Residency/Citizenship Status – The applicant has to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Form I-797C (Notice of Action) confirming that his/her I-485 (application to adjust to permanent resident status) was received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Even if in possession of an I-485, the applicant has to meet all residency requirements.

Financial Support Determination – For most emancipated persons (18 years of age and financially independent, or without parents/legal guardians, or legally married), our determination is based on the legal and financial situation of the applicant and/or his/her spouse. For most unemancipated persons (financially dependent on parent/legal guardian), our determination is based on the legal residency of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Income tax returns are primary indicators of financial support, but not exclusive, and exceptions may apply.

if the applicant is a dependent student, and at least one parent (or legal guardian) has resided in Massachusetts for approximately twelve (12) months immediately before enrollment; or

if the applicant is financially independent, and has lived in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately twelve (12) months immediately preceding his/her enrollment or re-enrollment at UMass Lowell.

Until further notice - qualifying students, who choose to live in campus housing their first semester, will be considered Out-of-State students for their first semester. Proximity Program classification will take effect for their second semester.

Continuing Studies Corporate Education (CSCE) students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification.

Non-degree/non-matriculated students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification.

Enrollment & Student Success - Dugan Hall, 883 Broadway St., Suite 110, Lowell, MA 01854-5129
Phone: 978-934-3700 Fax: 978-934-3086, Contact Us



