In accordance with rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26, the executive director may enter into a contract with a purchaser for the advance payment of tuition, room and board, or tuition only costs on behalf of a beneficiary for attendance at one, or a combination of institutions of higher education, without further tuition, room and board, or tuition only costs to the beneficiary, subject to determination of residency status by the appropriate institution of higher education. Except as provided in § 13-55E-3, benefits provided under contract shall begin not less than seventeen years from the beginning date of the first fall academic semester following the date of payment.
SDCL 13-55E-2