Independent Students

Independent students are defined as individuals who are not claimed as dependents on the federal or state income tax returns of their parents or United States court-appointed legal guardians who have ceased to provide support and right to the individuals' care, custody, and earnings. Independent students meet the Georgia residency requirements if they have established and maintained legal, permanent residency in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the academic term for which they seek in-state tuition. It is presumed that independent students did not gain or acquire legal, permanent residency in the State of Georgia while attending Athens Technical College or any member institution of the Technical College System of Georgia without clear evidence of having established legal, permanent residency in the State of Georgia for purposes other than attending Athens Technical College or any member institution of the Technical College System of Georgia.