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To be reclassified as an Ohio resident for tuition purposes, a student must meet the residency guidelines established by the State of Ohio Law and Ohio Department of Higher Education. Students who are classified as residents for tuition purposes receive the benefit of a state-supported education, funded largely by the taxpayers of Ohio. Therefore, the residency guidelines are meant to exclude from resident classification those people who are in the state of Ohio primarily for the purpose of receiving the benefit of a state-supported education. A Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes submitted by a student will be reviewed in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3333.31 and Ohio Administrative Code 3333-1-10.

Students should review the available guidelines and choose the guideline they believe meets their situation and the documentation that they have available. Once the student completes and submits the Request for Resident Classification, they will be contacted through their �鶹��Ƶ email account. Further instructions and other relevant information will be provided.  If you have any questions or inquiries about the status of your Request for Resident Classification for Tuition purposes, please email ohioresidency@kent.edu.

Exciting News!

Now available for Spring 2025

• The Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes has been updated to a Dynamic Form.
• The electronic application is easier to read and easier to use for students.
• Information regarding each guideline/provision and required documentation are more clearly presented.  
• Students are able to upload multiple supporting documents securely and conveniently.
• Additional information regarding international students and eligibility to apply for review of state residency is provided.
• Updated FAQ’s, scenarios and checklists will be available.
• There will be an overall enhancement to the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes process.

Requests for residency must be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the academic term you desire reclassification; therefore, application materials and all appropriate documentation must be submitted by the published deadlines below:

Residency Application Deadlines

*Late applications will not be accepted.

By state law and university policy, reclassification will not be retroactive for any previous term(s). Applications received after the start of the term can only be considered for the following academic term. Students are unable to request resident classification for tuition purposes for a prior term. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for in- state residency as soon as they are eligible to apply and have the documentation to support such a request.

Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes Form

Selective Service Compliance

Per the Ohio Revise Code 3345.32 students who are required to register with the United States Selective Service and have not done so are not eligible for state of Ohio’s tuition subsidy.

All students who are required to register through the Selective Service must provide verification of selective service to �鶹��Ƶ. If a student who is a resident of the State of Ohio fails to provide their Select Service Registration Number and date of registration to �鶹��Ƶ, it will result in the assessment of non-resident fees. Please visit the Selective Service "" webpage. 

Students approved for state residency through the Request for Resident Classification and Tuition Purposes process and required to register selective Service must do so before their approval of in-state residency is processed. 

Selective Service Registration  and verification

Questions can be sent to ohioresidency@kent.edu.

