Residency Status for Tuition Classification
Printer Friendly
As a state institution, UMass Lowell sets tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate students in day programs based on residency classification regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Board of Higher Education. Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education (CSCE) have different standards.
First, the applicant has to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident or be in possession of an I-485 (pdf) (application to adjust to permanent resident status) to be eligible for consideration. In general, a person is eligible for In-State classification (or to apply for residency reclassification) as a Massachusetts resident if the applicant (or his/her parents if a dependent student, or his spouse if married) has legally resided, or demonstrated intent to establish residency in Massachusetts, for approximately 12 months immediately preceding his/her enrollment, or re-enrollment, at UMass Lowell. Exceptions may apply, such as active duty station in Massachusetts or marriage to a Massachusetts resident.
Please note - An applicant may not establish Massachusetts residency solely by attending UMass Lowell. If a student relocates to Massachusetts to attend UMass Lowell or any other college/university, the time as a student will not count toward the required period to establish residency.
As of December 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)
CSCE standards are different.
For freshman, transfer and graduate students, the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Departments make a determination of residency status 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 On-line 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 information can be found further down on this page.
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.
Application Process - Residency Classification & Reclassification
Information related to on-campus housing is found on the Office of Residence Life website.
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 un-emancipated 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 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).
It is recommended that before submitting a residency classification inquiry or application, the student completes the Residency Classification Worksheet (pdf) 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 (see the Application Process - Residency Classification & Reclassification page.)
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 website for more information.
If you are an applicant with an out-of-status visa, or without any residency or citizenship documentation, visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page 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. The Proximity Program overview provides a summary, fact sheet, and map of qualifying towns.Please note the following exceptions:
- Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education (CSCE) students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification.
- Non-degree/non-matriculated students do not qualify for the Proximity Program classification.
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 in which they live. The cost is less than the out-of-state costs but similar to the Proximity Program (NERSP students with enrollments prior to Fall 2009 are grandfathered into the original tuition and fee determination formula).
For freshman/transfer undergraduate applicants, Undergraduate Admissions personnel make the initial determination of eligibility for NERSP. Please forward questions about NERSP eligibility via e-mail 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 via e-mail to: Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu.
Note: CSCE students do not qualify for the NERSP program.
Learn more about the deadlines associated with changes to personal or academic records.
Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education (CSCE)
Tuition and fees for CSCE students and courses are based on credit hours and not on residency status for tuition classification. However, charges for courses taken through day school, even if the student is enrolled in a CSCE program, require a determination of residency status for tuition classification as indicated above for the specific day program course. Other CSCE-specific enrollment issues include:- Day program students taking CSCE courses are charged CSCE tuition for the specific course(s) separately from the day program tuition and fee charges.
- All summer courses are offered thru CSCE, and tuition and fee charges are generally based on credit-hours.
Please note: residency requirements for CSCE programs refer to the completion of credits as a CSCE student at UMass Lowell. More information can be found on the CSCE Academic Policies - Degree Requirements page. You may also contact the CSCE Faculty and Student Support Center on-line or by phone: 978-934-2474.
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 15.
- Fall semester –application and documentation must be submitted by the previous August 15.
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.
Contact Information
Forward residency classification inquiries via e-mail to: residency@uml.edu. If applying for classification/reclassification, forward all documents to:
Tammy Millette
UMass Lowell, Enrollment & Student Success
Dugan Hall, Suite 104
883 Broadway Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Online Resources
The following are UMass Lowell webpages related to residency classification and reclassification issues:- Residency Policy (Residency Status for Tuition Classification Purposes) from the Massachusetts of Higher Education.
- Residency Classification Worksheet (pdf) – 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.
top
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
- Real Estate Information - the State of Massachusetts is divided into 21 registry districts (similar to counties). Documents related to the ownership of real estate within each district are recorded at the corresponding Registry of Deeds. On-line real estate information may be found on the MassLandRecords website.
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service: Request a Transcript of your 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
Active Duty Military, Reservists, Massachusetts National Guard Members, and Veterans
We proudly welcome active duty members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard, and Reserves 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 by phone: 978-934-4220 or via e-mail: financialaidquestions@uml.edu) for more information.
The Residency Classification Worksheet (pdf) provides details on the documentation required. Please feel free to forward residency classification questions via e-mail to residency@uml.edu.
For assistance with military & veteran benefits or general questions, visit the Veterans Services and Military Benefits pages, or contact Linda Morabito, Veterans' Benefits Coordinator at 978-934-2461. If you are applying for readmission, contact the Registrar's Office by telephone at 978-934-2550 for more information and an Application for Readmission form (pdf).