FAQs
Residency Requirements
What are the NC residency requirements?
The NC residency requirements are located on the Residency Determination Service (RDS) website on the State Residency Laws and Policies page. You may also speak with an RDS representative at 844-319-3640 about requirements or e-mail your questions to rdsinfo@ncresidency.org.
How do I qualify for in-state tuition?
The residency laws and policies are located on the Residency Determination Service (RDS) website on the State Residency Laws and Policies page. You may also speak with an RDS representative at 844-319-3640 about qualifying for in-state tuition or e-mail your questions to RDS at rdsinfo@ncresidency.org
I am thinking about applying to the University. How can I find out whether I will pay in-state tuition or out-of-state tuition?
The NC residency requirements are located on the Residency Determination Service (RDS) website on the State Residency Laws and Policies page. You may also speak with an RDS representative at 844-319-3640 or e-mail your questions to RDS at rdsinfo@ncresidency.org. To complete the RDS Online Interview (to apply for residency), visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Completing the application
What will I need to know before I start my RDS Online Interview to apply for residency?
View the Resources page on the RDS website to assist you with what you need to know before you start your online residency application. You may also speak to an RDS representative about the application process at 844-319-3640 or e-mail your questions to RDS at rdsinfo@ncresidency.org.
I am a current student and think I qualify for in-state tuition. How do I apply?
You may apply by completing the RDS Online Interview. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Why do I have to apply for residency through RDS when I am attending school at UNC Charlotte?
The North Carolina General Assembly legislatively directed UNC General Administration (GA), the NC Community College System (NCCCS), the NC State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) and the NC Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) to create a centralized, uniform process for determining residency for tuition purposes and for administration of state financial aid. For more information about the centralized residency review process, view the State Residency Laws and Policies page on the RDS website.
The UNC Charlotte admissions application is asking me for a Residency Certification Number (RCN). What is an RCN and how do I get one?
The Residency Certification Number (“RCN”) is a unique identifier that RDS assigns to you when you begin the RDS Online Interview (when you apply for residency). The RCN is unique to you. It provides confirmation that you have completed the RDS residency determination process. When you apply for admission at any NC college, the college may ask for your RCN in order to request data from RDS concerning your residency status. If you have not already done so, you may begin the RDS Online Interview by visiting the Residency Determination Service website.
Appeals
If I apply for residency with RDS and they classify me as out of state, can I appeal the decision?
Yes. The Reconsideration and Appeals page on the RDS website can assist you with this process.
I have lived in North Carolina for my entire life. But the first time that I applied for residency with RDS, I received an out-of-state decision. What do I do?
You may request a reconsideration or an appeal of your residency decision. The Reconsideration and Appeals page on the RDS website can assist you with this process.
If RDS classifies me as out of state, can UNC Charlotte review my residency?
No. RDS is the sole authority for residency classification and appeals in the state of North Carolina. However, if you receive an out-of-state decision, you may request a reconsideration or an appeal with RDS. Visit the Reconsideration and Appeals page on the RDS website for more information about this process.
Pending Decisions
I received a “pending” in state decision. What does this mean?
An in-state decision that is “pending validation” means that RDS must validate the information that you provided during the Online Residency Interview (when you applied for residency). RDS validates your information with federal and North Carolina state agencies or by requesting additional documentation (if needed). If the information you provide fails validation, you are classified as a non-resident and RDS notifies you through email (and text if you also chose this option). For more information about pending decisions and validation, visit Frequently Asked Questions on the RDS website.
I received an in-state decision, but I was told that it has not been validated. What does this mean?
RDS validates the information you provided with federal and North Carolina state agencies or by requesting additional documentation (if needed). If the information you provide fails validation, you are classified as a non-resident and RDS notifies you through email (and text if you also chose this option). For more information about validation, visit Frequently Asked Questions on the RDS website.
How can I check the status of my residency application, reconsideration or appeal?
You may check the status of your application, reconsideration or appeal in one of the following ways:
- Visit Banner Self Service link on my.charlotte.edu / Choose: Residency Determination link / Enter your: Residency Certification Number (RCN)
- Call the RDS Call Center at 844-319-3640
- E-mail RDS at rdsinfo@ncresidency.charlotte.edu
Tuition Payment
What do I need to know about residency and my tuition payment?