General Information

• An Ohio driver's license is required for consideration of all Ohio residency provisions except C4, E2, E3, and E8.
• Students applying as an independent student must provide their federal and state income tax return, regardless of income earned that may be less than what is required by the IRS to file.
• Independent students must be financially self-sufficient with income from inside the state of Ohio subjected to Ohio Taxation (minimum $303/week). Gifts from individuals inside the state of Ohio must be no more than 25% of support and coverage of expenses. A notarized letter indicating the gift amount within the 12-month review period is required.
• Dependent students must provide a notarized letter of support as described on the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes.
• C3 is a temporary status. After 12 months the student must apply for a more permanent provision. The student will be reverted to out of state until they apply under a new rule.
• E1 is a temporary exception. Students must provide proof of employment each term and remain in part-time student status, in order to remain in eligible status for this rule.
• Ohio Law authorizes �鶹��Ƶ to request information necessary in determining the applicant's residence status.
• C10 - The student does not have to establish an Ohio residence prior to the term but must be physically living in Ohio while enrolled in courses and as of the first day of classes. Unlike other provisions/guidelines, certain criteria to satisfy domicile for in-state residency, like changing car registration to Ohio, registering as an Ohio voter, filing Ohio taxes etc. are not required for the C10 provision.  A copy of lease, rental agreement, mortgage, or copy of closing statement or copy of property tax bill for a residence in Ohio is required. 
• A student must meet guidelines for residency as defined by the State of Ohio Legislature and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. �鶹��Ƶ does not have the authority to alter or waive these state regulations, and must enforce their provision for all students under all personal and/or financial considerations.
• The request for resident classification is a review process. There is no guarantee of an approval.
• Financial hardship cannot be considered in evaluating Ohio residency for tuition purposes eligibility. Students are unable to apply outside of appropriate review periods or after submission deadline dates to try to become eligible for financial aid.
• Communication from a residency officer regarding the student's residency request will be sent via email using the student's kent.edu address. For inquiries regarding the status of a request for resident classification, please email ohioresidency@kent.edu. 
• New students appealing their nonresident status of Ohio at the time of their admission should apply for residency with the Admissions office at the Kent Campus.
• Students wishing to apply for a change in residency status for tuition purposes must complete and submit a Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes form, along with uploading supporting documentation. Communication regarding the student's residency request will be sent via email using the student's kent.edu address.
• Because requests for residency must be approved prior to the first day of classes of the academic term you desire reclassification, application materials and all appropriate documentation must be submitted by the published deadlines. Retroactive residency determinations cannot be made for tuition surcharge purposes. 
• Please note that students are expected to make full payment (including nonresident fees) by their appropriate payment due date. Payment deadlines cannot be waived or extended while a student’s residency is being reviewed. Payment due dates do not correspond to a deadline for the completion of the review of a Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes. An effort is made to complete the review process before the 2^nd week of each term.
• COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS STUDENTS: All �鶹��Ƶ students who wish to be considered as in-state students must apply for in-state residency. CCP student type and attending an Ohio highs school does not automatically indicate that a student is an Ohio resident for the purposes of in-state tuition.

International Students

Veterans

Information regarding the Ohio G.I. Promise can be found at the University System Of Ohio - or by calling them directly at 1-877-VETS-OH-1 (1-877-838-7641).

Federal G.I. Bill additional information can be found at their website or by calling them directly at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Forever Buckeye

A person who, while a resident of this state for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes, graduated from a high school in this state or completed the final year of instruction at home as authorized under section 3321.04 of the Revised Code, if the person enrolls in an institution of higher education, has legal status to remain permanently in the United States and re-establishes domicile in this state, regardless of the student's residence prior to that enrollment. This provision is for students who left the state of Ohio and have returned to re-establish Ohio residency.

Complete the Forever Buckeye form and submit the following documents by the above posted deadlines: a) your Ohio high school transcript or a verification of your graduation on the high school’s letterhead stationary; or a copy of the student's Ohio certificate of high school equivalence (GED) and b) your current housing lease, rental agreement, property deed, or notarized affidavit from parents/other. (Please note: A copy of a high school diploma is not sufficient evidence of high school graduation.) If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must attach copy of supporting documents establishing your current immigration or Visa status.

