Establishing Residency for In-State Tuition at Auburn University

For many students, the cost of higher education is a significant concern. Out-of-state tuition can be a considerable financial burden. Auburn University, like other public universities, charges higher tuition fees for non-residents. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to establish residency for in-state tuition at Auburn University, outlining the eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and the appeals process.

Understanding Alabama Residency Requirements

At Auburn University, the classification of students as either Alabama or non-Alabama residents is crucial for assessing tuition fees. Non-Alabama students are required to pay a non-resident tuition fee, which can significantly increase the overall cost of education. The initial determination of residency status is made upon admission to the university. According to the Alabama and Non-Alabama Student Residency Policy, this status generally remains unchanged unless the student provides satisfactory evidence that their reason for being in Alabama has shifted from solely attending school to establishing a permanent domicile.

Initial Classification and Burden of Proof

When a student is admitted to Auburn University, they are classified as either an Alabama or non-Alabama student for the purpose of assessing fees. Students who come to Alabama from another state to attend Auburn University will be considered non-resident students for tuition purposes. This classification occurs at the time of their initial admission. The non-resident status remains unchanged unless the student provides satisfactory evidence that their reason for coming to and remaining in the state has changed. The burden of proof rests on the applicant to demonstrate they meet the requirements for in-state residency. Any student who attended or graduated from an out-of-state high school, attended online college or university or attended a higher education institution in another state will be coded as a non-resident upon admission and must file a residency appeal. Please provide documentation if the educational program is residency based or online.

Definition of an Alabama Resident

According to the Alabama and Non-Alabama Student Residency Policy, an Alabama resident is defined as a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident who, at the time of admission to the university:

Is not a "minor" and has been a resident of Alabama for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of initial registration.

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Is a "minor" and whose "supporting person(s)" has been a resident of Alabama for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of initial registration.
At the time of registration, is not a "minor" and meets one of the following conditions:
- Is a full-time, permanent employee of Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) or is the spouse of such an employee.
- Can verify full-time permanent employment within the State of Alabama or is the spouse of such an employee and will commence said employment within 90 days of registration with the institution.
- Is a spouse by legal marriage of a bona fide Alabama resident.
- Is a member or the spouse of a member of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders for duties other than attending school (members of the National Guard or Reserves are not included in this provision).
- Has been a member of the Alabama National Guard for at least two years immediately preceding the student qualifying for resident tuition and continues to be a member while enrolled at the public institution of higher education.
- Is an accredited member or the spouse of an accredited member of a consular staff assigned to duties in Alabama.
- Is a non-resident undergraduate student who has been awarded a full-time academic, athletic, or other similar performance tuition scholarship by AUM, or a graduate student appointed on assistantships of at least one-fourth time.
- Is a non-resident student enrolled in programs included in the Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market, provided the student does not change to another program that does not fall under this category. In a case of change, the student will be classified as nonresident for tuition purposes.
At the time of initial registration, is a "minor" and whose "supporting person(s)" meets one of the following conditions:
- Is a full-time, permanent employee of AUM.
- Can verify full-time permanent employment within the State of Alabama and will commence said employment within 90 days of student’s registration with AUM.
- Is a member of the United States military on full-time active duty stationed in Alabama under orders for duties other than attending school.

Key Factors in Determining Residency

Several factors are considered when determining residency for tuition purposes. These include:

Physical Presence: The student must demonstrate they have physically resided in Alabama for at least 12 consecutive months.
Intent to Domicile: The student must prove they intend to make Alabama their permanent home, not just a temporary residence for attending school.
Financial Independence: Students must demonstrate financial independence, especially if they are under 24 years old.

Proving Alabama Residency

To successfully establish residency for in-state tuition, students must provide clear and convincing evidence that they meet the residency requirements. The following types of evidence may contain data to support the establishment of twelve 12-month residency in the state of Alabama. In all cases, the person must be at least 19 years of age or married, and financially independent. Documents which are at least one (1) year old from the date of issue are often, but not always, more probative than those that are less than one year old.

