Establishing ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Residency

All graduate students are required to apply for in-state tuition within their first year. It is essential for you to take the actions necessary to establish ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ residency as soon as possible after arriving in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥. Similar to most public universities, the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder charges more for non-resident tuition. The goal of establishing residency is to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. The MSE program will not pay nonresident tuition for domestic students beyond one year.

Learn more about the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ residency process here.

If you are an international student in the US on a non-immigrant visa, you likely will not qualify for in-state tuition. Review residency FAQs and email tuitclass@colorado.edu before applying if this describes your situation.

U.S. students (generally citizens and permanent residents) arriving from out-of-state can generally acquire resident status after one calendar year. To qualify, you must establish as many connections with the state of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ as possible (subject to individual circumstances). Examples of establishing residency include:

  • Being physically present in the state (evidence might include an apartment lease) with the intent to make your permanent home in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥
  • Payment of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ state income taxes
  • Application for a
  • .

These connections should be established as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days after moving to the state. Eligibility for a change to resident status is determined with a written petition with supporting documentation.