Forever Buckeye Form

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the requirements for establishing Ohio residency for tuition purposes?
2. What documentation do I need to submit to apply for residency?
3. If my parents or spouse move to Ohio, when am I eligible to become a resident?
4. How do I know if I am a dependent student?
5. If I am moving to Ohio to attend �鶹��Ƶ as a graduate student and will be on a fellowship or assistantship, does my spouse qualify for "instant residency"?
6. Can I qualify for "instant residency" through someone other than my parent/legal guardian or spouse?
7. Does marrying an Ohio resident automatically make me a resident?
8. If my legal guardian is an Ohio resident will I be considered a resident for tuition purposes?
9. If my parents move out of Ohio, how is my residency affected?
10. I am currently considered a resident of Ohio. How is my residency affected if I leave Ohio?
11. Except for the past couple of years, I lived in Ohio my entire life. Shouldn't I (and/or my children and spouse) still be considered a resident?
12. My parents are divorced, but one of them lives in Ohio. Does that make me a resident?
13. I am currently considered a non-resident and my parents, who are not residents of Ohio, claimed me as a tax dependent on their federal income tax return. Am I eligible for Ohio residency?
14. How does being in the military affect my (or my children or spouse's) residency?
15. I was a resident of Ohio prior to volunteering/working in a community service position (Peace Corps, Vista, Americorps, City Year or for less than 24 months with an elected or appointed public official) and am now back living in the state of Ohio. Are my dependents/spouse and I still considered Ohio residents?
16. If I am currently working full-time in Ohio, am I eligible for residency?
17. What is Conditional Residency?
18. I recently returned to Ohio due to marital hardship, have sought to legally end my marriage and am financially dependent upon my parents who are residents of Ohio (they provide me with at least 50% of my financial support). Are my dependents and I considered residents of Ohio?
19. If I'm employed and being paid cash (i.e., tip income, babysitting) is this income eligible for residency?
20. If I am paying taxes to Ohio, doesn't that make me a resident?
21. Will I automatically become a resident for tuition purposes once I have lived in Ohio for a year?
22. Are non-U.S. citizens eligible for residency for tuition purposes?
23. I own property or a business in Ohio, but live in another state. Does that make my dependents or me Ohio residents for tuition purposes?
24. In submitting the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes, what are some examples of acceptable income documentation?
25. What types of income sources are not eligible for helping me establish in-state residency?
26. Can I use savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc. as "income" for establishing residency during my 12-month residency review period?
27. How important is it that I obtain an Ohio driver's license or register to vote in Ohio?
28. If I own or have the use of a car, am I financially responsible for the upkeep, gas, and insurance and reporting it for residency?
29. I am currently trying to establish residency. How does leaving Ohio for the summer affect my residency application?
30. After reading the residency guidelines, I think I should have been considered a resident months ago. Can I apply for a prior semester and get a refund if I can show I was a resident then?
31. Where can I get more information about residency for tuition purposes?
32. What is Forever Buckeye? 

What are the requirements for establishing Ohio residency for tuition purposes?

In general, a student must demonstrate that s/he meets all of the criteria in one of the following sections:

C 1: A dependent student whose spouse or at least one of whose parent or legal guardian has been a resident of the State of Ohio for all other legal purposes for 12 consecutive months or more immediately preceding the enrollment of the student in an institution of higher education.

C 2: An independent person who has been a resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding his or her enrollment in an institution of higher education and who is not receiving, and has not directly or indirectly received in the preceding 12 consecutive months, financial support from persons or entities who are not residents of Ohio for all other legal purposes.

C 3: A dependent child of a parent or legal guardian, or the spouse of a person who, as of the first day of a term of enrollment, has accepted full-time self-sustaining employment and established domicile in the State of Ohio for reasons other than gaining the benefit of favorable tuition rates.

C 4: (Ohio GI Promise) A veteran, and the veteran's spouse and any dependent of the veteran, who meets both of the following conditions:

(a) The veteran either (i) served one or more years on active military duty and was honorably discharged or received a medical discharge that was related to the military service or (ii) was killed while serving on active military duty or has been declared to be missing in action or a prisoner of war.

(b) If the veteran seeks residency status for tuition surcharge purposes, the veteran has established domicile in this state as of the first day of term of enrollment in an institution of higher education. If the spouse or a dependent of the veteran seeks residency status for tuition surcharge purposes, the veteran and the spouse or dependent seeking residency status have established domicile in this state as of the first day of a term of enrollment in an institution of higher education, except that if the veteran was killed while serving on active military duty or has been declared to be missing in action or a prisoner of war, or is deceased after discharge, only the spouse or dependent seeking residency status shall be required to have established domicile in accordance with this division.

Domicile as used in division (C)(4)(b) of this rule shall have the same meaning as used in division (C)(3)(b) of this rule.

C 5: A Veteran who is the recipient of Federal Veterans Benefits under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Act or Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program.

C 6: Recipient of the Federal Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship or transferred Federal Veterans' benefits under C5.

C 7: A person who is using federal veterans' educational assistance under the "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment," 38 U.S.C. 3101 et seq or under "Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance," 38 U.S.C. 3510 if the person meets the following criteria:

(a) The person enrolls in a state institution of higher education.

(b) The person lives in the state as of the first day of a term of enrollment in the state institution of higher education.

