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Residency Application Guidelines

Student Residency Classification

Initial residency classification is determined by admissions staff from information submitted by the student on the Central Application System (CAS) application for College admissions.

Students classified as out-of-state, or whose status is unclear, may apply for residency reclassification after they are admitted.

Students must submit an appeal application to the residency committee. The application for reclassification along with all supporting documentation must be received no later than the last day of registration to be considered for that semester.

The last day of registration for a semester is located on the Timetable/Financial Deadlines Calendars for the semester and is the “Last Day to Final Register, Add, Change Grading Options with a W—Full Session Course.”

Graduate students should email their documentation to residency@uthsc.edu.  You may opt to use the UT Secure Courier if needed. 

For additional information and instructions on submitting documentation, please read our FAQ's. Classification will be determined, and the applicant will be notified by email. Completing the residency application or the appeal process does not guarantee a student will receive in state classification.

Regulations

The State of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee System establishes student residency regulations.

  1. Students under the age of 24 are considered dependent students and residency classification for tuition purposes is determined to be the same state as parent(s) or legal guardian domicile.
  2. An emancipated student independent of parents may establish in-state classification by producing clear and convincing evidence of Tennessee domicile. Proof must be provided that the move to Tennessee was not primarily for obtaining educational opportunities for themselves, dependents, or spouse. Turning 18 in itself does not provide evidence that a student is emancipated for in-state tuition purposes. Intent to remain in the state after attending the university in itself does not provide evidence that the move to the state is incidental to educational purposes.
  3. Students over the age of 24 or otherwise independent must provide clear and convincing evidence that the move to Tennessee is not for educational opportunities for themselves, dependents, or spouse. Intent to remain in the state after attending the University in itself does not provide evidence that the move to the state is incidental to educational purposes.

University of Tennessee’s residency guidelines are independent of other state rules or regulations governing residency for other purposes, including property tax liability, eligibility to vote, obtaining a driver license, or registering an automobile.   

Residency Appeal Process

Admitted/current students may request reconsideration of their residency classification by submitting an appeal. The appeal procedures are described below. An admitted/current student may appeal only one time per term. Once the Residency Appeal Committee's decision has been made for that term, the applicant cannot appeal again until the following term.

A request for appeal must be made in writing to the Residency Committee, within ten (10) days of written notification of the initial decision. The Residency Appeal Committee will review the documentation provided by the student and the Residency Application. The Committee will then hand down its decision whether or not to reclassify administratively at this step in the process.

Final Appeal – Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor

Request for a final appeal must be made in writing to the Residency Committee within ten (10) days of written notification of the appeal/reconsideration decision and will be forwarded to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management or designee. The Assistant Vice Chancellor only overturns Residency Appeal Committee decisions when the applicant contends there were inherent flaws or biases in the process leading up to the residency decision. The Assistant Vice Chancellor will not consider new information not already considered by the Residency Appeals Committee. The appealing student will be notified in writing of the decision which is final.

Reapplying for Reclassification

Students who have exhausted the appeals process and have been denied in-state tuition status are eligible to reapply for reclassification the following term if they believe that circumstances have changed or new facts warrant a new application. This application is seen as a new case, not a continuation of the initial appeal. The application and appeals process are the same.

 

Aug 4, 2023