Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes

Residency, as it relates to tuition, is different than establishing residency for other purposes. As a state institution, the University of Nebraska must abide by Nebraska State Legislature policy as determined by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents (B.R.-5.7.1). These regulations provide the basis upon which University leaders shall determine whether an individual qualifies as a Nebraska resident for tuition purposes. In some instances, it may be possible that an individual may qualify as a "resident" of Nebraska for one purpose (such as securing a Nebraska driver's license) and still not meet the standards established by the Board of Regents for in-state resident status. If an individual moves to Nebraska and enrolls at any college or university within 12 months, Board of Regents policy considers they are here for educational purposes and will remain a nonresident for the duration of their enrollment. An individual classified as a nonresident carries the burden of proof of eligibility for residency status when providing documentation to request resident tuition.

Once an individual has registered and attended an institution within the NU System (UNO, UNK, UNMC, UNL) or has attended a Nebraska State College (Chadron State, Peru State, or Wayne State) as a resident student, they will remain a resident for tuition purposes, provided the individual has a current domicile in Nebraska and is continuously enrolled. A residency application under Category I is required to grant residency for those attending a state college. Additionally, a dependent student whose parent, guardian or spouse then moves from the state shall not lose their resident status if they are continuously enrolled in the University system. If a student ends their enrollment, their residency status remains for two years, and after two years without enrollment, students will need to reapply for residency.

You are classified as a Nonresident at time of admission if:

  • You have not graduated from a Nebraska high school physically located in the state, or you are not a graduate of an accredited high school or an exempt school program in Nebraska.
  • You graduated with a GED (even if completed in Nebraska).
  • You enrolled in any college or university within 12 months of moving to Nebraska.
    • You will be considered a nonresident for tuition purposes for the duration of your attendance, assuming you remain continuously enrolled.
  • You have not established a home in Nebraska for a minimum of 12 months prior to the term or semester for which residency is sought.
  • You have been enrolled at any Nebraska post-secondary institution full-time prior to the term or semester for which residency is sought.

Applying for Resident Tuition

A change in residency classification for tuition purposes is not granted automatically. Students classified as nonresidents may request reclassification by submitting a completed online application (link listed below) with the required supporting documentation. This application must include the affidavit of intent signed before a notary public attesting to the accuracy of information. If it is determined that information on an application or affidavit has been falsified, the applicant may be subject to disciplinary action(s) before the applicant is permitted to continue to enroll. Such actions will be determined on an individual basis and may include disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, or reimbursing the University for the difference between the tuition paid and the nonresident tuition rate.

When requesting residency for tuition purposes:

  • The applicant must be admitted to the University for the term in which residency is sought.
  • Current enrollment at an institution of higher education is considered in the review process and may preclude a student from receiving residency for tuition purposes.
  • Failure to enroll/register for the term for which residency is sought or taking a break from classes for more than two years will result in the cancellation of the residency application and any approved resident status.
  • Visiting Students must reapply for residency each term.
  • It is recommended that the applicant enroll in classes and pay any tuition while waiting for the residency application to be processed. This will enable the applicant to enroll in the classes needed to maintain progress in an academic program, as well as avoid late payment fees. The student is responsible for any late fees, regardless of the approval of residency status.

Residency Application Process

Completed residency applications and all supporting documentation should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than the dates below.