C 8:{Forever Buckeye} A person who, while a resident of this state for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes, graduated from a high school in this state or completed the final year of instruction at home as authorized under section 3321.04 of the Revised Code, if the person enrolls in an institution of higher education and establishes domicile in this state, regardless of the student's residence prior to that enrollment, unless the person is in the United States on a student visa and has not petitioned for a change in status.

C 9: {Forever Buckeye} A person who enrolls in an institution of higher education and establishes domicile in this state, regardless of the student's residence prior to that enrollment, unless the person is in the United States on a student visa and has not petitioned for a change in status and the person meets all of the following criteria:

(a) The person officially withdrew from a school in this state while the person was a resident of this state for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes;

(b) The person has not received a high school diploma or honors diploma awarded under section 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, or 3325.08 of the Revised Code or a high school diploma awarded by a school located in another state or country; and

(c) The person while a resident of this state for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes, both took a high school equivalency test and was awarded a certificate of high school equivalence.

C 10 (Ohio House Bill 16): A service member who is on active duty and to the service member's spouse and any dependent of the service member while the service member is on active duty. In order to qualify under this paragraph, the student seeking in-state tuition rates must live in the state as of the first day of a term of enrollment in the state institution of higher education, but the student or the service member shall not be required, to establish domicile in this state as of the first day of a term of enrollment in an institution of higher education.

C 11: A person, while not a resident of this state for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes, lives in this state and completes a bachelor's degree program at an institution of higher education in this state and, upon completing that bachelor's degree program, immediately enrolls in a graduate degree program offered at any state institution of higher education, provided the person, while enrolled in the graduate degree program, resides in this state.

For purposes of this paragraph, graduate degree program means any master's or doctoral program at a state institution of higher education, except that a board of trustees of a state institution of higher education may exclude post-baccalaureate professional programs, such as a juris doctorate, medical, dentistry, veterinary, optometry or pharmaceutical doctoral program or other similar post-baccalaureate professional programs, provided the eligible excluded programs are reported to the chancellor on an annual basis and listed as such on the state institution of higher education's website.

For purposes of this paragraph, immediate means the next semester in which the graduate degree program accepts students for admission.

D Additional criteria which may be considered in determining residency may include but are not limited to the following:

(1) Criteria evidencing residency:

(a) If a person is subject to tax liability under section 5747.02 of the Revised Code;

(b) If a person qualifies to vote in Ohio;

(c) If a person is eligible to receive Ohio public assistance;

(d) If a person has an Ohio's driver's license and/or motor vehicle registration.

(2) Criteria evidencing lack of residency

(a) If a person is a resident of or intends to be a resident of another state or nation for the purpose of tax liability, voting, receipt of public assistance, or student loan benefits (if the student qualified for that loan program by being a resident of that state or nation);

(b) If a person is a resident or intends to be a resident of another state or nation for any purpose other than tax liability, voting, or receipt of public assistance (see paragraph (D)(2)(a) of this rule), such as declaring to be in the United States/Ohio for the purposes of seeking an education.

(3) For the purpose of determining residency for tuition surcharge purposes at Ohio's state-assisted colleges and universities, an individual's immigration status will not preclude an individual from obtaining resident status if that individual has the current legal status to remain permanently in the United States. However, a student shall not be granted residency status if the alien is not also an immigrant or a nonimmigrant.

EXCEPTIONS:

E 1: An independent person who is living and is gainfully employed on a full-time or part-time and self-sustaining basis in Ohio and who is pursuing a part-time program of instruction at an institution of higher education shall be considered a resident of Ohio for these purposes.

E 2: A person who enters and currently remains upon active duty status in the United States military service while a resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes and his other dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes as long as Ohio remains the state of such person’s domicile.

E 3: A person on active duty status in the United States military service who is stationed and resides in Ohio and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes.

E 4: A person who is transferred by his employer beyond the territorial limits of the fifty states of the United States and the District of Columbia while a resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes as long as Ohio remains the state of such person’s domicile as long as such person has fulfilled his or her tax liability to the State of Ohio for at least the tax year preceding enrollment.

