RDS (Residency Determination Services)

What Is the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS)?

An online application, run by the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), that determines whether prospective college students are classified as NC residents. If determined to be a resident, students then qualify for in-state tuition and state-based grants (free money!).

Why Is This Important?

1. It is required to apply to any college in North Carolina. When completed, you will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN) which will be submitted as part of your applications. 

2. Getting classified for in-state tuition can save you thousands of dollars when paying for college!

When Should I Complete This?

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. It must be completed before college applications can be submitted, so if you want to take advantage of free College Application Week you will need to complete it prior to applying. 

How Do I Access the RDS?

You will use your CFNC.org account to login. Many students will already have an account, so check with Ms. Johnson if you have trouble recovering your username or password. If you do not have an old account to recover, create a new one. *

*-Only do this AFTER you have asked Ms. Johnson if you already have a CFNC account!

Unfortunately, DACA and Undocumented students are not eligible for in-state tuition - talk to Ms. Johnson about your college funding options

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 acount, 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

   • PLEASE NOTE: You cannot go back to previous sections, so go slowly! Use this worksheet to help you

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

RDS FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for extra resources.

• When should I complete my RDS?

  • August or September of your senior year. RDS should be done before you do your applications.

• What happens if I get out of state status?

  • Depending on your situation, you will need to complete a RDS appeal or reconsideration. Please see me and we can navigate this process together!

• What if my parents are undocumented?

  • You ARE eligible for in-state tuition, but you will need to go through an appeal process.

• I am a McKinney Vento student, what do I do?

  • Follow the steps here

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need help!