  1. Review the Residency Categories below and identify the category in which you qualify.
  2. Gather the documents required for your category, including the notarized Affidavit of Intent, in an electronic format such as PDF.
  3. Go to the Residency Application form and submit the form with all required documentation prior to the deadline:

    Term Deadline
    Fall October 1
    Spring March 1
    Summer July 1
  4. Notifications about decisions or missing documentation will be sent to the applicant's preferred email on file. If the email states more documentation is needed, use the provided link in this email to upload any needed documentation. Applicants will have two more attempts to provide the required documentation, after the initial submission of your application and uploaded required documents. If requested document(s) are not all submitted by the third attempt, the application and supporting documents will be canceled. Students will need will need to resubmit the residency application and all required supporting documents through your MyBlue account. Paper copies sent in or brought to the Office of Admissions will not be accepted; all documentation must be uploaded to the online file.
  5. Residency application decision will not begin until all required supporting documentation has been received. Applications still missing items 60 days after submission will be voided. Applicants will be notified of a decision within 10 to 14 business days of submission of a complete application.
  6. Applicants should read all categories to choose the one that best fits the situation. Be aware that supporting documentation needs to be in either the applicant's or parent'(s)/guardian'(s) name.
  7. If you are granted residency, your scholarship and financial aid package will be re-evaluated as a Nebraska resident. Resident scholarships will only be considered if you applied for admission by the resident scholarship deadline and your residency application is submitted before the deposit deadline. Any scholarships or awards that were based on offsetting nonresident tuition will be removed as well as the nonresident Housing Credit.
  8. Appeals: Individuals who believe they have been incorrectly denied residency for tuition purposes may submit a letter of appeal to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions or email admissions@unk.edu.

Documentation

All applications must include the following:

  • A notarized Affidavit of Intent.
  • Proof of Lawful Status via documentation of U.S. Citizenship, FAFSA Submission Summary, Lawful Current Visa, Permanent Resident, Asylee or Refugee status as classified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Documents specific to the chosen category as described below.

The University reserves the right to request additional documentation. For all documents, provide legible electronic copies. Submission of required documents does not guarantee that residency for tuition purposes will be granted. Please redact all social security numbers before submitting documentation.