E 5: A person who has been employed as a migrant worker in the State of Ohio and his or her dependents shall be considered a resident for these purposes provided such a person has worked in Ohio at least four months during each of the three years preceding the proposed enrollment.  

E 6: A person who was considered a resident under this rule at the time the person started a community service position as defined under this rule, and his or her spouse and dependents, shall be considered as residents of Ohio while in service and upon completion of service in the community service position (VISTA, Americorps, City Year, Peace Corps or working for an elected or appointed public official for a period of time not exceeding 24 consecutive months).

E 7: A person who returns to the state of Ohio due to marital hardship, takes or has taken legal steps to end a marriage, and reestablishes financial dependence upon a parent or legal guardian (receives greater than 50% of his or her support from the parent or legal guardian), and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio.

E 8: Ohio National Guard - A person who is a member of the Ohio national guard and his or her spouse and dependents, shall be considered residents of Ohio while the person is in Ohio national guard service.

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What documentation do I need to submit to apply for residency?

Application instructions vary depending on how you are applying for residency. In addition to the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes form, you must submit documentation for all sources of income used during the 12-month period you have been trying to establish residency as well as other required documentation. Instructions for completing the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes form and the required documentation that is to be submitted are listed on the form. Communication regarding the student's residency request will be sent via email using the student's kent.edu address.

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If my parents or spouse move to Ohio, when am I eligible to become a resident?

You may be eligible for "instant residency" if you are dependent upon a parent or spouse who is working full-time and has established domicile in Ohio as of the beginning of the term for reasons other than gaining the benefit of a state-supported education. See Instant Residency (C-3) in the application handout for information on how to apply for this type of residency.

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How do I know if I am a dependent student?

A "dependent" shall mean a student who was claimed by at least one parent or legal guardian as a dependent on that person's Internal Revenue Service tax filing for the previous tax year.

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If I am moving to Ohio to attend �鶹��Ƶ as a graduate student and will be on a fellowship or assistantship, does my spouse qualify for "instant residency"?

No. To be eligible for instant residency, a student must be dependent upon a spouse or parent who has full-time employment in Ohio. A graduate fellowship or assistantship is not considered full-time employment. The student could apply for regular residency once s/he lived in Ohio for 12 months. At that time, the income earned by the spouse through a fellowship or assistantship would be considered eligible income (if earned in Ohio).

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Can I qualify for "instant residency" through someone other than my parent/legal guardian or spouse?

No. A student cannot qualify for "instant residency" through other relatives, fiancés, in-laws, etc. A student may only be reviewed for "instant residency" through their dependency upon a parent/legal guardian or spouse who is living and working on a full-time basis in Ohio.

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Does marrying an Ohio resident automatically make me a resident?

Marriage to an Ohio resident does not automatically make you an Ohio resident for tuition purposes unless your spouse has resided in the state of Ohio for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding your enrollment at �鶹��Ƶ (C-1) or if your spouse is employed full-time in Ohio, you may be eligible to apply for instant residency (C-3). Otherwise, you would need to apply for residency on your own using the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes and meet the criteria for residency as an independent student.

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If my legal guardian is an Ohio resident will I be considered a resident for tuition purposes?

The residency guidelines allow students to be considered residents if they have a legal guardian who is an Ohio resident. However, setting up a legal guardianship with an Ohio resident in order to qualify for residency is not permitted. The burden of proof is upon the student to show that a legal guardianship was not arranged in order for the student to gain residency. In general, the expectation will be that the legal guardianship has been in effect for at least 12 months, and that the student has been financially dependent upon the legal guardian during that time. The student's relationship and involvement with his or her parents will also be a consideration.

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If my parents move out of Ohio, how is my residency affected?

The state residency guidelines have two "grandfather clauses" to address this. If your parents are Ohio residents and move out of the state while you are an enrolled resident student at �鶹��Ƶ, you will continue to be classified as a resident through the completion of one degree program, provided that you maintain continuous enrollment. If you apply for a second-degree program (i.e. graduate), your residency will be reviewed and you will have to meet the residency criteria on your own.

