How Residency Decides Your Tuition

Know How Residency Affects Your Tuition

Residency is a policy established by the University System of Maryland (USM) to make sure there is a fair and equitable process to determine a student’s classification and tuition rates across all Maryland state schools. Coppin State University uses residency information to determine if a student is considered a Maryland resident and is therefore eligible for in-state tuition status. The USM site also has available Frequently Asked Questions information regarding residency to assist you as you complete the residency form.

In-State Residency Eligibility

To qualify for in-state status, a student must submit the Residency Form within the Application for Admission and demonstrate all of the following requirements for the 12-month period immediately before the semester or term a student is seeking in-state tuition. The USM Residency Policy states a student must:

• Have continuously kept their primary residence in Maryland
• Have kept all personal property in Maryland, including but not limited to furniture, personal belongings, and pets
• Have paid Maryland income tax on all taxable income and filed a Maryland Resident Tax Return
• Have registered all owned or leased vehicles in Maryland for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other accepted conditions for motor vehicles
• Have kept a valid Maryland driver’s license for at least 12 consecutive months. Check the official Residency Policy for other conditions that satisfy this requirement
• Be currently registered to vote in Maryland
• Receive no public assistance from any state, city, county, or municipality outside the State of Maryland
• Have a legal federal and state right to live in Maryland, permanently and without interruption

Initial Residency Determination

The initial Residency determination is made in accordance with the residency policy. All students must complete the Residency Form as a part of the Application for Admissions. The deadline to submit the Residency Application is the first day of classes for the semester you choose to enroll.

Out-of-State Residency Classification

You must be a resident of Maryland and meet all the USM criteria to qualify for in-state tuition. You qualify for out-of-state tuition if you are: 

• Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
• Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

How to Change Residency Status

You may petition to change your residency status by submitting a completed Residency Petition Form and any supporting documentation to the Office of Records and Registration. We cannot accept faxed or emailed Residency Petition forms. The form includes information on where to send a hard copy when complete.

• Attending school or living outside Maryland when you apply or are admitted to Coppin (or another USM school)
• Financially dependent on a person who is not a Maryland resident

DACA & Maryland Dream Act

DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs protects youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA students can temporarily qualify for in-state tuition if they submit the approval notification of their Deferred Action status (I-797, notice of action) AND the Maryland Residency Form to the Office of Admissions by the first day of classes of their intended entry term. Deferred Action status must be held for 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the term to be eligible for in-state tuition rates. For more information, please email [email protected].

The Maryland Dream Act: University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates

The Dream Act qualifies any student, other than a non-immigrant alien, within the meaning of 8 U.S.C.- 1101(A)(15), who meets all of the requirements listed on the form, for in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities in Maryland. To be eligible, the student must submit the USM Tuition Exemption Request form and provide the required supporting documentation. The required supporting documents are listed on the form.

NOTE: Applicants who hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status should not complete the University System of Maryland Tuition Exemption Request form.