SC S0824

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

Eligibility extends to individuals age 25 or younger who 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 foster care

Tuition waiver continues until completion of first bachelor's degree or age 26, whichever comes first, and includes summer terms and institutionally sponsored study abroad programs

Eligible students receive mandatory first priority for university housing (including during breaks), priority access to federal work-study and campus employment, and classification as financially independent for aid purposes

Each institution must designate at least one staff liaison to support eligible students and submit annual deidentified data to DSS on enrollment numbers, academic programs, and student progress