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Ownership or rental of residential property: Owning or renting a home in Alabama and continuously occupying it for at least 12 consecutive months is strong evidence of residency.
Full-time permanent employment: Holding a full-time job in Alabama demonstrates a commitment to living and working in the state.
Possession of Alabama licenses: Having Alabama licenses required to do business or practice a profession in Alabama.
Legal marriage to an Alabama resident: Being legally married to a bona fide Alabama resident.
Registration to vote in Alabama: Registering to vote in Alabama.
Filing of Alabama resident income tax returns: Filing Alabama resident income tax returns.
Holding a current Alabama driver’s license: Holding a current Alabama driver’s license.
Registration of a vehicle in Alabama: Registering a vehicle in Alabama and payment of property taxes thereon.
Evidence of banking activity: Evidence of banking activity within Alabama for 12 consecutive months prior to making application for residency change.

Factors That Can Negatively Impact Residency Status

Certain actions or circumstances can negatively impact a student's ability to establish residency. These include:

Maintaining ties to another state: Retaining legal ties to any state other than Alabama is considered evidence that can disqualify a student from being considered a resident of Alabama for tuition purposes.
Enrollment in more than 9 credit hours: Enrollment by a non-resident student at a college or university within the state of Alabama for more than 9 hours in any term during the period when the student is attempting to establish residency will normally exclude that student from consideration.
Primary purpose of attending college: No person who moves to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college shall be considered to have demonstrated intent to establish domicile in the state of Alabama and will generally not be considered eligible for classification as a resident student.
Financial dependence: If you wish to be considered an in-state student for tuition purposes, you must show that you are financially independent. The applicant must show they are fully self-supported using eligible funds sourced from wages they earn. Students using earnings from employment by a parent, relative, or a business owned by a parent or a relative do not qualify for this provision. Funds used for self-support should not be from jointly owned bank accounts, undocumented income, or gifted investment income sourced from gifted principal. Housing that is owned by a parent/relative, co-signed on by another party, or otherwise subsidized by another individual is considered outside financial support. Any prepaid tuition plans (ex., 529 Plan, etc.), even though they are in the applicant’s name, are considered outside financial support and cannot be used to establish financial independence. Any money saved in checking and personal savings accounts cannot be used to establish financial independence as it is not possible to document the source of the funds. Loans and gifts are considered money coming from elsewhere and do not count toward financial independence.
Financial aid restrictions: Any financial aid including grants and scholarships that requires your being a tax dependent of somebody OR requires you to be an out-of-state resident will in general disqualify you from establishing residency.

The Residency Appeal Process at Auburn University

If a student is initially classified as a non-resident but believes they meet the requirements for in-state residency, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves submitting a residency appeal packet to the Residency Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar.

Steps to Appeal

Submit a Residency Appeal Packet: In order to be considered a resident for tuition purposes at Auburn University, a student who has been coded non-resident by Admissions Processing or the Graduate School due to an out-of-state address, test score or transcript at any point in their academic career, must submit a residency appeal packet to our office. The packet should include a signed statement attesting that qualification for the eligibility category claimed has been met prior to registration.
Provide Supporting Documentation: Include all relevant documents that support your claim of Alabama residency.
Written Request for Appeal: Should the submitted residency review be denied, students may submit to the Residency Coordinator a written request for appeal by the Residency Committee. Along with the written request, students should submit whatever evidence they feel is relevant to their appeal. The letter of request for appeal and the supporting evidence must be received no later than two business days before the committee meeting.
Residency Appeals Committee Review: The Residency Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar will determine whether a student will be classified as an Alabama or non-Alabama student. The decision of the Residency Coordinator will be subject to review by the Residency Appeals Committee upon written request of the applicant. The Residency Appeals Committee shall consist of the University Registrar or designee as non-voting chair; Provost’s office representative; Student Affairs’ office representative; and three faculty members. Of the three faculty members, when possible, one will be from the School of Accountancy, with expertise in accounting and taxation. The committee reviews appeals of initial decisions of residency for tuition purposes by the Office of the University Registrar based on the Board of Trustees’ Student Residency Tuition Policy.
Final Decision: Residency Appeals Committee recommendations are sent to the Provost for a final decision.

