Residency
Students are classified as In-State or Out-of-State residents for fee payment purposes.
Any required residency forms and supporting documentation must be submitted by the official census date (Fall and Spring semesters: 14 calendar days from the first official day of classes; Summer semester: date is adjusted for condensed summer sessions) for the semester you are seeking reclassification.
Initial residency decisions for undergraduate students are made at the time of application for admission. Students classified as out-of-state who think they should be classified as in-state may submit a Residency Inquiry Form. The residency officer will review the appeal and send a written response by mail. If the student’s initial appeal is denied, the student may appeal that decision to the Residency Classification Committee.
Regulations
The State of Tennessee establishes student residency regulations with the intent that the public institutions of higher education in the state will apply uniform rules in the determination of in-state and out-of-state status for fee payment purposes. Please visit the specific policy provided by the State of Tennessee. These guidelines have been explained in some detail below.
Generally, the regulations state that:
- Every person having his or her domicile in Tennessee shall be classified as in-state for fee payment purposes. Every person not having his or her domicile in Tennessee shall be classified at out-of-state for fee payment purposes.
- Dependent students (those receiving parental support) are classified based on the domicile of the parents.
- An emancipated (independent) student 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 for the purposes of education for the student, his/her spouse or dependents.
The Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act requires ETSU to verify students' US Citizenship or "lawful presence" in the United States prior to offering a state benefit. State benefits include in-state tuition, Lottery Scholarships and any other form of tuition assistance funded through state appropriations. Find out for more information on our eligibility and entitlements FAQ page.
To help you understand residency regulations at East Tennessee State University see our Frequently Asked Questions.
For complete details, please see The Residency Classification Guide.