Yes! Regardless of citizenship, all prosepective students will need to complete RDS. (Please visit the RDS page if you want more information about what RDS is). 

For students without a Social Security Number (SSN), the likelihood is a non-resident or out-of-state tuition determination, signifying ineligibility for in-state tuition rates. To explore your next steps, particularly if you've graduated or are graduating from a public high school, refer to the dedicated tab "I graduated or will be graduating from a Public High School."

Yes! 

If you, the student, possess documentation with a SSN, while your parents or guardians may be undocumented without an SSN, there is still hope for in-state tuition eligibility. I encourage you to explore the resources provided below for comprehensive instructions on how to navigate this scenario.

RDS Appeal and Reconsiderations:  https://www.ncresidency.org/media/lb3pzxm2/rdsappeals.pdf
US Citizen with Undocumented Parent(s): https://www.ncresidency.org/media/sm1mptzi/rdsinterviewundoc.pdf

DACA Students: https://www.ncresidency.org/media/5kuhfnny/rdsinterviewdaca.pdf

If you are undocumented, you are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

However, it's crucial to recognize that your pursuit of higher education is not without support. Many states, colleges, and private scholarship programs have their own criteria and application processes that may provide financial assistance to undocumented students. It's recommended to explore alternative avenues for funding education, such as state-specific programs or scholarships that do not require citizenship status. 

For detailed information and guidance, refer to the Undocumented Students section on the official FAFSA website: FAFSA for Undocumented Students 

DACA recipients with SSNs can complete the FAFSA form. Your parent or guardian does not need an SSN to complete their section of your FAFSA form. 

As a DACA recipient, you must select the “Neither U.S. citizen nor eligible noncitizen” option on the 2024–25 FAFSA form or the “No, I am not a citizen or eligible noncitizen” option on the 2023–24 FAFSA form.

Yes! Your parent’s or guardian's citizenship status doesn’t affect your ability to complete the FAFSA form. In fact, the FAFSA form doesn’t even ask about your parent’s or guardian's citizenship status.

Contrary to popular belief, Garinger isn't as negative as it may seem. In fact, there are notable advantages to graduating from there! Several benefits await graduates, such as scholarships, participation in the CPCC summer bridge program, and more!. Additionally, North Carolina's laws and policies offer support specifically for those who have graduated or will graduate from a public high school.

The Garinger Education Foundation now offers Garinger graduates attending Central Piedmont Community College Wildcat scholarships up to $4,000. Whether you are working toward an associate's degree, diploma, or a certificate, these scholarships are available to you. 

Simple answer... YES! There are no policies preventing any undocumented student from applying to CPCC. 

Undocumented students need to be 18 or graduate from a U.S. public, private, or home school to take curriculum classes at Central Piedmont (a GED will not suffice), and need to graduate from a U.S. public, private, or home school to become eligible to receive a degree from Central Piedmont.

Yes! The summer bridge program does not have any citizenship requirements!

Public School Graduates

Any Non-US Citizen lawfully admitted to the United States who satisfied the qualifications for assignment to a public school under North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-366) and graduated from the public school to which the student was assigned shall be eligible for the State resident community college tuition rate. This benefit is handled at the campus level, not RDS. If you believe this provision applies to you, you will need to submit the following documentation to support your claim:

• A Residency Certification Number (RCN) attached to a current out-of-state determination from the Residency Determination Service (RDS).

• INS documentation supporting your lawful admission to the U.S. prior to your high school graduation date.

• A final official NC public high school transcripts showing your graduation date.

If you believe you qualify for a tuition benefit and have proper documentation (please see below for an example), please apply here: Tuition Benefit Application