Determining Residency
The University at Albany must comply with SUNY’s administrative policies when determining a student’s residency status for tuition billing purposes. Students trying to determine their residency status should ask themselves the following questions:
Where is my permanent home?
Key to any residency case is the determination of domicile — a fixed, permanent home to which a person intends to return following an absence.
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This means more than simply residing in New York State to attend school. Establishing domicile includes the abandonment of one’s prior state of residence and the decision to adopt New York as one’s permanent home. It also includes the intent to remain in New York permanently.
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It's generally required that a New York State domicile have been established at least one year prior to the period of registration at the University and maintained beyond that point.
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Permanent resident aliens, refugees and asylees, including those with pending applications, and some undocumented aliens may establish in-state residence. Non-Immigrant Aliens with certain types of visa classifications may also establish in-state residence.
The burden of proof is upon the applicant through the submission of documentary evidence sufficient to demonstrate domiciliary status.
Am I a veteran or military-connected student?
Veterans and military-connected students should review SUNY’s Military In-state Tuition Eligibility Requirements.
For additional information, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Student Services website.
Am I financially independent or emancipated?
Emancipation, including full financial independence, is a cornerstone consideration in residency determinations. Emancipated students no longer receive any financial support from their parents or legal guardians and are completely responsible for paying all their educational costs.
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A student claiming emancipation must present evidence of both emancipation (including documentation demonstrating the student’s financial independence) and a New York State domicile in order to be designated a New York State resident for tuition purposes.
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In most cases, the domicile of students who are not financially independent — or not emancipated — is the domicile of their custodial parents or legal guardians.
Where did I attend high school or prepare for my GED?
Certain non-resident students may be eligible for the resident tuition rate for one of these two reasons:
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They attended an approved New York State high school for two or more years, graduated from an approved New York State high school and applied for admission to the University within five years of receiving a New York State high school diploma.
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They attended an approved six-month New York State program for a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exam preparation, received a GED and applied for admission to the University within five years of receiving the GED.
Applying for Residency
If you fall into one of the two high school categories above, please complete the Express Application for New York State Residency for Tuition Billing Purposes. An official, final copy of your high school transcript showing you were awarded a diploma, or an official copy of your General Education Diploma along with official documentation of the preparation program you attended, must also be sent directly from your high school, or the New York State Education Department, to the appropriate UAlbany admissions office.
Otherwise, please complete the Application for New York State Residency for Tuition Billing Purposes.
Please submit completed applications and all supporting documentation online, using the forms linked above. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission.
If you have questions, please email [email protected].
Residency Application Submission Deadlines
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Fall Semester: October 1
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Winter Term: January 2
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Spring Semester: March 1
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Summer Terms: July 1
Students billed at an out-of-state rate remain responsible for paying that rate until they have demonstrated through the application process that they are eligible for the in-state rate.
Student Accounts reviews applications in the order they are received. Please note that incomplete applications will result in a delay and application reviews take longer during high volume times (near deadlines and at the beginning of semesters or terms).
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a Notice of Determination via email or an email requesting additional documentation.
Appeals
Students must appeal the determination of their residency application in writing within 30 days of the Notice of Determination's issue date, if the determination was a denial.
If a student's application is denied, they will receive an email with instructions on how to appeal the determination, if they so choose.
Statements of appeal should clearly explain the reasons the student believes the determination was incorrect. Any additional documentation believed to further support the appeal should also be submitted.
When Student Accounts receives a request for appeal, the entire residency application and appeal materials are sent to the Chair of the Residency Appeals Board.
The Appeals Board will review the application and send a Notice of Determination directly to the student. All decisions by the Board are final.
Get in touch
For residency questions or to submit your Application for New York State Residency for Tuition Billing Purposes please contact [email protected].