Residency Exceptions for Domicile

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ These Exceptions

The following exceptions are rare; please read the qualifications carefully. If you have questions, pleaseÌýcontact the tuition classification teamÌýbefore filling out an application.

Tuition classification is governed by state law (Title 23, Article 7, of the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Revised Statutes of 1973, as amended) and by judicial decisions that apply to all public institutions of higher education in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, and is subject to change at any time.

The university is not free to make exceptions to the rulesÌýexcept as specifically permitted by state law.ÌýFor more information, please visit the website.

Military Exceptions

Eligibility

Personnel must:

  • Be stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ with permanent change of station (PCS) orders
  • Have physical residence in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ

Child dependents and spouses must:

  • Have physical residence in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ
  • Provide evidence that they are the military member's spouse or their biological or legally adopted child

Apply

Complete the Verification of Canadian Military Member’sÌýPermanent Change of Station (PCS) in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ (PDF form).

Eligibility

A Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ National Guard member must:

  • Be stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ by the first day of classes for the applicable term
  • Have physical residence in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ

Child dependents and spouses qualify for the exception if the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ National Guard member:

  • Is stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ
  • Maintains physical residence in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ

Apply

Complete the .

If approved, the military member and/or dependent is:

Eligibility

Individuals using Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) assistance under Chapter 31 areÌýeligible to apply for in-state tuition using this form.

An individualÌýusing VR&EÌýassistanceÌýmust:

Apply

Complete theÌý.

If approved, the individual is:

Eligibility

A military member is eligible to apply for in-state tuition using this form if the member was Honorably Discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard), is not a member of the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ National Guard and would not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition as a one-year resident of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ.

A veteran must:

  • Be an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces
  • Have a DD214 dated on or before the first day of the term
  • Have made or will physically make Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ their permanent residence on or before the first day of the term

A veteran’s child dependent or spouse applying as a studentÌýmust:

  • Have a military parent/spouse who was stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ within the last 12 years on PCS orders
  • If a child dependent, be biological or legally adopted
  • If a spouse, have been married to the military member at the time the member was stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ and at the time the spouse is requesting resident tuition classification

Veteran dependents who do not qualify for this exception may qualify for in-state tuition if the dependent qualifies under the requirements of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 Sec 1005. If you believe that you may qualify under this act, please contact veterans@colorado.edu for more information.

Apply

Complete the appropriate form for your situation.

  • Honorably discharged veteran:
  • Dependent:

If approved, the individual is:

Eligibility

A dependent of an active-duty military member currently stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵÌýmust:

  • Be a dependent of an active-duty military member currentlyÌýstationed (PCS) in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ
  • Be a dependent at the time the member is stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ
  • If a child dependent, be biologicalÌýor legally adopted*

*Step-parents in the military do not meet the eligibility of this exception unless they have legally adopted the dependent.

AÌýdependent whose military spouse or parent is no longer stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵÌýmust:

  • Enroll in a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ institution of higher education within 12 years after the member was active duty and stationed (PCS) any length of time in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ
  • If a child dependent, be biological or legally adopted
  • If a spouse, have been married to the military member at the time the member was stationed in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ and at the time the spouse is requesting resident tuition classification

Apply

If the military member is currently active duty in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, complete theÌýVerification of Active Duty Station in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ (PDF form).

If the military member was formerly PCS in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, complete theÌý.

If approved, the military dependent is:

Eligibility

A military member who is on active duty with a permanent change of station (PCS) or is on temporary duty (TDY/TAD) in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ on the first day of the term is eligible for in-state tuition. Once qualified as a residentÌýstudent, the member does not lose eligibility if the member retires or separates from the military, nor does the member lose resident status by reason of presence in any state or country while a member of the armed forces.Ìý

Apply

If theÌýmilitary memberÌýis currently onÌýactive duty, complete theÌýVerification of Active Duty Station in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ (PDF form).ÌýIf the military member is a veteran, see theÌýU.S. Armed Forces VeteranÌýsection above.Ìý

If approved, the active duty personnel is:

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ High School Exceptions

Additional Resources

Eligibility

Students identified as U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents (green-card holders)Ìýmust:

  • AttendÌýa Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ high school for at least one year preceding the date of graduation
  • GraduateÌýfrom a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ high school or earnÌýa Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ GED
  • Reside in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling at the institution

Students identified as not having lawful immigration status (includes DACA status) must:

  • AttendÌýa Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ high school for at least one year preceding the date of graduation
  • GraduateÌýfrom a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ high school or earnÌýa Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ GED
  • Reside in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling at the institution
  • ApplyÌýfor the College Opportunity Fund (COF) and submitÌýthe supplemental COF affidavit indicating they do not have lawful immigration status, but they haveÌýapplied for lawful presence or will apply as soon as they areÌýeligible (separate application required)

Apply

Beginning Spring 2023, admitted students will be identified through the admissions application process.ÌýAfter admission to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder,ÌýÌýand authorize the use of COF funds.

