Residency Status for Tuition Classification

As a state institution, UMass Lowell sets tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate students* based primarily on the residency policies from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Board of Higher Education.  As of July 2009, UMass Lowell 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 (pdf) is recommended to all students considering a request for residency reclassification.

Active Duty Military, Reservists, Massachusetts National Guard members, and Veterans, click here.  

It is recommended that all students considering a request for residency reclassification complete the Residency Classification Worksheet (pdf), and read the information on the Application Process - Residency Classification & Reclassification.

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. 

Information related to on-campus housing is found on the Residence Life webpage.

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 (pdf) (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 (pdf), 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 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 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.” 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 (pdf).

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Out-of-State Classification

A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or the holder of an I-485 (pdf) 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.  

International Classification

Students on all visas are classified as International, unless they hold an I-485 (pdf) (application to adjust to permanent resident status) and are eligible to apply for residency reclassification (see Residency Classification Worksheet (pdf) for eligibility requirements).   Also, visit the International Students & Scholars Office webpage for more information. 

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.  At Proximity you can get an overview, fact sheet, and map of qualifying towns.

Please note the following exceptions:

• Fall '08/Spring '09 Only - 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.
  
  
• Nondegree/nonmatriculated students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification.
  
  

New England Regional Student Program (NERSP) Classification

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. 

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 tuition, 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

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.
  
  
• Eligible participants in the Massachusetts National Guard 100% Tuition and Fee Waiver program and the Welcome Home Bonus 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, contact the Registrar's Office at 978-934-2550 for more information and an Application for Readmission form.

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