North Dakota Tuition Residency Information

If you plan to change your residency status, please be aware of the qualifications for residency, and the application process.

A “resident student” for tuition purposes means:

1. A person whose custodial parent, guardian, or parents have been a legal resident of North Dakota for twelve months immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term;
2. A person eighteen years of age or older who has been a legal resident of North Dakota for twelve months immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term;
3. A person who graduated from a North Dakota high school;
4. A full-time active duty member of the armed services or a member of a North Dakota National Guard unit;
5. A spouse or a dependent of a full-time active duty member of the armed services or a member of a North Dakota National Guard unit;
6. A spouse or dependent of an employee of any institution of higher education in the state;
7. The spouse of any person who is a resident for tuition purposes;
8. Any other person who was a legal resident of this state for at least three consecutive years within six years prior to the beginning of the academic term; or
9. A child, spouse, widow, or widower of a veteran as defined in NDCC section 37-01-40 who was killed in action or died from wounds or other service-connected causes, was totally disabled as a result of service-connected cause, died from service-connected disabilities, was a prisoner of war, or was declared missing in action.

Application for residency is available in the Business Office. The completed form is to be returned to the Business Office and approved for the residency change within 30 days of the first day of the semester. A North Dakota driver’s license AND one of the following items must be brought to show proof of 12 months of continuous residency:

• Affidavit from current landlord or employer;
• Twelve months of utility bills; or
• North Dakota income tax return.