Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

The determination of residency for tuition purposes is made by the director of admissions for new students and by the director of records for enrolled students.

When residence status is in question, the student, if under eighteen, must present certification to the appropriate Rhode Island College official that the parents or legal guardians have resided in Rhode Island for at least twelve months. This certification must be verified by the clerk of the city or town in which legal residence is claimed.

If the student is over eighteen and claims independent status, a notarized statement must be furnished, indicating residence in Rhode Island for at least one year prior to the student’s first registering at Rhode Island College. In addition, to be considered independent of their parents, students must not have been claimed as a dependent for tax purposes for two years, and students must have resided in Rhode Island for at least one year. A notarized statement from the parents attesting to the fact that the student was not claimed for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) purposes for two years is required. This statement authorizes the college to verify the fact with the IRS.

For such students, time spent in Rhode Island while attending college usually may not be used to establish residence.

Contact either the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Records Office, as appropriate, for further information.