Students who apply for residency with RDS are not guaranteed a favorable decision. Students should be prepared to pay the out-of-state tuition rate. If you pay the out-of-state rate and RDS classifies you as in state, the difference between the out-of-state and the in-state tuition rate will be refunded to you for the term effecting your residency decision.
My tuition payment is due soon. Will I receive a residency decision from RDS before tuition is due?
Once RDS completes your residency determination, please allow at least three business days for the campus to process your decision. In the meantime, you will need to adhere to the tuition payment schedule in order to maintain enrollment in your classes. Students who apply through RDS but have not received a decision must assume the responsibility for the out-of-state tuition rate. If you pay the out-of-state tuition rate and RDS classifies you as in state, the difference between the out-of-state and the in-state tuition rate will be refunded to you for the term effecting your residency status.
Until I receive my residency decision, can you put a hold on my account so that my classes are not cancelled?
No. You will need to adhere to the tuition payment schedule in order to maintain enrollment in your classes. Since there is no guarantee of a favorable decision, students who apply through RDS must assume the responsibility for the out-of-state tuition rate unless RDS classifies them as in state. If you have any questions about the tuition payment schedule, you may visit the Niner Central website at UNC Charlotte.
I requested a reconsideration/appeal from RDS and they changed my residency to “in-state.” How can I get my tuition updated to in state on campus?
Once RDS completes your reconsideration or appeal, please allow at least three business days for the campus to process your decision. If after that time you have questions about updating your tuition charges, you may contact the UNC Charlotte Residency Compliance Manager at 704-687-5122 for assistance. If RDS classifies you as in state, your tuition charges will be updated to reflect the in-state rate for the term affecting your residency status.
RDS confirmed with me that I received an in-state residency decision, but my bill still shows out-of-state tuition. How do I get my tuition charges changed to in state?
Once RDS completes your residency determination, please allow at least three business days for the campus to process your decision for the term affecting your residency status. If after that time you have questions about updating your tuition charges, you may contact the UNC Charlotte Residency Compliance Manager at 704-687-5122 for assistance.
After Decision is Received
I am attending classes; I applied for residency with RDS and received an in-state decision. However, my in-state decision is for a future term and not for the current term. Why did this happen?
Each student’s residency decision has an “Effective Date.” Be encouraged to complete and submit your residency application to RDS as soon as possible. Otherwise, your in-state decision may not go into effect until a future term. View the campus residency cut-off dates/deadlines.
In addition, to be eligible for in-state tuition, all students should meet the residency requirements prior to the beginning of the term for which the in-state tuition is sought. The State Residency Laws and Policies page on the RDS website will provide more information about meeting residency requirements. You may also speak with an RDS representative at 844-319-3640 about residency requirements or e-mail your questions to RDS at rdsinfo@ncresidency.org.
Someone told me that if I am classified as out of state, the University may be able to give me a waiver for the out of state portion of my tuition. Is this true?
No. There is no waiver at the University for the out-of-state portion of your tuition. However, certain categories of students are entitled to adjustments in tuition for attendance at public institutions. You may visit the Special Rules, Benefits and Exceptions at all North Carolina state colleges and universities on the RDS website for more information about exceptions to the general residency requirements.
Once I am classified as an in-state student, how long does my in-state status last?
You should remain classified as in state unless the University becomes aware of circumstances that affect your residency status, such as a change in your state of legal residence. Changes in circumstances should be reported to RDS.
Do I need to be concerned about the expiration date of my in-state residency decision?
Residency decisions have an expiration date. If your residency decision expires before you begin classes, you will have to reapply with RDS. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
If any of the following situations occur and your in-state residency expires, you must complete RDS:
- You never attended class
- You transferred to a different institution
- You applied to a different academic level (i.e., undergraduate to graduate)
- You are seeking a second bachelors degree at the same institution
- You experienced a break in continuous enrollment. A break in continuous enrollment means you are absent from the university for two consecutive major semesters (i.e., fall + spring or spring + fall)
Change in Residency Status
I was told that my residency decision has expired. What does this mean?
