Residency Determination Service
Residency Determination Service
(RDS)
(RDS)
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What is the RDS?
What is the RDS?
An online form that determines whether or not you can be classified as a resident of North Carolina.
If you are considered a resident, you will be able to receive in-state tuition at NC schools.
It is required to apply to any college in North Carolina (community college and four-year schools) and receive in-state tuition. This can save you thousands of dollars when paying for college!
You qualify for in-state tuition if you are a legal U.S. residents that have been residing in NC for at least 12 months.
Unfortunately, DACA and undocumented students are not eligible for in-state tuition.
When you complete it, you will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN). This number will need to be submitted as part of your applications to schools in NC.
How do I complete the RDS?
How do I complete the RDS?
Create a CFNC account at cfnc.org
Make sure to use a personal email, not your school email.
Gather the necessary information
Write down all of this information before you begin filling out RDS (see infographic below)
Click here (https://bit.ly/rdsinfopob) for a helpful worksheet to ensure you have all the needed information
Go to ncresidency.org and log in using your CFNC username and password.
Fill out all the information carefully and submit
You cannot go back to previous sections, so go slowly when you fill out each section and use the document you filled out in the last step.
RCN - Residency Certification Number
After filling out RDS, you will be given a number, your RCN. Write down this number because you will need it for college applications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When should I complete my RDS?
A: August or September of your senior year. RDS should be done before you do your applications.
Q: What happens if I got out of state?
A: You will need to complete a RDS Appeal. An appeal normally consist of an interview and extra information to prove your a resident. Please see me and we can navigate this process together!
Q: What if my parents are undocumented?
A: You ARE eligible for in-state tuition. You will need to go through an appeals process. Here is a helpful guide to: https://ncresidency.cfnc.org/residencyInfo/pdf/RDSInterviewUndoc.pdf
Q: I am a McKinney Vento student, what do I do?
A: Follow the steps here: https://ncresidency.cfnc.org/residencyInfo/pdf/RDSStudentHomelessness.pdf and reach out to me for help!
Click here for a helpful guide regarding RDS and FAFSA
Click here for a helpful guide regarding RDS and FAFSA
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