Written by Zeryn Macklin.
As we prepare for the upcoming summer and fall semesters, it is important to understand how residency classification affects tuition billing so that we can support students, if needed. Residency status determines whether a student is charged in-state or out-of-state tuition, and timely updates are essential to avoid billing discrepancies.
How Residency Classification Is Determined
In compliance with North Carolina law, students must request residency classification through the Residency Determination Service (RDS). This centralized system determines if a student qualifies for in-state or out-of-state tuition based on legal residency requirements.
A student qualifies for in-state tuition if they have:
- Established legal residency (domicile) in North Carolina
- Maintained that legal residence for at least 12 continuous months before being considered for in-state status
Students are responsible for providing documentation to verify their residency status. More details on residency statutes can be found in the State Residency Laws and Policies.
Impact on Tuition Billing and Student Accounts
Residency classification directly impacts tuition charges and should be finalized before semester billing deadlines whenever possible. If residency is not updated in time, students will be charged according to their current classification. For example, a student who becomes eligible for in-state residency but does not complete the process before the billing date will still be charged out-of-state tuition.
Additionally, during the late registration period, students must prepay tuition based on their residency status at the time of registration. If their classification is updated later, they will be reimbursed for any overpayment.
If students believe their residency status is incorrect, they should complete the RDS process as soon as possible to ensure their tuition charges reflect the correct classification.
Supporting Students and Ensuring Accuracy
Encouraging students to complete the RDS process well ahead of billing dates helps prevent delays in resolving tuition charges. Departments can guide students to the RDS website, and students can also check and update their residency status through MyPack Portal.