State Residency Certification

Residency Certification Procedures

Admissions Office – Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

In order to be considered for a reserved regional (contract) position, residency certification is required for applicants from regional states (see list below).

State agencies determine what is required for becoming eligible for consideration of a contract seat. Certification does not have to be on file at SCO in order for a contract seat to be awarded, but it must be received prior to enrollment. Please note that residency certification does not guarantee a regional position, as seats are limited. Please contact the residency certification officer on the State Residency Certification Officers page if you have questions.   

#       Indicate that you are applying for admission to optometry school.
*       Applicants from Kansas must complete and submit their residency application to the state officer by May 1.

TYPE OF ACTION REQUIRED

1. Applicants must write to or call the state certification officer for a residency form.  Return the completed form to the state certification officer, whose name and address appear on the State Residency Certification Officers page.

2. The Admissions Office at Southern College of Optometry maintains copies of the residency certification form.  Forms will be provided to those who are selected for a regional seat.

3. Mississippi does not issue residency certification, per se.  The state requires new applicants and returning students to complete the online application for state aid at www.msfinancial.org.  Click the green APPLY button. Complete the MAPP between Oct. 1 and March 31 and submit supporting documents by June 30. A complete application will signify residency.  No residency certification form will be provided.  For more information, visit www.msfinancialaid.org/sreb.  The application process must be completed EVERY year. 

14. Re-certification of residency is not required upon submission of an application for a subsequent entering class unless there is information which might alter the state of residency.

15. Residents should apply online at https://sams.adhe.edu/Scholarship/Details/ARHEG. Deadline is July 1.

18.  Re-application is required each time an application is submitted, even though the applicant may have been previously certified as a resident of that state.

19. Acceptance of a contract seat obligates the student to return to the state to practice optometry at least one year for each year he/she receives contract funds OR to repay the contract amount in full (with interest) after graduation.

20. The residency certification form is available at https://che.sc.gov/regional-contract-program. Please note that SC contract students who have been certified as a state resident for the purpose of participating in the SREB Contract Program must be recertified prior to the beginning of each fall semester for each academic year for which benefits are requested.