North Dakota Residency

North Dakota Residency for Tuition Purposes Information

Students will log into Campus Connection and click on the eForms tile as shown below to access the Application for Resident Status. Click on Resident Student Status Form on the left side of the page. Students should monitor their NDSU email for any communication about the completion of the form.

Example:

For students seeking to become a North Dakota resident for tuition purposes:
  • If you are planning to change your residency status you must apply and be approved for the residency change prior to each semester deadline. If you successfully change your residency within this time period your tuition amount will be able to be adjusted to your new resident status for the current semester.
  • Please contact the Office of Registration and Records if you have any further questions regarding residency change.
  • Refunds/credits will not be given for terms the student attended prior to approval of the application for the North Dakota Resident Tuition Rate.

Please note: Adjustments in tuition rates will only be made for the current term; no previous terms will be adjusted.

Last Day to Apply for North Dakota Residency for Tuition Purposes
Fall 2024 Friday, September 13, 2024
Spring 2025 Friday, January 31, 2025
Summer 2025 Friday, July 11, 2025
Documentation Needed for ND Residency:

ND residency options for tuition purposes and the documentation required for each.

  1. A person whose custodial parent, guardian, or parents have been a legal resident of North Dakota for 12 months or a dependent child whose custodial parent moved into the state with the intent to establish legal residency for a period of years within the last twelve months immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term. Forms of verification (which must contain the parent’s North Dakota address, not an out-of-state address) include a parent/guardian’s:

    • ND driver’s license or ND State Identification card; AND
    • A copy of the first page of the parent/guardian’s most recent Federal IRS Tax Transcript (which demonstrates the student was claimed as a dependent).

    NOTE: If driver’s license/identification card was issued less than 12 months prior to the beginning of the term, an apartment lease(s) or home purchase agreement(s) from the past 12 months must be provided in parent/guardian’s name.

  2. A person who is 18 years of age or older and have been a legal resident of ND for 12 months immediately prior to the beginning of the academic term. Forms of verification (which must contain the student's North Dakota address, not an out-of-state address) include a student’s:

    • ND driver’s license or ND State Identification card; OR
    • Motor vehicle registration; OR
    • Previous year ND state resident tax form if dated 12 months before the start of the term

    NOTE: If driver’s license/identification card, motor vehicle registration or ND state tax form is issued less than 12 months prior to the beginning of the term, an apartment lease(s) or home purchase agreement(s) from the past 12 months must be provided.

  3. A person who graduated from a North Dakota public or private high school, including a home school in North Dakota. Forms of verification include:
    • A copy of the high school transcript or diploma showing graduation.
  4. They are a full-time active duty member of the armed forces, a member of a National Guard unit, a member of the armed forces reserve component, or a veteran as defined in N.D.C.C. § 37-01-40. Forms of verification include:
    • The most recent copy of military orders, separation orders, or paperwork from Veteran Affairs.
  5. They are the spouse or dependent of a full-time active duty member of the armed forces, a member of a National Guard unit, or a member of the armed forces reserve component. Forms of verification include:
    • Most recent copy of military orders, separation orders, or paperwork from Veteran Affairs; AND
    • One of the following documents supporting your indicated status as a spouse or dependent:
      • Student’s birth certificate
      • Students’ marriage certificate
      • A copy of the first page of your parent/guardian’s most recent Federal IRS Tax Transcript
  6. They are a spouse or dependent of a veteran as defined in NDCC Section 37-01-40 including a veteran eligible to transfer entitlement under the Post 9-11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. Forms of verification include:
    • A copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to the spouse/dependent documenting transfer of post 9-11 benefits; AND
    • One of the following documents supporting your indicated status as a spouse or dependent:
      • Student’s birth certificate
      • Students’ marriage certificate
      • A copy of the first page of your parent/guardian’s most recent Federal IRS Tax Transcript
  7. They are a benefitted employee of the North Dakota University System or the spouse or dependent thereof. Forms of verification include:
    • A copy of the first page of your parent’s or spouse’s most recent Federal IRS Tax Transcript; AND
    • A copy of the employee’s contract, employment agreement, or pay stub.
  8. They are the spouse of any other person who is a resident for tuition purposes. Forms of verification include:

    • Marriage certificate; AND
    • Provide one of the following:
      • If spouse is a graduate of a ND high school, a transcript or diploma in the spouse’s name can be provided in lieu of the ND driver’s license/identification card.
      • Spouse’s ND driver’s license/identification card.

    NOTE: If driver’s license/identification card was issued less than 12 months prior to the beginning of the term, an apartment lease(s) or home purchase agreement(s) from the past 12 months must be provided in spouse’s name.

  9. The student was a legal resident of North Dakota for at least three consecutive years within six years prior to the beginning of the academic term. (NOTE: Select this option only if you do not qualify under one of the other scenarios.) Forms of verification include:
    • Copies of your complete North Dakota State Income Tax Returns for the consecutive years of your North Dakota residency within the last six years. Copies must be requested and obtained from the North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner; AND
    • Copy of the request form used to obtain your North Dakota State Income Tax Returns from the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
  10. I am 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 cases, 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. Forms of verification include:
    • A statement from Veterans Administration stating circumstances that apply.

      NOTE: May also be required to submit the following at a later date:

      • Birth certificate of student.
      • Marriage certificate of student.
      • A copy of the first page of parent/guardian’s most recent Federal IRS Tax Transcript.