What is RDS?

RDS is an online "interview" form that determines whether or not you can be classified as a resident of North Carolina. If you're a NC resident, you get in-state tuition at all NC schools, which is a huge money saver!

You qualify for in-state tuition if you are a legal U.S. resident that has been residing in NC for at least 12 months. Unfortunately, DACA and undocumented students are not eligible for in-state tuition.

When you complete the RDS, you'll receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN). Do not lose this! This number will need to be submitted as part of your applications to schools in NC. 

How Do I Complete the RDS?

1. Log into OR create a CFNC account at cfnc.org 

   • • Do not create another account if you already have one!

     • If you don't know if you have an account, try this login first:

       • Username: lunch number

       • Password: birthday (mm/dd/yyyy)

2. Gather all the necessary information

• Write everything down/gather documents ahead of time

• See below for a helpful worksheet to ensure you have all the needed information

3. Go to ncresidency.org and log in with your CFNC username and password

4. Fill out all the information carefully and submit

• You cannot go back to previous sections, so go slowly! Use the worksheet to help you.

5. After filling out RDS, you will be given your Residency Certification Number (RCN). Write down this number because you will need it for college applications.

RDS Worksheet