If you’re currently classified as out-of-state and you believe that you meet the requirements outlined above, you must complete the Ìýto request a change to in-state classification.Ìý

Eligibility

A student is eligible for in-state tuiton if:

  • The student's parentÌýor court-appointed legal guardianÌýmoved the family to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ as a result of accepting employment in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ during the student's seniorÌýyear of high school.
  • The student has graduated or will graduate from a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ public high school.

Apply

Complete theÌý.

If approved, the student is:

Eligibility

If the student's parents or court-appointed legal guardiansÌýmaintained Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ domicile for four years and then established domicile elsewhere, the student will remain eligible for in-state tuition if either:

  • The student'sÌýparents left Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ after the student's junior year of high schoolÌýandÌýthe student enrolled at a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ public college or university within three years and six months after theÌýparents left Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ.

or

  • The student maintained continuous Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ domicileÌý(this provision will generally be met if the student continues to reside in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ after the parents leave or if the student resides outside the state only temporarily [for example, to attend college or for military service] while maintaining Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ domiciliary connections, such as voter registration and income tax filing).

Apply

New applicants may indicate "four-year rule" on theÌýtuition classification form submitted with the application for admission.ÌýAdmitted students should contact the Office of the Registrar for additional instructions and information.

If approved, the student is:

Other Exceptions

Eligibility

Section 209 (b)(1)(E) of Title II of Division G of the provides that a public institution of higher education (IHE) may not charge more than its in-state tuition rate to citizens of the three Freely Associated States, which are the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)Ìýand the Republic of Palau. This requirement applies to tuition charged to students on or after July 1, 2024.Ìý

Documentation

When completing the verification form below, you'll be required to upload proof of your citizenship of one of the three Freely Associated StatesÌý(FSM, RMI and Palau). You will need to provide one of the following:

•ÌýÌý ÌýA copy of your birth certificateÌý
•ÌýÌý ÌýA copy of your passportÌý

Apply

Complete ourÌýÌýform.

Eligibility

This program is for employees moving to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ as a result of the employer relocating to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ due to an incentive from the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Office of Economic Development.ÌýAn employee must:

  • Have been employed by the employer prior to and after the relocation
  • Provide appropriate documentation from the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Office of Economic Development

Child dependents are eligible for the exception if the parent provides proof of participation in the Economic Incentive Program.ÌýThe employee's spouse does not qualify for this exception.​

Apply

Complete theÌý.

If approved, the employee and/or child dependent is:

Eligibility

Under the (effective Fall 2021), a student who would not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition and who is a registered member of one of the federally recognized American Indian tribes with historical ties to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, as designated by the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Commission of Indian Affairs in partnership with History Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ (see list below),Ìýis eligible to be classified as anÌýin-stateÌýstudent for tuition purposes.

  • Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
  • Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma
  • Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
  • Comanche Nation, Oklahoma
  • Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
  • Crow Tribe
  • Eastern Shoshone Tribe (Wind River Reservation)
  • Fort Sill Apache Tribe
  • The Hopi Tribe
  • Jicarilla Apache Nation
  • Kewa Pueblo (formerly the Pueblo of Santo Domingo)
  • Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma
  • Mescalero Apache Tribe
  • Navajo Nation
  • Northern Arapaho Tribe
  • Northern Cheyenne Tribe
  • Oglala Sioux Tribe
  • Ohkay Owingeh (Pueblo of San Juan)
  • Osage Nation
  • Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
  • Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
  • Pueblo of Acoma
  • Pueblo de Cochiti
  • Pueblo of Isleta
  • Pueblo of Jemez
  • Pueblo of Laguna
  • Pueblo of Nambe
  • Pueblo of Picuris
  • Pueblo of Pojoaque
  • Pueblo of San Felipe
  • Pueblo of San Ildefonso
  • Pueblo of Sandia
  • Pueblo of Santa Ana
  • Pueblo of Santa Clara
  • Pueblo of Taos
  • Pueblo of Tesuque
  • Pueblo of Zia
  • Rosebud Sioux Tribe
  • San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
  • Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
  • Southern Ute Indian Tribe
  • Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
  • Three Affiliated Tribes
  • Ute Indian Tribe (Uintah & Ouray Reservation)
  • Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
  • Wichita & Affiliated Tribes
  • Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
  • Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation

