Additional information about senior education here.
Senior Citizens
South Carolina residents who are at least 60 years old are eligible for the state’s free tuition program. It’s never too late to learn something new!
Senior Citizen Free Tuition Program
If you are a South Carolina resident who is at least 60 years old, State law provides you tuition exemption so that you can take classes at a state college or university tuition free!
Fees Not Included in Free Tuition
Lab fees, matriculation fees and program fees, etc. are not exempt and must be paid by the student.
Eligibility
You qualify for free tuition if:
You are 60 years old or older.
You have been a South Carolina resident for at least 12 months.
You are admitted to the University of South Carolina.
How to Apply
Be sure you’ve completed the application process before trying to register.
Submit an application.
If you are not currently enrolled as a student at USC, you will need to review the requirements and apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. You can also call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 803-777-7700.
Receive your VIP ID.
Your VIP ID is a series of numbers used to identify you at the university. Once accepted to the university, you will receive your VIP ID in your acceptance packet. Students currently enrolled at USC already have this number.
Verify your citizenship.
Once you receive your VIP ID, you can complete the SC Residency Certification Form through my.sc.edu. You’ll need your VIP ID to log in.
Obtain free tuition status. Visit Self Service Carolina and log in. Click the Student tab to access and complete the South Carolina Residency Certification form. Once complete, the Residency Office will update your records. After you have registered, your account will reflect a senior citizen tuition credit. For questions concerning SC Residency, email a Residency Official at resident@sc.edu.
Have your advising hold removed.
Email Helen Le at helenle@sc.edu or call 803-777-9850 with your full name and VIP ID to have your hold removed. If you are already enrolled in a degree program, you’ll need to contact your college or school adviser. You must have your advising hold removed before you are able to register for classes.
Application Deadlines:
May 1st for summer admission
July 1st for fall admission
November 1st for spring admission
Registering for Classes
Log in to my.sc.edu to register. You’ll need your VIP ID and password.
Find a Class
Use our online Class Finder to find courses that fit your schedule. For courses specifically on weekends or in the evening, be sure to select that session in the search field.
Auditing a Class
You can ask to audit a course, where you attend classes without receiving a grade or completing any assignments or exams.
Complete the Audit Form
Fill out the audit form and return to:
Office of the University Registrar
1244 Blossom St.
Columbia, SC 29208
Class Overrides
Asking For An Override
Only the professor and department offering the course can offer an override for you to join a closed course or courses requiring special permission.
If you need help contacting the department for your course, please let us know.