Similarly, if you are a dependent student applying for admission to �鶹��Ƶ and your Ohio resident parents move out of the state, you will be considered a resident as long as you enroll within 12 months of the date your parents moved out of Ohio.

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I am currently considered a resident of Ohio. How is my residency affected if I leave Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Higher Education Guidelines allows Ohio residents 12 months out of the state before they "lose" their residency. If you leave the state for more than 12 months, your residency will likely be questioned. It is important to consider future residency implications when planning a move or extended stay outside Ohio.

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Except for the past couple of years, I lived in Ohio my entire life. Shouldn't I (and/or my children and spouse) still be considered a resident?

In determining a person's eligibility for residency, the state guidelines are primarily concerned only with the 12-month period immediately preceding the term for which the student is applying for residency. The cumulative time a person lived in Ohio is not relevant if the person has been away from Ohio for more than the 12 months immediately preceding enrollment.

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My parents are divorced, but one of them lives in Ohio. Does that make me a resident?

As long as a dependent student has one parent who has been an Ohio resident for at least the 12 months immediately preceding enrollment, s/he will be considered a resident whether or not the student actually lives in Ohio (C-1). In addition to submitting a completed Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes, the student should submit documentation supporting the following:

• A notarized statement from either of the student's parents stating that they are divorced or separated.
• A copy of the lease, rent checks, mortgage, etc., indicating the Ohio parent has lived in Ohio for at least the 12 months immediately preceding the student’s enrollment.
• A copy of the Ohio personal income tax return filed in the past 12 months by the Ohio parent.
• A copy of the federal income tax return filed in the past 12 months by the parent who claimed the student as a tax dependent.

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I am currently considered a non-resident and my parents, who are not residents of Ohio, claimed me as a tax dependent on their federal income tax return. Am I eligible for Ohio residency?

If you are a dependent of your parents, your residency is determined by their residency status. When a student is applying for residency as an independent student, they cannot be claimed as a tax dependent by anyone outside the state of Ohio.

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How does being in the military affect my (or my children or spouse's) residency?

For individuals who are on full-time, active duty status with the military, the state has two exceptions (E-2 and E-3) in the residency guidelines:

1. If you are an Ohio resident on full-time, active duty status with the military, you and your dependents are considered residents as long as Ohio has remained your state of domicile while on active duty.
2. If you are not an Ohio resident but are stationed in Ohio on a full-time, active duty status, you and your dependents will be considered residents for tuition purposes.

Individuals who are members of the Ohio National Guard, and their spouse and dependents, shall be considered residents of Ohio while serving in the Ohio National Guard (E-8).

For information on how to apply, see Military Exceptions (E-2, E-3 and E-8) in the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes application handouts.

If you are not considered full-time, active duty military, or in the Ohio National Guard, these military exceptions do not apply to you. Please see Guideline C4 regarding the Ohio GI Promise.

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I was a resident of Ohio prior to volunteering/working in a community service position (Peace Corps, Vista, Americorps, City Year or for less than 24 months with an elected or appointed public official) and am now back living in the state of Ohio. Are my dependents/spouse and I still considered Ohio residents?

You may be eligible for Ohio residency under Exception E-6 as long as you remained an Ohio resident for all other legal purposes. For information on how to apply, see Exception E-6 in the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes application handouts.

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If I am currently working full-time in Ohio, am I eligible for residency?

You may be eligible for Conditional Residency (E-1) if you are living in and are employed on a full-time or part-time and self-sustaining basis in Ohio.

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What is Conditional Residency?

Conditional Residency allows an independent person who is living in Ohio and is employed on a full-time or part-time and self-sustaining basis in Ohio to enroll as an in-state student for part-time studies, regardless of how long the individual has lived here. Conditional Residents must be able to demonstrate that they are self-supporting solely on their current employment income. All income must be subject of Ohio taxation. For example, if a person is working as a waitress, their tip income must be documented on a pay stub and subject to taxation to be eligible. In determining whether or not a student qualifies for Conditional Residency, financial aid, savings, or other sources of income (i.e. VA benefits, social security) cannot be considered as income contributing to a student's self-supporting status, but can be used over and above the amount necessary to meet expenses. Conditional Residents may not register for more than 11 hours if they are undergraduate students or 7 hours for graduate students, or they will be billed as a non-resident for all hours. See Conditional Residency (E-1) in the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes application handouts for information on how to apply for this type of residency.

