RDS (Residency)
Steps to Completing the RDS Process
Navigating FAFSA and RDS to Prepare for College
A. Students DO RDS FIRST:
BEFORE College Admission Applications
WITH parents if under 24 (RDS MUST have parent(s)’ information)
Complete FAFSA at the same time --- much of the information is the same
B. Students GO TO: RDS at ncresidency.org
STEP 1) Login to RDS using your CFNC User Name and Password (RESET, if you can’t remember)
STEP 2) Update student Profile (BE ACCURATE – SSN and Date of Birth are critical)
STEP 3) Do RDS Online Interview (student information and/or parent(s)’ information
social security numbers (or other identifiable number)
tax return information
vehicle registration
driver’s license
voter registration
other information about residency in North Carolina
STEP 4) Upload documents that RDS requires (RDS tells you if you need documents)
C. Students MUST REMEMBER:
BE ACCURATE Mistakes cause BIG problems in RDS and at the college(s)
FINISH Finish the RDS Interview OR request is cancelled and student starts over
DON’T GUESS RDS checks answers with other NC State Agencies
Guess/make-up answers = non-resident status
SUBMIT DOCS Student has 25 days. Student is NOT done until RDS has required documents
D. RDS Determination Screen – when students finish, they see:
RCN Student’s Residency Certification Number (unique identifier that never changes)
CLASSIFICATION Student’s is “Resident or Non-resident” AND “In-State or Out-of-state Tuition”
DOCUMENTS Most students will not need documents
RDS tells student if RDS needs documents and which ones
Student UPLOADS or sends to RDS
Student has 25 days. Student is NOT done until RDS has required documents
E. Student DOES NOT AGREE with RDS determination? Student can:
Log in to RDS to review status, residency classification, and check for required documents
Correct or enter additional information in a RECONSIDERATION
Have 10 days to request an APPEAL (provide special information to prove NC residency)
Call RDS toll-free: 844-319-3640