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Under state law, North Carolina residents are eligible for a lower tuition rate to state universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (the University).

In order to qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (or domicile) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least twelve (12) months prior to his or her classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Each student is classified as an in-state or out-of-state resident upon admission.

If you believe that you qualify as a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes, you may apply for in-state resident status by following the instructions provided by your admissions office. Continuing students who believe they may now qualify as a resident for tuition purposes may apply through the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS).

Residency Information for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students who are claiming North Carolina residency for tuition purposes, are required to submit a residency application with the North Carolina Residency Determination Services (RDS) at www.ncresidency.org.

Currently enrolled students who are requesting a reclassification should follow these steps:

  • If you have not previously gone through RDS, contact your admissions office for information on completing your RDS application and providing a Residency Certification Number (RCN).
  • If you have already gone through RDS and have an RCN, you may enter your RCN in your ConnectCarolina Student Center as shown below:

Residency Information for Graduate Students

If you are claiming North Carolina residency for tuition purposes, follow the instructions in your application for admission.  For additional information, contact your admissions office.  Please see the North Carolina State Residence Classification Manual for an illustrative list.

Special Residency Provisions

Review the benefits of several residency classifications.

Residence Application Deadlines

Please take note of the Residence Application Deadlines. Residency applications submitted through RDS after the deadlines listed below will not be eligible for updates for the term.

Residency Application Forms

Important:  Click to view a list of application forms to include with residency applications.

  • You must submit supporting documentation with your application. Please include any and all documentation that may illustrate how you have established residency in North Carolina.

The North Carolina State Residence Classification Manual provides an illustrative list of the kinds of information and conduct that may be considered as evidence.