Tennessee Residency Classifications for College Tuition and Fees
Are you paying in-state or out-of-state tuition? Your residency classification can significantly impact your education costs. This guide explains how Tennessee public colleges and universities determine your residency status.
Quick link: Residency Appeal Form
Understanding Residency Status
Tennessee uses standardized rules to classify students as either in-state or out-of-state residents for tuition purposes. Your classification depends primarily on your domicile - your true, fixed, and permanent home where you intend to remain and return.
Basic Classification Rules
- In-State Status: Granted to students who are domiciled in Tennessee
- Out-of-State Status: Applies to students domiciled outside Tennessee
- Dependent Students: Use their parents' domicile
- Married Students: Evaluated independently from their spouse
Key Terms You Should Know
- Residence: Maintaining a continuous physical presence and dwelling in Tennessee (brief absences allowed)
- Domicile: Your true, permanent home and the place you intend to return
- Emancipated Person: Anyone 18 or older whose parents have completely surrendered custody and support
- Continuous Enrollment: Maintaining full-time status during academic years, with normal breaks allowed
Exceptions: Who Qualifies for In-State Rates?
Even if you're technically an out-of-state resident, you might qualify for in-state tuition rates in these situations:
- Current Students Whose Parents Move
- Must maintain continuous enrollment
- Can continue paying in-state rates despite parents' relocation
- Military Community
- Active duty personnel stationed in Tennessee
- Military spouses
- Dependents of service members at Fort Campbell
- Status maintained even after parents' transfer
- Border County Residents
- Live in a county adjacent to Montgomery County
- Or within 3 miles of APSU
- Must have no closer teacher's college in the home state
- Working Professionals
- Out-of-state residents employed full-time in Tennessee
- Fort Campbell personnel
- Must be enrolled part-time
Important Considerations for Students
Full-Time Student Presumption
Full-time students are generally presumed NOT to establish Tennessee domicile while enrolled, unless they can provide clear and convincing evidence otherwise.
Documentation Requirements
If you're claiming Tennessee domicile, be prepared to provide supporting evidence. The institution will review all documentation to verify your status.
Reclassification Timing
If your status changes to in-state:
- Changes take effect from the request date
- You must still pay out-of-state tuition for any term where you requested changes after registration closed.
Appeal Process
Disagree with your classification? Here's what to know:
- Each institution has a designated classification officer
- You have the right to appeal initial decisions
- Follow your institution's established appeal procedures