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I recently returned to Ohio due to marital hardship, have sought to legally end my marriage and am financially dependent upon my parents who are residents of Ohio (they provide me with at least 50% of my financial support). Are my depends and I considered residents of Ohio?

You may be eligible for Ohio residency under Exception E-7. For information on how to apply, see Exception E-7 in the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes application handouts.

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If I'm employed and being paid cash (i.e., tip income, babysitting) is this income eligible for residency?

Employment income earned as cash is only eligible for any type of residency if it is subject to Ohio taxation. The burden of proof is on the student to provide proof that the income has been subjected to Ohio taxation. Otherwise it is not eligible income.

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If I am paying taxes to Ohio, doesn't that make me a resident?

Not necessarily. If you are trying to establish residency in Ohio, paying taxes in Ohio is an indicator of your intent to become an Ohio resident. However, you must meet all the residency criteria to be eligible for residency for tuition purposes. If you are paying Ohio taxes because you are currently living and working full-time in Ohio, you may be eligible for Conditional Residency (E-1).

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Will I automatically become a resident for tuition purposes once I have lived in Ohio for a year?

No. Any student who has been classified as a non-resident must apply for reclassification as a resident. Even if you are a Conditional Resident, you must apply if you want to be reviewed for regular residency once you have been in Ohio for 12 months.

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Are non-U.S. citizens eligible for residency for tuition purposes?

Students who are U.S. citizens, Permanent Resident Aliens, Political Asylees or Political Refugees, or students who hold an A, E, G, H, I, L, O, P, R, TC, TD, TN or V visa may apply to be reviewed for in-state residency according to the guidelines above.

International Students who hold B, F, J, K , M or U visas are NOT eligible for establishing in-state residency , unless they are financially dependent upon a spouse or parent who is a bona fide Ohio resident. This is defined as a person who meets the criteria established in the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Guidelines and is also a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident Alien, Political Asylee, Political Refugee, or holds an A, E, G, H, I, L, O, P, R, TC, TD, TN or V visa.

Students whose immigration status is pending are eligible to apply for Ohio residency only if their most recent immigration status was eligible to establish Ohio residency . “Financially dependent on a parent” is defined as having been claimed on the parent's federal tax return in the most recent tax year. “Financial dependence upon a spouse” is proven with a marriage certificate. In addition, students holding a B, F, J, K , M or U visas and who are financially dependent upon a spouse or parent who is a bona fide Ohio resident must also have applied to adjust their status to permanent resident alien in order to qualify for the in-state tuition subsidy benefit, or they must have applied to adjust their status to match that of the person they are dependent upon. (Example: Student is F1visa holder and marries Ohio resident with H1B visa, then student must be in process of adjusting to an H4 status.) If a student's immigration status changes after being classified as a resident it may affect their ability to remain classified as a resident. (Example: Student changes from an H visa type to F visa type).

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I own property or a business in Ohio, but live in another state. Does that make my dependents or me Ohio residents for tuition purposes?

The state guidelines do not grant residency to individuals or their dependents solely on the basis that they own property or a business in Ohio.

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In submitting the Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes, what are some examples of acceptable income documentation?

The following are examples of some of the income documents you may submit with your Request for Resident Classification for Tuition Purposes: W-2 forms (from Ohio employment), pay stubs (from Ohio employment), financial aid award letters, notarized letters of support from Ohio residents, bank statements established in your name at the start of your 12-month review period, and statements showing receipt of government benefits.

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What types of income sources are not eligible for helping me establish in-state residency?

