Tuition Classification
Common Questions - FAQ
Who Decides?
The Office of Admissions
initially determines your classification based on the information
you provide on your admission application. It is very important
that you fill the application out completely. If you don't, you
might be classified as out-of-state.
When Do I find Out What My Classification
Is?
When you are admitted to the college,
you will receive an acceptance letter that states your tuition
classification.
What If You Disagree With Our Decision?
If you've been classified as out-of-state,
and you don't agree with this classification, we'll explain the
appropriate procedures you must follow to request a change in
your status. There are several options.
In more simple cases, we might only need to include additional
information on your admission application (remember what we said
before about the importance of answering all the questions).
Other Questions and Answers:
Here's a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding
tuition classification,
Q.Who sets the rules and procedures
for considering individuals as in-state students for tuition purposes?
A. The State of Colorado tuition law is the basis for determining
an individual tuition classification. The law authorizes each
institution to make the classification. General guidelines for
the implementation of the law have been established by the state,
along with common policies generated by the Colorado Commission
on Higher Education.
Q.How long must I live in Colorado before
I can be granted in-state tuition rates?
A .An in-state student is defined as
an individual who has been domiciled (physical presence
and intent) in Colorado for the 12 continuous months or more immediately preceding the first day of the semester in which you enroll.
Q.How old must I be before I can begin
to establish my domicile in Colorado?
A. There are three possible situations:
- If you are at least 23 years of age, you are eligible to establish domicile in Colorado. Because domicile must be established for 12 months prior to the 1st day of classes, you may meet the requirements of the law no sooner than your 23rd birthday.
- If you are emancipated, you are eligible to establish domicile.
- If you are less than 23 years of age and not emancipated, you will be classified based on information about your parents or legal guardians.
Q. If I marry a Colorado resident or live
with a relative who is a Colorado resident, am I considered an
in-state student?
A.No. Each individual must establish domicile, independently
as prescribed by the tuition law.
Q. Are there special circumstances for military
personnel?
A. Yes. Active duty military personnel who are permanently stationed
in Colorado and their dependents, as defined by military regulations,
can qualify for an adjustment of the out-of-state portion of their
tuition. For complete information you should contact the education
officer at the base where you are assigned. Military personnel
who wish to become permanent Colorado residents may establish
their in-state status the same as any other resident.
Q. Is the tuition classification decision
at one institution transferable to another institution?
A. No. Each institution is responsible for determining the tuition
classification of its students. There may be slightly different
procedures at different institutions, but each one must have a
process by which individuals can appeal their tuition classification.
Q. Can I establish in-state status while I
am a student?
A. Yes, but the mere fact that you are a student, part-time or
full-time, is not sufficient evidence to change your classification.
You must still demonstrate your physical presence and intent,
as defined earlier, before you can be classified as an in-state
student.
Q. May I leave the state for vacations or
summer work while establishing my in-state status?
A. Yes, but you must maintain the Colorado connections you have
begun, such as claiming any income as Colorado income for tax
purposes. Any interruptions or change in these connections could
be sufficient cause to negate whatever domicile has been established
and result in starting your domicile over again once you return
to Colorado. You should check with your registering authority
before you leave.
Q. Is there any consideration given for a
minor whose parents have lived in Colorado and established in-state
status, but who now have permanently moved out of the state?
A. If the parents move during the minor's senior year in high school
and can provide copies of Colorado income tax for the previous
4 years, it is possible for the minor to be considered in-state
for tuition purposes. One stipulation is that the minor must
enroll in a Colorado post-secondary institution within 3 ½ years
of graduation for a Colorado high school.
Q. Can anyone I know be my legal guardian?
A. Legal guardianship must be established through judicial system.
Only a court-appointed guardianship, not a self-appointed guardianship
will be recognized.
Q. Can resident aliens establish in-state
classification?
A. Resident aliens can legally establish a domicile when the U.S.
Immigration Service has granted them status of lawful permanent
resident. The date used to begin establishing domicile is the
date the application for permanent visa was submitted. This date
should be documented, along with the photocopy of the immigrant
card.
Q. Can foreign students establish in-state
classification?
A. Only certain non-immigration classifications allow for establishing
in-state status. You should contact the Office of Admissions
for information.
A. The college has established appeal procedures, and the decision reached during this process is final. If you disagree at this point, subsequent appeal would require legal action. There is no central state office or agency that is involved in the appeal process.