Enrollment & Student Success

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Residency Classification

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This an on-going list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about residency classification and reclassification at UMass Lowell.  New answers are added regularly. Please check the residency classification determination page for more information, or send inquiries to residency@uml.edu.

Some of these forms are in PDF format. You must have Adobe Acrobat software installed on your computer to view PDF files. Adobe Acrobat can be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Acrobat website.


Active Duty Military Member/Spouse/Dependent

Question: "I joined the Air Force while living in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I am now stationed in Alabama due to be discharged in one year.  I am planning on returning to Massachusetts.  Will I be considered a Massachusetts resident?"

Answer: In-State residency classification will be granted as long as your separation orders show Massachusetts as your “Home of Record” or “State of Legal Residence Certificate”.  However, this does not apply if you establish residency in another state before returning to Massachusetts.  Documentation requirements are listed on the Residency Classification Worksheet.

Change of Academic Career (Undergraduate/Graduate/CSCE)

Question: "...was a resident of Massachusetts five years ago when I enrolled as a Continuing Studies Corporate Education (CSCE) student in the B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology program.  Now, I live in New Hampshire (NH), and file taxes as a NH resident.  I may apply to a Masters program.  What would my residency classification be?"

Answer: The University considers CSCE, undergraduate and graduate programs as separate academic “careers”.   Your residency classification is established at the time of your application to the new academic career.  Based on your information, you would be classified as Out-of-State, Proximity or New England Regional.  As a graduate school applicant, the Director of Graduate Admissions will make this determination.

Change of Academic Program (NERSP)

Question: "I am from Connecticut, and entered UMass Lowell in the Sound Recording Technology program.  Therefore, I was classified as Regional Exchange under the New England Regional Student Program.  If I change my major to Biology, will my residency classification change?"

Answer: Yes, your residency will be changed to Out-of-State.  You may also be eligible for Proximity Program depending on your permanent address.

Continuing Studies Corporate Education (CSCE) Students

Question: "As a CSCE student, what impact does my residency status for tuition classification have on the tuition that I would pay? 

Answer: If you register for CSCE courses, your tuition and fees will be based on credit-hours (click here).  However, if you take a day-program course, your residency will determine how much you will pay for the specific source.  Visit the CSCE section on the residency status main webpage.

Divorced Parents (Out-of-State & I-485)

Question: "I just graduated from Pelham, New Hampshire, High School.  My parents are divorced.  I live with my mom in Pelham, but my dad lives in Massachusetts.  Will I be eligible for In-State classification?"

Answer: Yes, as long as you document your dad’s financial responsibility for your education, and his eligibility for In-State classification. Documentation requirements are listed on the Residency Classification Worksheet.

I-485 Holders (International)

Question: "I have attended UMass Lowell for two years on an H-4 visa, and just received my I-485 from the USCIS.  Am I eligible for In-State classification?"

Answer: It depends. Relocating from another state or country to Massachusetts, to attend a college or university, is not considered intent to establish residency in the State.   In order to be considered for immediate eligibility for In-State classification, you would have to:

  • If emancipated (legally independent) and married, document that your spouse lived in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately 12 months immediately preceding the semester for which the request is made; or

  • If unemancipated (dependent of parents/legal guardians), document that your parent/legal guardian lived in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately 12 months immediately preceding the semester for which the request is made; or

  • If emancipated (legally independent) and single, document that your primary reason to relocate to Massachusetts was to establish residency and not to attend a college or university; or

  • Document one of the exceptions listed on the Residency Classification Worksheet.

If none of these apply, you are not eligible for In-State classification.  More information is listed on the Residency Classification Determination page.

Informal Living Arrangements with Family or Friends (Out-Of-State & I-485)

Question: "I am graduating from High School in New Hampshire this year, but I am living with my friend in Massachusetts, would I be eligible for In-State tuition?"

Answer: Probably not. Informal living arrangements do not support the claim of residency unless legal documentation can support an exception.  If you are an unemancipated person, and claimed by your parents on their most recent income tax returns, your parents’ residency will determine your residency classification.

Non-Immigrant Visa Holders (International)

Question: "I have worked and lived in Massachusetts for 3 years. Am I eligible for In-State classification with an H1-B visa?"

Answer: No. To be eligible for In-State residency classification, a person has to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, hold a Form I-797C (Notice of Action) confirming that the I-485 was received, or holder of another legal immigration status (including those on refugee/asylum status) to be eligible for In-State residency status.  An H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa, and therefore not eligible.  This applies to all non-immigrant visas accepted at the University, such as F-1, J-1, etc.  Contact the International Students & Scholars Office with questions about visas – 978-934-2386 or isso@uml.edu.

Out of Status/Undocumented Applicants

Question: "I moved with my parents from Brazil to Massachusetts when I was 2 years old. I just graduated from a Massachusetts high school, but my visa has expired/is out of status.  Will I be considered a Massachusetts resident?"

Answer: No, you will be classified as Out-of-State upon acceptance into the University.  However, we are unable to award financial aid until you receive permanent residency, citizenship, asylum or refugee status. 

if you are undocumented (you have no visa/citizenship documentation at all), the acceptance of your admissions application will be decided by a committee of Admissions and Enrollment Management representatives.  If admitted, you will be classified as Out-of-State for tuition purposes.

The TERI College Planning website provides online resources to out-of-status and undocumented students - http://www.tericollegeplanning.org/plan/advimmig.html.  

Potential Applicants

Question: "I am a Senior in High School in New York State and am considering applying to UMass Lowell, what would my residency classification be?"

Answer: Unless you have a parent who is a resident of Massachusetts, your classification will probably be Out-of-State.  If you are financially dependent on your parents, your residency classification will be based on their residency status.  Exceptions are listed on the Residency Classification Worksheet.

Question: "I attend a Prep school in New Hampshire, but my parents live in Massachusetts, will I be eligible for In-State classification?"

Answer: As long as you are a legal dependent of your parents, you will be classified as a Massachusetts resident.   Additional documentation may be requested to support this claim.

Readmission Applicants

Question: "When I first enrolled at UMass Lowell four years back, I paid In-State tuition.  I was placed on academic warning two years ago.  Meanwhile, I relocated to New Hampshire.  Now, I am applying for readmission with my New Hampshire address, and wonder what my residency classification will be?"

Answer: For purposes of residency classification, readmission is considered a new application.   Your residency classification will depend on how long ago you relocated to New Hampshire:

  • If you relocated to New Hampshire less than a year ago, and you filed your most recent income tax returns as a Massachusetts resident, then you will maintain your In-State classification.  However, this classification will change if you interrupt your continuous attendance to the University (spring and fall semesters) until graduation.

  • If you relocated to New Hampshire over a year ago, or if you filed your most recent income tax returns as a New Hampshire resident, then your residency classification will change to Out-of-State, Proximity, or New England Regional.

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