Where can I submit residency documentation for tuition residency reclassification?

New incoming day-school first-year and transfer students can submit residency documentation on their applicant portal at go.uml.edu/portal/applicant.

How can I view my tuition residency classification?

New incoming day-school first-year and transfer students can view their tuition residency classification on their applicant portal under “Your Application Details” at go.uml.edu/portal/applicant.

I received a merit-based scholarship. Will my scholarship be impacted if my tuition residency changes?

Yes, if an applicant’s tuition residency classification changes, any merit award will be cancelled and eligibility will be reviewed based upon the new residency's applicable requirements and available funding. Information on scholarships is available at www.uml.edu/scholarships.

What is the deadline to submit residency documentation?

Students should submit residency documentation by the first day of classes for the semester they are entering UMass Lowell. Please review the academic calendars for dates.

Why did the Undergraduate Admissions Office request additional residency documentation?

According to your application or communication with the Undergraduate Admissions Office, you may qualify for a residency reclassification. More information is required to review you for a residency reclassification. You can view the illustrative list of accepted documents for non-U.S. citizens.

As each applicant’s situation is different, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions. Students can submit residency documentation on their applicant portal.

Will missing residency documentation hold up my application?

No, missing or incomplete residency documentation will never hold up an admission decision. The documentation is only required for a tuition residency reclassification review.

I am a permanent resident; do I qualify for a residency reclassification?

Students who are permanent residents of the United States and meet other in-state residency requirements are eligible for a tuition residency reclassification review with a copy of their active Permanent Resident Card or other accepted documentation available on the illustrative list of accepted documents for non-U.S. citizens. Students can submit residency documentation on their applicant portal.

My portal shows a residency classification that I believe is incorrect. What should I do?

Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions regarding your tuition residency classification. The Undergraduate Admissions Office will review your residency and request additional information or documentation if necessary.

I live with a legal guardian in Massachusetts, do I qualify for a residency reclassification?

Students who live with a legal guardian and meet other in-state residency requirements are eligible for a tuition residency reclassification review with appropriate documentation including court-ordered legal guardianship documentation. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for information on documentation necessary for a residency reclassification.

I live outside of Massachusetts, but a parent or legal guardian lives in Massachusetts. Do I qualify for in-state tuition?

Students who have at least one parent or legal guardian who live in Massachusetts may be eligible for a tuition residency reclassification review with appropriate documentation. Documentation may include proof of Massachusetts residence, which could be a mortgage statement or lease agreement and tax documents, and legal court-ordered custody agreement to show your parents have joint custody (for dependent students). Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for information on documentation necessary for a residency reclassification.

I recently moved to Massachusetts. Will I qualify for in-state tuition?

A student’s residency is determined by where they are living 12 months prior to entering an institute of higher education in Massachusetts (not just UMass Lowell and 6 months if they first attend a community college) with some exceptions, including military personnel and moves related to a job offer in Massachusetts. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for information on documentation necessary for a residency reclassification.

I am not a U.S. citizen, but I have valid documentation including certain visa types, what documentation is accepted for residency reclassification?

Please review the illustrative list of accepted documents for non-U.S. citizens. Students can submit residency documentation on their applicant portal. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions regarding your tuition residency classification or acceptable documentation.

I have expired residency documentation, am I eligible for a tuition residency reclassification?

We cannot accept expired residency documentation. However, we can review your residency with expired documentation and valid updated residency paperwork to determine if you are eligible for a residency reclassification. Please submit all residency documentation on your applicant portal at go.uml.edu/portal/applicant for review.

If you are currently undocumented, please review the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law to determine if you may be eligible for a reclassification under this law. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions.

I am undocumented or I do not have valid residency documentation, but I attend a high school in Massachusetts. Do I qualify for a residency reclassification?

Students may qualify for a tuition residency reclassification under The Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law. This law enables certain students, including some non-U.S. citizens, who have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and earned a Massachusetts diploma (or a high school equivalent from Massachusetts) to qualify for in-state tuition rates and to apply for state financial aid. Please review the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law. Undocumented students who do not meet the requirements for Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law will be considered out-of-state.

Please review the list of ineligible non-immigrant statuses that do not qualify under the law (pdf).

What is the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law?

The Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law enables certain students, including some non-U.S. citizens, who have attended a Massachusetts high school for at least three years and earned a Massachusetts diploma (or a high school equivalent from Massachusetts) to qualify for in-state tuition rates and to apply for state financial aid. Please review the list of ineligible non-immigrant statuses that do not qualify under the law.

Students may qualify for a residency reclassification if they meet the following criteria:

  • I am not an ineligible non-immigrant (pdf)
  • I have/will have attended a high school in Massachusetts for three or more years
  • I have/will have graduated from a Massachusetts high school or attained a high school equivalent in Massachusetts
  • I can/will demonstrate proof of Selective Service Registration (only applicable for males aged 18-25)

Required documentation is due by July 15 for the fall semester or Jan. 1 for the spring semester. 

My parent, guardian or I am active military stationed in Massachusetts, do I qualify for in-state tuition?

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. Applicants may be required to submit documentation for residency reclassification. 
Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for information on documentation necessary for a residency reclassification.
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 Solution Center at 978-934-2000 or thesolutioncenter@uml.edu for more information. 

I am a veteran. Do I qualify for a tuition residency reclassification?

In accordance with the Veterans Access Choice & Accountability Act of 2014:
All veterans, their spouses and dependents are eligible for in-state tuition, so long as they reside in the state in which they are attending school. There is no durational requirement to establish residency. 
If the student resides in the Proximity Program area or out-of-state, they will be charged accordingly.
The requirements to receive the above benefits is that the student must begin classes within three years after the veteran has been discharged from active duty, with more than 90 days of service. A copy of the veteran's DD214 will be required as well as valid proof of Massachusetts residence (bill with a Massachusetts address, license, voter registration, other documents as permitted by the University of Massachusetts Lowell Admissions staff or Residency Officer).

I have a B, J or F visa. Do I qualify for a tuition residency reclassification?

No. Students on these statuses are not eligible for in-state tuition no matter how long they have resided in Massachusetts. Students with J or F visa or with a visa category listed in Step 3 of the Illustrative List, are not eligible to be considered for In-State residency for the purpose of tuition. Persons who are in valid B-1 or B-2 status are not eligible to study in the United States and may only engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions regarding your tuition residency classification.

I have questions regarding residency. Who should I contact?

New incoming day-school first-year and transfer students should contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office if you have questions regarding your tuition residency classification or requested documentation.

Current students should contact the Residency Officer. Graduate applicants should contact Graduate Admissions. Online and evening applicants should contact the Graduate, Online  and Professional Studies Office.