Category Documentation (in addition to Affidavit of Intent and Proof of Lawful Status)
A. Legal Age Resident or Emancipated Minor:
An individual who has established a home in NE where he/she is habitually present & shall verify with documentation the intention to make NE their permanent place of residence. However, if an individual moves to Nebraska and enrolls at any college or university within 12 months, Board of Regents policy considers they are here for educational purposes and will remain a nonresident for the duration of their enrollment.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of an established home in NE for at least 12 months prior to term for which residency is sought in applicant's name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in applicant's name.
  • Additional Documentation: If emancipated minor: A copy of parent’(s)/guardian’(s) most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) as proof that applicant is not a dependent.
B. Dependent Minor (less than 19 yrs. of age):
A minor whose parent/guardian has established a home in NE where they are habitually present with the bona fide intention of making NE their permanent place of residence.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in parent’(s)/guardian’(s) name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in parent’(s)/guardian’(s) name.
  • Additional Documentation: Copy of parent’(s)/guardian’(s) most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent.
C. Legal Age Dependent (19 – 24 yrs. of age):
A person of legal age who has established a home in NE and is a dependent for federal income tax purposes of a parent/guardian who has established a home in NE.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in parent’(s)/guardian’(s) name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in BOTH parent’(s)/guardian’(s) AND applicant’s name
  • Additional Documentation: Copy of parent’(s)/guardian’(s) most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent.
D. Married to a Nebraska Resident:
An individual who has married a resident of NE. Resident shall be required to verify residency prior to the marriage.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of an established home in NE prior to date of marriage in Nebraska Resident’s name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in Nebraska resident’s name.
  • Additional Documentation: Official marriage certificate (not decorative, commemorative copy).
E. Permanent Resident, Asylee or Refugee:
An individual who has become a permanent resident alien of the United States or has been granted Asylee or Refugee status.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of an established home in NE for at least 12 months prior to term for which residency is sought in applicant's name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in applicant's name.
  • Additional Documentation: Permanent Resident provide I-551; Asylee or Refugee Status provide I-94.
F. University/State College/NE Community College Employee or Dependent/Spouse:
At least .5 FTE Staff member or dependent/spouse of staff member, of the Univ. of NE, a NE state college, or NE community college.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation:
    • Letter from Human Resources verifying employment date, permanent status, and minimum 0.5 FTE.
    • If dependent: most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent.
    • If qualifying by spouse: official marriage license or certificate (not decorative, commemorative copy).
G. Active Duty Military or NE National Guard or Foreign Service Member, or Dependent/Spouse of Such:
An individual on active duty with the armed services of the United States of America or active foreign service member who has been assigned a permanent duty station in Nebraska or shows Nebraska as Home of Record, or a dependent or spouse of such an individual.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation:
    • Documentation (orders) from military personnel office indicating active duty with a permanent duty station in NE or NE as Home of Record, or from the foreign service office indicating active duty with a permanent duty station in Nebraska or showing Nebraska as Home of Record.
    • If dependent: most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent.
    • If qualifying by spouse: official marriage license or certificate (not decorative, commemorative copy).
H. Nebraska High School Graduate:
A person who is a graduate of a Nebraska high school and who meets the requirements of Board of Regents policy RP-5.7.1. Person has resided in Nebraska for three (3) years before the date the student graduated from high school and completed the program of instruction or received the diploma of high school equivalency.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in applicant's name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in applicant's name.
  • Additional Documentation: Nebraska high school transcript or copy of diploma.
I. Former University/State College Resident Student:
An individual who has been enrolled at one of the Univ. of NE or NE state colleges, as a resident for tuition purposes, and reenrolls within two years of the last date of enrollment.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in applicant's name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in applicant's name.
  • Additional Documentation: Statement from NU Campus or State College indicating resident classification during attendance.
J. Native American:
An individual not residing in NE who is a member of a Native American tribe that is indigenous to or has historically migrated to/from NE.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation: Documentation attesting to affiliation with qualifying tribe. Tribal Enrollment card, Bureau of Indian Affairs document, Tribal Membership card, Certificate of Bloodline, etc. Qualifying tribes: Arapaho, Arikara, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Dakota Sioux, Dhegihan, Hidatsa, Iowa, Jicarilla Apache, Kansa, Kickapoo, Kiowa, Lakota, Lakota Sioux, Mandan, Missouria, Nakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Omaha, Osage, Otoe, Pawnee, Ponca, Potawatomie, Quapaw, Sac and Fox, Santee Sioux, Southern Cheyenne, Winnebago.
K. Recruited or Transferred Employee or Dependent/Spouse:
Individuals who, because of special talents & skills, were recruited/transferred for full-time employment by a business entity or a dependent/spouse.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in employee’s name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in employee’s name.
  • Additional Documentation:
    • Letter from employer on company letterhead. Must include “recruited” or “transferred”, date of employment, and permanent full-time employment status.
    • If dependent: most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent.
    • If qualifying by spouse: official marriage license or certificate (not decorative, commemorative copy).
L. Nebraska High School Graduate Veteran:
A person who has served with the military who has been honorably discharged, is a graduate of a NE high school, and has established a home in NE with the intent to make NE a permanent residence.
  • Documentation 1: Proof of current established home in NE in applicant's name.
  • Documentation 2: Three (3) supporting documents in applicant's name.
  • Additional Documentation: Nebraska high school transcript or copy of diploma.
M. Military Veteran or Dependent/Spouse:
A person who has served in the military and, has been off active duty, or a dependent or spouse of such veteran, if the person is registered to vote in NE and demonstrates objective evidence of intent to be a resident of NE.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation:
    • Veteran's DD 214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty Military.
    • If qualifying as dependent: most recent Federal Income Tax Return (deduction page only) showing the applicant is a dependent and any one (1) of the following (3) items in dependent’s name: Nebraska driver’s license, Nebraska ID card, or Nebraska vehicle registration (pink slip).
    • If qualifying as spouse: official marriage license or certificate (not decorative, commemorative copy) and any one (1) of the following (3) items in spouse’s name: Nebraska driver’s license, Nebraska ID card, or Nebraska vehicle registration (pink slip).
    • Documentation needed for Veteran: Veteran’s voter registration card and any one (1) of the following (3) items in veteran’s name: Nebraska driver’s license, Nebraska ID card, or Nebraska vehicle registration (pink slip).
N. Nebraska National Guard:
A person currently serving in the Nebraska National Guard.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation: Provide official documentation (orders) from the military personnel office indicating service in the Nebraska National Guard.

