S.C. Code Regs. 62-460. Program Definitions for Administering South Carolina Need-based Grants at Public Institutions

A. “Academic year” is defined as the fall, spring and summer semesters during which a part-time student would be expected to earn a minimum of six credit hours for each semester the student is enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours or a full-time student would be expected to earn a minimum of twelve credit hours for each semester to earn a minimum of 24 credit hours. B. “Associate degree program” is defined as a two-year technical or occupational program or an associate’s degree program (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science) which leads to the first two years of a baccalaureate degree at a location approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in Federally funded financial aid programs and authorized by the Commission on Higher Education. C. “Baccalaureate degree program” is defined as an undergraduate program of study leading to the first bachelor’s degree at a location approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in Federally funded financial aid programs and authorized by the Commission on Higher Education. D. “Degree-seeking student” is defined as any part-time or full-time student enrolled in an eligible program of study at an eligible institution. E. “Eligible program” is defined as a program of study leading to: 1) the first baccalaureate degree 2) a program of study that is structured so as not to require a baccalaureate degree and leads to a graduate degree; 3) first associate’s degree or two-year program that is acceptable for full credit towards a bachelor’s degree; or 4) one-year program that leads to other recognized credentials (e.g., first diploma or first certificate). Study toward the first diploma or certificate may be followed by study toward the first associate’s degree, which may be followed by transfer to the first baccalaureate degree or a program of study that is structured so as not to require a baccalaureate degree and leads to a graduate degree. Students who have already obtained a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for subsequent grant funds. F. “Full-time student” shall mean a student who has matriculated into an eligible program of study, and who enrolls in a minimum of twelve credit hours during the regular academic semester. G. “Independent institutions” are those institutions eligible to participate in the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program as defined in Chapter 113 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code, which stipulates that “an independent institution of higher learning means any independent eleemosynary junior or senior college in South Carolina whose major campus and headquarters are located within South Carolina and which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.” H. “Lawful Presence” is defined as individuals who are US citizens, permanent residents, or non-US citizens and non-permanent residents who are legally present in the US. When verifying the lawful presence of an individual, institutional personnel shall not attempt to independently verify the immigration status of any alien, but shall verify any alien’s immigration status with the federal government pursuant to 8 USC Section 1373(c). I. “Need analysis” shall mean the process of analyzing the household and financial information on the student’s financial aid application and calculating the amount the family can be expected to contribute to the educational costs. For Federal Student Aid Programs, the need analysis system is defined under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. J. “Needy student” shall mean a post-secondary student enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in a public institution who demonstrates to the institution the financial inability, either parental, familial, or personal, to bear the total cost-of-attendance for any regular academic semester. The determination of need shall be made in accordance with Federal need analysis formulae and provisions. K. An “offense” shall mean a violation of any law or rule in any state or Federal criminal justice system. L. “One-year program” is defined as an undergraduate program of study leading to other recognized educational credentials (e.g., certificates or diplomas that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation) at a location approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in Federally funded financial aid programs and is authorized by either the Commission on Higher Education or the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. M. “Part-time student” shall mean a student who has matriculated into an eligible program of study, and who enrolls in a minimum of six credit hours and a maximum of eleven credit hours during the regular academic semester. N. “Program of study that is structured so as not to require a baccalaureate degree” is a program of study that is structured so as not to require a baccalaureate degree for acceptance into the program and leads to a graduate degree, which will be the student’s first academic degree awarded, at a location approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in Federally funded financial aid programs. Students are eligible to receive the grant for a maximum of eight full-time equivalent semesters as long as all other eligibility criteria are met. Students who have been awarded a baccalaureate or graduate degree are not eligible for grant funding. O. “Public institutions” are those institutions as defined in Chapter 103 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code, which stipulates that: “1) ‘public higher education’ shall mean state-supported education in the post-secondary field, including comprehensive and technical education; 2) ‘public institution of higher learning’ shall mean any state-supported post-secondary educational institution and shall include technical and comprehensive educational institutions.” P. “Remedial coursework” shall mean sub-collegiate level preparatory courses in English, mathematics, and reading offered at the State’s technical colleges. Q. “Satisfactory academic progress” shall mean the minimum academic standard for academic progress established by the public institution for the purpose of complying with Title IV regulations for Federal Student Aid Programs. R. “South Carolina resident” shall be defined as an individual who satisfies the requirements of residency in accordance with the State of South Carolina Statute for Tuition and Fees, Statute 59-112-10.