Faculty & Staff | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Residency for Purposes of Tuition

1. What is the University Residency Policy ?
2. How can I determine if I should file for reclassification on my residency?
3. How do I apply for reclassification ?
4. Are there deadlines ?
5. What are my options if the Graduate School rejects my application for in-state residency?
6. How do I appeal ?
7. What is a summary of the basic steps?

1. What is the University Residency Policy?

Every emancipated person who has maintained and established residency (a true, fixed and permanent home or place of habitation, where s/he intends to remain permanently for an indefinite time) in Massachusetts for a period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the academic period for which the student is applying is eligible for classification as a Massachusetts resident for tuition purposes, provided s/he has satisfied all the rules and regulations governing the residency status of students for tuition purposes. Rules and Regulations governing the residency status of students for tuition purposes are described in http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/admin_pol.htm#TUITION.

2. How can I determine if I should file for reclassification of my residency?

• If you are dependent, in part or totally, for financial support by parent(s) or court-appointed legal guardian, your residency status will be that of your parent(s)/legal guardian. Generally, if you are claimed by a deduction on your parent(s)/legal guardian's Federal taxes you are considered a dependent person.

• If you are independent of financial support by parents or legal guardian, then decision on Massachusetts residency for tuition purposes will be based on your individual circumstances.

• If you are a foreign national, you must have applied for and/or possess a Resident Alien Registration Card (commonly called a "Green Card) to be considered for in-state tuition. Even with the Green Card you will still have to satisfy the criteria established for Massachusetts residency for tuition purposes.

In most cases, an independent person (see #1 or #2) must have resided in Massachusetts for at least 12 consecutive months as a non-student just prior to initial enrollment or readmitted enrollment in the University ("12-Month Rule"). An individual employed on a full-time basis who enrolls at a college or university within the commonwealth of Massachusetts may, however, satisfy the "12-Month Rule" provided s/he maintains a 12 month hiatus from being a full-time student.

MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES IS NOT ACQUIRED BY MERE PHYSICAL PRESENCE IN MASSACHUSETTS WHILE A PERSON IS CARRYING ON A COURSE OF STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY.

The above information reflects only a part of the Residency Policy. If you intend to apply for residency reclassification, you must read the University Residency Policy in its entirety as described in the rules and regulations governing the residency status of students, http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/admin_pol.htm#TUITION before submitting the application. When submitting the application, be certain to provide as much documentation as possible to support your claim and be certain to have the form notarized.

Any additional questions or concerns may be directed to: Patricia Stowell, Graduate Residency Reclassification Officer, 413-545-5278.

3. How do I apply for reclassification?

A graduate student wishing to be considered for reclassification as a Massachusetts resident must submit a completed -Residency Reclassification -Form, along with copies of all documentation which support the claim of Massachusetts residency, to Lori Baronas, Room 518, Goodell Building.

The following supporting documentation, where appropriate, must be submitted with the appeal form:

1. Statement of your relationship to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts beyond that of being a student.
2. Copy of Driver's License.
3. Copy of Automobile Registration.
4. Copy of Alien Registration.
5. Copy of Voter Registration.
6. Copy of Massachusetts Income Tax Return (and W2 Forms).
7. Evidence of financial support.
8. Evidence of employment.
9. Evidence of real property ownership (deed).
10. Notarized copies of Leases, etc. for residency.

4. Are there deadlines?

A student may apply for reclassification or appeal a decision at any time. However, in-state tuition rates will be effective only for the academic period for which the student applied for reclassification and which was immediately preceded by 12 months of residency.

5. What are my options if the Graduate School rejects my application for in-state residency?

If you are not granted Massachusetts resident status upon applying for reclassification, you may appeal the decision, in writing, to the David Markland, Chairperson of the Residency Appeals Board, Donor and Information Services, Memorial Hall Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003. Routinely, applications that are rejected by the Graduate School are forwarded to the Appeals Committee.

6. How do I appeal?

Upon rejection of an application for in-state residency by the Undergraduate or Graduate Schools, whichever is applicable, any student may appear that decision in writing to the Chairperson of the Residency Appeals Board, Memorial Hall Building , University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003. The Board meets periodically to review pending appeals and notifies the student in writing of its decision. There is a sixty (60) day deadline for appealing a residency request. However, in-state tuition rates are effective only for the academic period in which the student is eligible, and which is immediately preceded by twelve month's residency in the state of Massachusetts.

Writing the Appeals Letter: Please review the Rules and Regulations Governing the Residency Status of Students for Tuition Purposes which is described in http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/admin_pol.htm. Your letter of appeal should present a thorough picture of yourself -- past, present, and future, to complement the objective data and application previously submitted. If new information exists, or if any information not provided earlier becomes available, it should be submitted along with the letter of appeal. It is important for the student who is appealing a residency decision to understand that the requirements for residency for the state of Massachusetts and the requirements for residency tuition purposes at the University of Massachusetts are two different situations. The appeals letter should provide an overall picture of the student's relationship to the state of Massachusetts beyond the status of a student.

Appointment with the Committee Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Residency Appeals Committee will meet with any student appealing a residency decision, who requests such a meeting, before submitting their case to the Committee. Once you have completed your letter of appeal, a final appointment could be made with the Chairperson by calling 545-5472. This appointment will give the student an opportunity to discuss in greater detail any factors which may need further clarification by the committee.

Special Arrangements for Tuition Bill

A student who is appealing a residency decision may make special arrangements for paying their tuition bill by requesting a deferment letter from the Chairperson of Residency Appeals committee, and may be received at the interview. This letter should then be taken to the Bursar's Office in order for the student to temporarily pay in-state tuition rates until the appeal is decided. Any student who has already paid out-of-state tuition for the period in question and who is later granted in-state status for tuition purposes for that period will receive a refund for the difference by the Bursar's Office. It is possible that such a refund may take eight weeks to be returned to the student.

Responsibility

Remember that it is the responsibility of the student to provide the Committee with documentation and written details that fulfill the requirements for Massachusetts residency for tuition purposes. All materials that are submitted in the original application are forwarded to the Appeals committee automatically.

7. What is a summary of the basic steps?

1. Student receives rejection letter from the Residency Reclassification Officer and an enclosed explanation of the appeals process.
2. Student reviews information regarding appeals enclosed with rejection letter. Student has 60 days in which to file an appeal.
3. If student decides to appeal the initial rejection, then student writes and submits letter of appeal to: Chairperson, Residency Appeals Committee, Donor and Information Services, Memorial Hall Building. At that time, student makes an appointment to meet with the Chairperson to review the student's appeal letter and supporting document.
4. Student may request a deferment letter from Chairperson, Residency Appeals Committee be sent to the Bursar's Office, allowing the student to temporarily pay in-state tuition rates until an appeals decision is reached. This can be obtained at the interview.
5. Students meet with the Chairperson to discuss in greater detail those factors which may need further clarification before being reviewed by the Committee.
6. Residency Appeals Committee reviews student's letter and documents (including former application filed).
7. Student receives written notification of Committee's decision. Please note that under Part V appeals, all decision of the Committee are final and may not be appealed further.