SC H5008

Requires all South Carolina public colleges and universities to waive tuition and fees for current and former foster youth pursuing undergraduate certificates, diplomas, or their first bachelor's degree.

Eligible individuals must be 25 or younger and meet one of four criteria: were in DSS custody at age 18, are currently in extended foster care, were adopted from foster care at age 13 or later, or spent three or more cumulative years in DSS foster care.

Waiver eligibility extends until completion of the first bachelor's degree or age 26, whichever comes first, and covers summer terms, shortened academic terms, and for-credit study abroad programs.

Public institutions must give eligible students first priority for campus housing (including during breaks), priority access to federal work-study and campus employment, and must designate a staff liaison to assist with enrollment, financial aid, and career planning.

Institutions must report annually to DSS with aggregate data on enrolled eligible students, their majors, and academic progress, and must treat these students as financially independent for financial aid purposes without requiring parental information.