Documentation

When completing the verification form below, you'll be required to upload proof of your registered membership of one of the federally recognized American Indian tribes with historical ties to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ. Only two types of documentation are accepted; please submit one of the following:

  • A copy of your tribal citizenship card (front and back) or
  • A copy of your Certificate of Indian Blood (CDIB), which must contain a tribal seal or be on tribal letterhead, and mustÌýinclude your official identification number (e.g.,Ìýcensus number,Ìýtribal citizenship number,Ìýenrollment number,Ìýcertified tribal council number)

Apply

Submit the Ìýwith all required documentation by the end of the fourth week of the applicable term.

If approved, the student is:

Eligibility

This application is for children of new faculty at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ state-supported colleges and universities who otherwise would not qualify for in-state tuition as one-year Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ residents.

TheÌýstudentÌýmay receiveÌýin-state tuition if the student moved to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ in the 12 months preceding enrollment because the student's parent or legal guardian moved to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ to take a paid faculty position at a state-supported institution of higher education.

The faculty member and the faculty member's spouse do not qualify for this exception.

Refer to section .

Apply

Complete theÌýVerification of Parent’s Move to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ for Faculty Position.

If approved, the child dependent is:

Eligibility

Under the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵÌýÌý(effective Fall 2023), a student who would not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition and whoÌýwas certified by the director of the Peace Corps as having served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps Volunteer,Ìýis eligible to be classified as anÌýin-stateÌýstudent for tuition purposes.

Documentation

When completingÌýtheÌý, you'll be required to upload the following:

  • A copy of your 'Certification of Service for Employment Purposes'.

You must first obtain this certification through theÌý.

Apply

Submit theÌý with the required documentation by the end of the fourth week of the applicable term.

If approved, the student is:

Eligibility

According to (effective Fall 2018), a foreign national admitted to the United States as a refugee or special immigrantÌýwho settles in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ upon entering the United States is eligible for classification as an in-state student immediately upon settlement in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ.ÌýThe primary purpose for settlement in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ must not be solely for educational purposes.

  • Refugee:Ìý.
  • Special immigrant:Ìý, as amended;Ìý, as amended; , as amended.

Documentation

Along with the tuition classification information you provided in your application for admission to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, you will be asked to provide verification of your refugee/asylee immigration status to the United States. Required documentation may include:

  • A copy of your Form I-589 or other proof of application
  • If you're under the age of 23: AÌýcopy of your Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ parent's immigration status to the United States
  • If you've recently applied for U.S. permanent residency: AÌýcopy of your I-485 receipt notice

Apply

Please email tuitclass@colorado.edu to ask about your eligibility. Please useÌý"Special Immigrant or Refugee" as your email subject and provide your complete contact information.

Eligibility

Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ State law HB17-1081Ìýwent into effect on Aug.Ìý9, 2017. This law allows state-supported institutions of higher education to charge in-state tuition to elite athletes residing anywhere in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ and training in an elite-level program approved by the United States Olympic Committee and the governing body of an Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American or Parapan American sport.

Verification of participation in a qualifying elite training program is required from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the national governing bodies of Olympic, Paralympic and Pan American or Parapan American sport field teams on or before the first day of classÌýeach semester.

Apply

Complete theÌýVerification of U.S. Olympic AthleteÌýand send it to your National Governing Body (NGB/HPMO) for eligibility verification. That body will email itÌýto ACE.edu@usoc.org for final verification, and the USOC will submit the form with completed verification to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

If approved, the athlete is:

Eligibility

A student must:

  • Be enrolled in a qualifying program at Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder
  • Prove residency in a qualifying state (not Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ)

For more information, see the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education'sÌýÌýpage.

Apply

Complete theÌý.

If approved, the WRGP student:

  • Is not eligible for the College Opportunity Fund
  • Is not eligible for resident financial aid
  • Must not attempt to become a Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ resident
  • Cannot use any period of time while receiving the WRGP exception to begin Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ domicile

Contact Us

Ìý Ìýtuitclass@colorado.edu
Ìý Ìý303-492-6970 (option 3)

Walk-in Advising Sessions
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