Important Considerations for Appeals

Burden of Proof: The burden of proof rests on the student to provide clear and convincing evidence of their Alabama residency.
Timeliness: Submit the appeal and all supporting documentation as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for review.
Accuracy: Ensure all information provided is accurate and consistent. In addition, those applicants who do not turn in the requested documentation or turn in redacted documentation may be subject to denial as there will not be sufficient evidence to support the request for reclassification.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Auburn University recognizes certain exceptions and special cases where students may be eligible for in-state tuition, even if they do not meet the standard residency requirements.

Military Personnel and Dependents

Yes. The State of Alabama is specific in granting in-state tuition to military personnel and their dependents. Active Duty military personnel who are ordered to or stationed in Alabama are eligible for reclassification to in-state tuition. Active Duty military who claim Alabama as their state of residence on their Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for 12 months or more are eligible for reclassification to in-state tuition.

Alabama National Guard Members

Yes, members of the Alabama National Guard are eligible for a waiver of out-of-state tuition and fees.

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Spouses of Alabama Residents

Maybe. Becoming the spouse of an Alabama resident does not alone automatically qualify an applicant for Alabama residency for tuition purposes. A joint tax return would need to be submitted, as well as other documentation listed in the application.

Students in the Academic Common Market

Auburn University participates in the Academic Common Market, which is a tuition-savings program for college students in the 15 Southern Regional Education Board states who want to pursue degrees not offered in their home state. Non-resident students with junior or senior standing selected for programs included in the Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market, provided the student does not change to another program not included, is enrolled in 12 hours per term and earns a 3.00 GPA each term.

Veterans and Dependents

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fee purposes in accordance with Public Law 115-251 Sec. Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled) other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. Anyone using educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E), effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019. A public institution of Higher Learning must charge the resident rate to Chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above. The service member is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. The Veteran died while on active duty or because of a service-connected disability. Section 1005 of the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315).

Non-resident scholarship recipients and graduate student assistantships

Non-resident undergraduate students who are currently being awarded an academic, athletic, or other scholarship by Auburn University that is at least equal to the amount of the current tuition rate for Alabama students, provided that the scholarship is fully funded by a donor or other external source and non-resident graduate students appointed on qualifying assistantships of at least 1/4-time will be classified as a non-resident for tuition purposes, and the out-of-state portion of tuition will be waived, leaving the student obligated for the equivalent of resident tuition. Approximately 60% of freshmen are awarded scholarships at Auburn University. Auburn provides a variety of scholarships to eligible students through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager. For students with ACT score of 33-36 or SAT of 1440-1600.

Common Misconceptions About Establishing Residency

Several misconceptions exist regarding residency for tuition purposes. It's important to be aware of these to avoid making assumptions that could jeopardize your residency status.

Owning property: No. Ownership of real estate or payment of real estate taxes in Alabama does not, standing alone, qualify a student for in-state residency for tuition purposes.
Getting a driver's license or registering to vote: No. Residency for tuition purposes is governed by the Auburn Student Residency Tuition Policy and state law. While you may meet the requirements to become a registered voter or a licensed driver in Alabama, you still may not qualify for residency for tuition purposes at Auburn University.
Having one parent in Alabama: Maybe. If one parent (or parent and family members) lives in Alabama and the other resides in another state, the applicant cannot be considered to have stronger ties to Alabama than to the other state.
In-state classification at another institution: No. Receiving in-state classification at another higher educational institution in the state of Alabama does not grant in-state classification at Auburn University.

The Financial Benefits of In-State Tuition

The financial benefits of obtaining in-state tuition are substantial. Auburn University Out-of-State Tuition vs. An annual tuition difference of $17,184 is substantial-that’s worth two years of in-state tuition!

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