O. National Service Educational Award / AmeriCorps:
A person who is qualified for a national service educational award or summer of service award from the National Service Trust of the United States.
  • Documentation 1: Not Required
  • Documentation 2: Not Required
  • Additional Documentation: Provide official documentation (certification of service letter) from the National Service Trust or AmeriCorps.

 

Based on University of Nebraska Board of Regents residency policy (RP-5.7 Tuition)

Documentation types

 

Documentation 1: Proof of Home

Submit one or a combination of the following:

  • Current lease or rental agreement
  • Cancelled checks or proof of payment issued to landlord, mortgage company, or leasing company (Category A and E need individual checks for each of 12 months)
  • Signed and dated document verifying Nebraska home ownership, e.g., Warranty Deed, Closing Statement, Real Estate Transfer Statement, Deed of Trust, or Settlement Statement
  • Notarized Landlord Verification Letter, which must include the following: name of tenant, address of residence, and timeframe of residency at this establishment

Documentation 2

Submit any three of the following:

  • Current Nebraska driver’s license or Nebraska State ID card
  • Nebraska Voter Registration card
  • Checking or credit card account statement with name of institution and name and address of applicant (2-3 months of NE transactions).
  • Nebraska vehicle registration (pink slip)
  • Current pay statement verifying Nebraska taxes withheld
  • Nebraska state income tax return
  • W-2 indicating Nebraska taxes withheld
  • No Utility Bills are accepted

Documentation 3

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident, Asylee, or Refugee status as classified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
    • Types of documentation that may be acceptable for U.S. Citizens:
      • United States birth certificate
      • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card
      • Certificate of Naturalization (Forms N-550 or N-570)
      • Certificate of Citizenship (Forms N-560 or N-561)
    • Types of documentation that may be acceptable for Lawful Permanent Resident
      • Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, commonly known as a Green Card)
      • Older versions of the Resident Alien Card (Form I-551)
      • Temporary I-551 stamp in a passport
      • Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) with temporary proof of permanent residence status.
    • Types of documentation that may be acceptable for Asylee
      • Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) showing asylum granted
      • Approval of Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal)
      • Approval of Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition) for derivative asylees
      • Immigration Judge or Board of Immigration Appeals order granting asylum
      • Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) indicating asylee status, where applicable
    • Types of documentation that may be acceptable for Refugee
      • Form I-94 indicating admission as a refugee
      • Approved Form I-590 (Registration for Classification as Refugee)
      • Approved Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition), if applicable
      • Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
      • Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), where applicable. 

Additional Documentation

Submit the required document(s) per your category:

  • Copy of official marriage certificate. (NOT decorative, commemorative copy)
  • Copy of most recent federal tax return, signed and dated
  • Copy of military orders stating current active duty or Home of Record in Nebraska.
  • Copy of DD 214 form, discharge from active-duty military. (Within last three years.)
  • Original employer letter on company letterhead. (Must include “recruited” or “transferred”, date of employment and permanent full-time employment status.)
  • Copy of Permanent Resident, Asylee, or Refugee status verification
  • Official Nebraska high school transcript. (Faxed, scanned, or hand carried copies are not acceptable.)
  • Statement from a Nebraska state university or state college verifying resident status during attendance. (Must be readmitted and enrolled within 2 years.)
  • Copy of tribal verification. (Tribal Enrollment card, Bureau of Indian Affairs document, Tribal Membership card, Certificate of Bloodline, etc.)