Residency Requirements

Residency classification for tuition purposes is governed by state law (Title 23, Article 7, C.R.S. 1973).  The college is required to apply the rules set forth in the law and does not have authority to make exceptions unless specifically permitted by law. 

Students are initially classified as resident (in-state) or non-resident (out-of-state) based on the information provided on their Admissions Application. Once the status is determined it remains unchanged in the absence of satisfactory evidence to the contrary. In addition, students must submit the appropriate residency form.

The deadline for the Petition for In-State Tuition is 30 days after the start of the semester: NO EXCEPTIONS

30 Day Deadline Dates: (Continuing students - Petition for In-State Tuition)
Summer 2013- June 26, 2013
Fall 2013- September 17, 2013
Spring 2014- February 20, 2014

The law requires an individual to be domiciled in the state for one year or more continuously prior to the first day of class to be eligible for in-state tuition. “Domicile” is a legal term that refers to the place where an individual has shown intent to make a permanent home and legal residence. Having domicile involves more than just having physical presence or “residence” in the state. Physical presence coupled with intent to remain in Colorado permanently is required for domicile. Retaining ties with your former state of residence and failure to comply with laws expected of all permanent residents of CO provides evidence against CO domicile.

An individual must surrender all legal ties with their former state of residence to show the intent to make CO their permanent place of habitation and legal residence. The following can be used to document intent. However, no one factor alone is sufficient.

• Colorado driver’s license or valid Colorado ID
• Colorado motor vehicle registration
• Permanent, full-time, off-campus employment
• Colorado voter registration 
• Payment of Colorado state income taxes as a Colorado resident
• Ownership of residential property in Colorado 

Only qualified individuals may establish domicile. A qualified individual must be a U.S Citizen or eligible Non-U.S Citizen in one of the following categories at the beginning of the one year domicile period:

• 22 years of age or older – individuals 22 years of age are eligible to establish domicile in CO. The one year domicile period begins only after attaining 22 years of age. Therefore, an individual may qualify for in-state tuition after reaching 23 years of age. 
• Married – one year domicile period begins only after date of marriage.
• Emancipated minor - Individuals under 22 years of age are eligible to establish domicile only if they are not supported by their parent(s) and are able to meet all ordinary and necessary expenses independently. The one year domicile begins only after date of emancipation. 
      o Emancipation requires the individual’s parents or legal guardians to no longer support the minor and make no provision for support.  Receipt of gifts, trust funds, loans, and assets established by parents or someone other than yourself on your behalf provides evidence against emancipation.  In addition, parents must no longer claim the minor on their income taxes.  Minors must document that they are able to meet all financial obligations including tuition and fees without any financial assistance from any other individual.   

Students without lawful immigration status, who wish to obtain in-state tuition under the Colorado ASSET bill, must meet the following requirements:

• Attended 3 years of high school in Colorado.
• Obtained a high school diploma or GED immediately following attendance in a Colorado high school.
• Enroll in an institution of higher education no more than 12 months from the date of graduation.
• Undocumented students must submit an affidavit stating that they have applied for lawful presence or will apply as soon as they are able to do so.

Residency classifications will be determined based off the information and documents submitted. The burden of proof is on the individual seeking in-state tuition.
 

Related Links

Colorado Department of Higher Education Residency Guide

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding “In-State” Status