Residency decisions have an expiration date. If your in-state decision expires before you begin classes, you will have to reapply with RDS. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
If any of the following situations occur and your in-state residency expires, you must complete RDS:
- You never attended class
- You transferred to a different institution
- You applied to a different academic level (i.e., undergraduate to graduate)
- You are seeking a second bachelors degree at the same institution
- You experienced a break in continuous enrollment. A break in continuous enrollment means you are absent from the university for two consecutive major semesters (i.e., fall + spring or spring + fall)
When I went through the RDS Online Interview I was classified as “in-state”, but the decision was changed to “out of state” before I registered for classes. What happened?
Residency decisions have an expiration date. If your in-state decision expires before you begin classes, you will have to reapply with RDS. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
If any of the following situations occur and your in-state residency expires, you must complete RDS:
- You never attended class
- You transferred to a different institution
- You applied to a different academic level (i.e., undergraduate to graduate)
- You are seeking a second bachelors degree at the same institution
- You experienced a break in continuous enrollment. A break in continuous enrollment means you are absent from the university for two consecutive major semesters (i.e., fall + spring or spring + fall)
I am a continuing, in-state student and I have been attending the University since last year. What happens if my legal residence changes to out-of-state?
Under North Carolina law, a person who has acquired a bona fide legal residence in North Carolina and has been classified as a resident for tuition purposes, but who loses NC legal residence while enrolled in an institution of higher education, shall continue to enjoy the in-state tuition rate for a statutory 12-month grace period. This grace period is measured from the date of the loss of legal residence and shall continue for 12 months.
If the 12-month period ends during a semester or academic term, the grace period will be extended to the end of that semester or academic term. Any change in circumstances that affect your residency status, either favorable or unfavorable, must be reported to RDS.
After I am classified as in state, what are my obligations and requirements if there is a change in the facts of my situation?
Any change in circumstances that affect your residency status, either favorable or unfavorable, must be reported to RDS.
I am a visiting student. Last year I was classified as in-state. Why does my status now say that I am out-of-state?
If you experience a break in enrollment, you must complete RDS again. A break in continuous enrollment means you are absent from the university for two major semesters (fall+ spring, or spring + fall). Any student not maintaining continuous enrollment must request a new residency review with RDS. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Military Benefits and Veterans
I am an active duty military member but I am not a North Carolina resident. Is there is an exception to the general residency requirements that will allow me and my family to pay in-state tuition?
You (and your eligible family members) may qualify for the Military Tuition Benefit for active duty military personnel serving in the state of North Carolina. For more information about this benefit, visit the Tuition Benefits: Special Rules, Benefits and Exceptions link on the RDS website.
If you (or your family member) have not already done so, complete the RDS Online Residency Interview. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Once you (or your family member) receives a residency decision from RDS, contact the UNC Charlotte Veteran Services Office (VSO) to assist you with determining eligibility for this exception.
I am a NC National Guard member. Is there an exception to the residency requirements that is available to me?
You may qualify for the in-state tuition benefit for NC National Guard members serving in the state of North Carolina. Only the guard member is eligible for this benefit. For more information about this benefit, visit the Tuition Benefits: Special Rules, Benefits and Exceptions link on the RDS website.
If you have not already done so, complete the RDS Online Residency Interview. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Once you receive a residency decision from RDS, contact the UNC Charlotte Veteran Services Office (VSO) to assist you with determining eligibility for this exception.
I am a veteran. Is there an exception to the general residency requirements that is available to me?
Under North Carolina law, certain veterans and other individuals entitled to federal education benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 30 or 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33 may be eligible to be charged the in-state tuition rate and applicable mandatory fees for enrollment without satisfying the 12-month residency requirement under G.S. 116-143. For more information about this benefit, visit the Tuition Benefits: Special Rules, Benefits and Exceptions link on the RDS website.
If you have not already done so, you must complete the RDS Online Residency Interview. To begin this process, visit the Residency Determination Service website.
Once you have received a residency decision from RDS, the UNC Charlotte Veteran Services Office (VSO) can assist you with determining whether you are eligible for an exception.