeks before the first summer session of enrollment. Students are encouraged to apply early so that billing statements reflect the most accurate information.
FAQ's for Residency (SC Commission on Higher Education website)
SC Residency Application
Residency for Covered Veterans
Legislation was recently passed by the General Assembly to enable South Carolina to come into compliance with Section 702 of the federal Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 relating to in-state tuition rates for out-of-state veterans. The South Carolina legislation, Act 11 of 2015 (Senate Bill 391) was signed into law by the Governor on May 7, 2015, with an effective date of July 1, 2015.
Act. 11 requires that a covered individual who is living in South Carolina and using either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 G.I. Bill benefits be charged in-state tuition and fee rates. The Residency Officer must verify that the student in question: 1) is receiving the appropriate chapter of educational benefits; 2) is living in South Carolina; 3) has served, or is using the benefits of a veteran who has served, at least 90 days of consecutive military service on active duty status; and 4) is enrolling, or is using the benefits of a veteran who is enrolling, at the college within three years of the discharge date of the Veteran responsible for the receipt or transfer of the educational benefits.
Appeals
Any student who is denied residency may appeal the residency officer's decision through the Assistant Provost, Timothy A Drueke. However, neither the primary residency official nor appellate official(s) may waive the provisions of the Statute or regulation governing residency for tuition and fee purposes.
