The North Carolina Residency Determination Service (NC RDS) was established in coordination with UNC System Public Schools, NC Community College System, and other NC Colleges and Universities as a centralized place to determine residency for students. In short, they determine if you are a North Carolina Resident for tuition purposes. They are the ones who allow you to qualify for in-state tuition, Woo-hoo! Completing the NC RDS is also the only way to ensure that you are eligible to receive NC Grant consideration at all North Carolina colleges and universities.

According to the NC Residency Determination Service website, you are considered a North Carolina Resident for Tuition Purposes if you:

• You and your legal guardian have established your legal residence in North Carolina.

• You and your legal guardian have maintained that legal residence in North Carolina for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to the beginning of the term.

• You and your legal guardian have a residentiary presence in the state of North Carolina.

• You intend to make North Carolina your permanent home indefinitely (rather than just being in North Carolina solely to attend college). 

Please let your adviser know if any of the following apply to you or your student:

• The student is experiencing homelessness or home instability

• The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) (NOT grandparents, siblings, etc.) are active duty military

• The student is a DACA recipient

• The student is permanently not living with a parent or legal guardian

It is important the the RDS is filled out completely and accurately. Before you sit down to complete the RDS, make sure you have the following information ready: 

• A College Foundation of North Carolina, CFNC, account (Students only) 

• Personal Information

  • Full legal name

  • Date of birth

  • Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), Alien Registration Number (ARN), or US Citizenship and Immigration Service Number (USCIS)

• Tax Information (from the most recent NC Tax Return)

  • Filing method (mailed or electronic)

  • Filing Status (single, married, etc.)

  • Whether or not the student was claimed

• Voter registration information (if applicable)

• State of vehicle registration and Driver's License Number (or NC ID Number)

• Name of Employer(s) within the last 12 Months