Residence Status

The tuition charge for students who qualify as residents of the State of North Carolina is less than the charge for non-resident students. To qualify for in-state tuition, as specified in General Statute 116-143.1, a legal resident must have maintained his/her domicile in North Carolina for at least the twelve months prior to his/her classification as a resident for tuition purposes.

In order to be eligible for in-state classification, the individual must establish that his/her presence in the state during such twelve-month period was for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile, rather than for purposes of mere temporary residence incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education. Further,

if the parents (or court-appointed legal guardian) of the individual seeking resident classification are bona fide domiciliaries of this state, this fact shall be prima facie evidence of domiciliary status of the individual applicant, and if such parents or guardian are not bona fide domiciliaries of this state, this fact shall be prima facie evidence of non-domiciliary status of the individual.

The residency classification of a student, for purposes of applicable tuition rates, is required to be changed if, since original establishment of the student's current classification, his/her state of legal residence has changed.

If a student claims eligibility, as member of the armed forces or a dependant relative of such a member, to be charged the in-state tuition rate under G.S. 116-143.3, the student must submit the appropriate application prior to initial enrollment or reenrollment for which the student claims the tuition benefit. The student must also submit the application prior to each successive academic year of enrollment.

Regulations concerning the classification of students by residence for purposes of applicable tuition differentials are set forth in detail in A Manual To Assist The Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes.  Copies of the manual are available and can be seen upon request at the college's library.