Residency Classification Determination (Tuition & Fees) As a state institution, UMass Lowell sets tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate students* based primarily on residency classification regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Board of Higher Education. As of September 2008, UML uses five residency classifications: In-State (Massachusetts Resident) Out-of-State (Non-Massachusetts Resident) International Proximity Program Regional Exchange (New England Regional Student Program) For freshman, transfer and graduate students, the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Departments make a determination of residency as part of the admissions process. For all enrolled students, the Residency Reclassification Officer is responsible to make a determination on residency reclassification requests. Deadlines, Contact Information and Online Resources are listed at the end of this web page. Also, completion of the Residency Classification Worksheet is recommended to all students considering a request for residency reclassification. Active Duty Military, Reservists and National Guard members, and Veterans, click here. Forward residency classification inquiries to residency@uml.edu. NOTE: For Continuing Studies Continuing Education (CSCE) and Online Program students – Tuition and fees are based on listed credit hour and/or contact hour and not on residency classification. However, a residency classification determination may be required if the student applies for financial aid. Determination if Student Qualifies for In-State Classification* The initial determination of a student’s eligibility for classification/reclassification as a Massachusetts resident, and therefore qualification for In-State tuition and fees, is based on the following: Residency/Citizenship Status – The applicant has to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Form I-797C (Notice of Action) confirming that his/her I-485 (application to adjust to permanent resident status) was received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Even if in possession of an I-485, the applicant has to meet all residency requirements. Financial Support Determination – For most emancipated persons (18 years of age and financially independent, or without parents/legal guardians, or legally married), our determination is based on the legal and financial situation of the applicant and/or his/her spouse. For most unemancipated persons (financially dependent on parent/legal guardian), our determination is based on the legal residency of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Income tax returns are primary indicators of financial support, but not exclusive, and exceptions may apply. Upon determination of an applicant’s residency/citizenship and financial support status, a person would generally be eligible for classification as a Massachusetts resident: if the applicant is a dependent student, and at least one parent (or legal guardian) has resided in Massachusetts for approximately twelve (12) months immediately before enrollment; or if the applicant is financially independent, and has lived in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately twelve (12) months immediately preceding his/her enrollment or re-enrollment at UMass Lowell. Please note - If a person relocates to Massachusetts to attend a college or university, this action supports the intent to pursue an education but it is not considered intent to establish residency for tuition and fee purposes. The regulations state *“residency is not acquired by mere physical presence in Massachusetts while the person is enrolled in an institution of higher education.”* In order to be reclassified as a resident, an enrolled student must live in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately 12 months immediately preceding his/her enrollment or re-enrollment at UMass Lowell. Exceptions to these requirements are listed on the Residency Classification Worksheet. It is recommended that before submitting a residency classification inquiry or reclassification application, the student completes the Residency Classification Worksheet and reads the residency classification policies. Applicants are responsible to submit all documentation to support a claim, and the final decision will be based on the submitted documentation. top Out-of-State Classification A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or the holder of an I-485 who is not eligible for In-State residency classification, will be classified as Out-of-State, unless the person is eligible for Proximity Program or New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) classification. top International Classification Students on all visas are classified as International, unless they hold an I-485 (application to adjust to permanent resident status) and are eligible to apply for residency reclassification (see Residency Classification Worksheet for eligibility requirements). Also, visit the International Students & Scholars Office webpage for more information. top Proximity Program Classification Beginning with Fall 2008 enrollment, the Proximity Regional Rate Program will offer a reduced tuition rate to New Hampshire students whose hometowns are within 20 miles of the campus. Click Proximity for an overview, fact sheet, and map of qualifying towns. Please note the following exceptions: Until further notice - qualifying students, who choose to live in campus housing their first semester, will be considered Out-of-State students for their first semester. Proximity Program classification will take effect for their second semester. Continuing Studies Corporate Education (CSCE) students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification. Non-degree/non-matriculated students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification. Click here for deadlines associated with changes to personal or academic records. top New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) Classification The New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) offers students enrolled in qualified programs the opportunity to attend a public college or university in a New England state other than the one they live in for a cost of 1.5 times In-State tuition. Qualifying programs are those not offered on public campuses in a student’s home state. More details are found on the NERSP webpage. For freshman/transfer undergraduate applicants, Undergraduate Admissions personnel make the initial determination of eligibility for NERSP. Please forward questions about NERSP eligibility to admissions@uml.edu. For graduate applicants, the Director of Graduate Admissions determines the initial residency classification, including his/her eligibility for the New England Regional Student Program. Please forward questions about NERSP eligibility for graduate students to Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu. CSCE students do not qualify for the NERSP program. Click here for deadlines associated with changes to personal or academic records. top Deadlines The deadline to settle residency questions during the admissions process is the “add/drop without a record” date for each semester (academic calendars). However, the applicant is responsible for the payment of tuitions, fees, and other financial obligations to the institution within the prescribed deadlines while the review of a residency request or appeal is underway. For enrolled students, the deadlines to apply for residency reclassification are: Spring semester – application and documentation must be submitted by the previous December 1 Fall semester –application and documentation must be submitted by the previous August 1 Student record updates (i.e., change of permanent address, change of academic majors, etc.) submitted to UMass Lowell after the "add/drop period without a record," and resulting in a residency classification change to Proximity or NERSP, will take effect on the following semester. top Contact Information Forward residency classification inquiries to residency@uml.edu. If applying for classification/reclassification, forward all documents to: Hector E. Malave Residency Reclassification Officer UMass Lowell Dugan Hall, Suite 110 883 Broadway Street Lowell, MA 01854 top Online Resources The following are UMass Lowell webpages related to residency classification and reclassification issues: Residency Classification Regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (July 2007) Residency Classification Worksheet – This worksheet will assist you in determining your residency classification (as a freshman/transfer student) or residency reclassification (as an enrolled student). For eligible applicants, it lists required documents. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Residency Reclassification Application The following are state and federal resources: Massachusetts Department of Revenue: Frequently Asked Questions and General Information for Nonresidents and Part-Year Resident Massachusetts Department of Revenue: Requesting Copies of Prior Year Returns U.S. Internal Revenue Service: Request Copy of Federal Tax Return U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services: Immigration Classifications & Visa Categories U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services: Eligibility Information: Who May Apply to Become a Lawful Permanent Resident While in the United States? U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services: Form I-485 Application to register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status top Active Duty Military, Reservists and National Guard Members, and Veterans We proudly welcome active duty members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as National Guardsmen and Reservists, to UMass Lowell. We are here to assist you. The following are the most common instances were active duty military and national guard members are eligible for In-State classification: A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is stationed in Massachusetts on active duty pursuant to military orders, his or her spouse and dependent children, are eligible for In-State classification. Separating/Discharged Members and Veterans - Eligibility for In-State classification also applies to members separating from the Armed Forces with Massachusetts as their “Home of Record” or “State of Legal Residence Certificate” but before they establish residency in another state. Participants in the Massachusetts National Guard 100% Tuition and Fee Waiver program are considered Massachusetts residents for tuition purposes (even if their home residence is in another state). However, this may not be the case for Financial Aid purposes; please contact the Financial Aid Office (978-934-4220 or financialaidquestions@uml.edu) for more information. The Residency Classification Worksheet provides details on the documentation required. Please feel free to forward residency classification questions to residency@uml.edu. For assistance with military & veteran benefits or general questions, please contact Linda Morabito, Veterans' Benefits Coordinator at (978)934-2461, or visit the Military Benefits webpage. If you are applying for readmission, visit the Readmit Student webpage for more informaiton. top

Enrollment & Student Success - Dugan Hall, 883 Broadway St., Suite 110, Lowell, MA 01854-5129 Phone: 978-934-3700 Fax: 978-934-3086, Contact Us

Residency Classification Determination (Tuition & Fees)