The following are examples of income sources, if received within the 12-month period preceding the semester residency reclassification is desired, that would make a student ineligible for residency:

• Support from individuals who are not residents of Ohio
• PLUS loan money taken out by the student whose parents who are not residents of Ohio
• "Personal loans" or loans with a co-borrower from individuals who are not Ohio residents
• Savings that have not been in an account in your name for at least a year prior to your move to Ohio
• Financial aid that required you to be a resident of another state in order to receive it
• Credit card debt

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Can I use savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc. as "income" for establishing residency during my 12-month residency review period?

Savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc., may be used as income during a 12-month residency review period if the account(s) and funds are determined as eligible. If you have used savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc., that are in your name, you must also prove that you had these funds in your possession 12 months prior to the beginning of your residency review period. The residency review period is the 12 months preceding the semester you wish to be reclassified as a resident. The student must demonstrate and provide documentation proving that they had control over the funds if any other person's name is listed on the account. If another name is on the account other than the student's, eligibility of the account(s) and final determination will be decided by the office reviewing the student's residency. You will then be required to submit a minimum of three account statements: a copy of your account statement from one year prior to the start of your 12-month review period, a copy of your account statement from the beginning of your 12-month review period, and a copy of your most recent account statement. The balance from your most recent account statement will be subtracted from your account statement at the start of your 12-month review period. This "difference" in the balance is the amount you may report as savings used during your review period. This is the amount of savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc., that have been used to cover your expenses during your residency review period. The amount of savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc., that you had in your possession 12 months prior to the beginning of your residency review period is the amount that will be eligible to use as a beginning balance at the beginning of your review period. Students are not allowed to be "gifted" a sum of money, less than 12 months prior to the beginning of their review period to use towards residency.

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How important is it that I obtain an Ohio driver's license or register to vote in Ohio?

Obtaining an Ohio driver's license and registering to vote in Ohio demonstrate your intent to make Ohio your state of residence. Since the Ohio Department of Higher Education Guidelines is meant to exclude from residency those who are in Ohio for educational purposes only, transferring these items of registration at the beginning of the 12-month period while establishing residency is a way to show that you intend to become an Ohio resident.

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If I own or have the use of a car, am I financially responsible for the upkeep, gas, and insurance and reporting it for residency?

Yes. Students are responsible for reporting and being financially capable of paying for the upkeep, gas, and car insurance on a car they own or have use during their residency review period.

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I am currently trying to establish residency. How does leaving Ohio for the summer affect my residency application?

The expectation is that students who are in the process of establishing their residency are physically living in the State of Ohio for the 12 consecutive months prior to the semester for which they are requesting reclassification. Leaving the state for the summer or for any length of time longer than a 3-week period seriously jeopardizes your claim to Ohio residency. Students who leave Ohio for internships, study abroad, etc. during their residency review period for any period longer than three weeks must also maintain their residence in Ohio while on their internship, etc. Proof that their residence in Ohio was maintained will be required which will include, but is not limited to, copies of canceled checks for the rent payment, copies of leases, or documents proving the purchase of a home in Ohio. If documentation cannot be provided, the absence from Ohio will cause a denial of residency. In addition, any income earned while the student is out of the state of Ohio will not be eligible towards residency.

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After reading the residency guidelines, I think I should have been considered a resident months ago. Can I apply for a prior semester and get a refund if I can show I was a resident then?

No. The state guidelines prohibit retroactive residency decisions. You must apply by the deadline for the semester in question in order to be reviewed for residency for that semester. 

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Where can I get more information about residency for tuition purposes?

New students appealing their nonresident status at the time of their admission should contact their admitting office. Regional Campus students should contact their Regional Campus. Current and former students can email ohioresidency@kent.edu. 

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What is Forever Buckeye?

It is a provision under Ohio Law that allows students who graduated from an Ohio high school or completed the final year of instruction at home as authorized under section 3321.04 of the Revised Code to re-establish Ohio residency without the twelve month waiting period formally required to establish permanent domicile. The applicant only needs to provide proof of graduation from an Ohio high school, a permanent address in the state of Ohio, and have legal status to remain permanently in the United States. The student left the state of Ohio and has returned to re-establish Ohio residency.

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