Residence for Tuition Purposes

General Information on North Carolina Residence for Tuition Purposes at NC State University

Note: Decisions on residence for tuition purposes are based on NC G.S. 116-143.1 and 116-143.3 and on A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes (Manual) which was prepared by the General Administration of the University of North Carolina system. Copies of the relevant statutes and the Manual are available for inspection in the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

The Purpose of this Document

This information sheet was developed to provide general information concerning residence for tuition purposes. This document is not a replacement for the Manual. It attempts to provide information concerning the most commonly asked questions regarding residence for tuition purposes. It does not cover every circumstance, and it is not meant to discourage anyone from applying for residence for tuition purposes.

The Criteria for Qualifying

There are two ways a student may receive the in-state tuition rate.

  1. A review of the "Residence-and-Tuition Status Application" has determined that the student is a resident for tuition purposes. (See below.)
  2. Active duty military personnel (and their military dependents) whose permanent duty station and location is in North Carolina are eligible to receive the benefit of in-state tuition even if they are not residents of North Carolina. If this applies to you, please skip to the online information sheet titled "General Information on North Carolina Residence for Tuition Purposes at NC State University for Military Personnel and their Dependents".

If You Believe You Are a Resident

In general, there are three things a student (and parents, if student is under 24 years of age) must do to receive the benefit of in-state tuition as a resident.

  1. You must be a resident. Characteristics that are typical of residents of any place are physical presence and residentiary acts. (Note: Photocopies of documents supporting these acts should be included when completing the "Residence-and-Tuition Status Application".) Examples of typical residentiary acts include:
    • registering to vote
    • registering a motor vehicle
    • obtaining a driver's license
    • listing personal property for taxation
    • filing state income tax
    • having state income taxes withheld from earnings
    • purchasing a dwelling for the purpose of a primary abode

    These are just a few typical residentiary acts. Residentiary acts are usually clustered around the time a person becomes a resident of a new place.

  2. You must be a resident for 12 months prior to the term for which you want to receive in-state tuition. The 12 month period begins from the time you become a resident (see #1 above). There is no proration of fees. That is, if your 12 months are up during an academic term, you are not eligible until the next regular term. Note: The 12 month requirement is not waived due to job transfer.
  3. You must reside in North Carolina for a reason other than merely attending school. You must be financially independent. You must intend to reside in North Carolina permanently.

The Process of Determining North Carolina Residence for Tuition Purposes

  1. When applying for admission (as a Non-Degree Studies student or Undergraduate student), indicate if you are a resident and answer the residency questions on the application. If there is any question about your residency or the 12 month requirement based on the information provided, then you will be classified as a non-resident on this initial classification. Undergraduate applicants are informed of residency status on the acceptance letter.
  2. After this initial classification, the only way to change your status to resident for tuition purposes is to complete the four-page "Residence-and-Tuition Status Application". This form and supplemental forms (for international applicants) are available from Undergraduate Admissions. Note the following information concerning the review of this form.
    • You may attach additional information to the form to make your case. For example, copies of residentiary acts (see #1 above) or a statement explaining your situation are usually attached. Copies will not be returned.
    • Incomplete forms are returned for completion.
    • Write N/A if a question is not applicable.
    • Do not leave any questions blank.
    • The form takes at least two weeks to process once all information is received.
    • The last day to turn in the "Residence-and-Tuition Status Application" is the last day of class for the semester for which in-state tuition is desired. (Other terms and deadlines pertain to active duty military personnel.)
    • The review of this form is based on the paper documentation you provide. There is not an opportunity at this stage to make your case in person. This opportunity is available through the appeal process.
  3. If you are not approved as a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes based on Undergraduate Admissions' review of your "Resident-and-Tuition Status Application", you may appeal the decision to the NCSU Residency Appeals Committee. You will be given the opportunity for an in-person appeal at this point. The card you return to appeal the decision is enclosed with the letter relaying the decision. Note: No one from Undergraduate Admissions serves on this Committee.
  4. If you are not approved based on the review of the NCSU Residency Appeals Committee, you may appeal to the State Residency Appeals Committee.

Special Cases

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