Initial Determination of Residency

Hero

Initial determination of residency classification is performed by the Undergraduate Admissions staff. As a state institution, Framingham State sets tuition and fees for undergraduate students based on this residency classification, as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Questions should be directed to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at admissions [at] framingham.edu (admissions[at]framingham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500.

New applicants may be contacted for additional information or documentation for residency classification.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuition Residency Classification

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education defines parameters regarding eligibility for in-state tuition rates. You can read about the policy.

 

These are the current ways for students to access in-state tuition rates at Framingham State:

  1. Board of Higher Education Residency Status Policy
  • Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year (with parent or legal guardian, if dependent) *
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant (BHE Motion FAAP 07-24); or authorized by the federal government to live and work in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis (BHE Motion FAAP 16-20)
  • Submit required documentation to the institution

*You do not qualify for resident status if your only reason for living in Massachusetts during that time was to attend school here.

  1. Massachusetts High School Completer Status (M.G.L. c. 15A, § 9 par. 5)
  • Attend high school in Massachusetts for at least 3 years
  • Earn a high school diploma or alternative (e.g., HiSET, GED) in Massachusetts
  • Submit required documentation to the institution
  1. You (and your spouse and dependent students) are presumed to be Massachusetts residents if you are in the Armed Forces and stationed on active duty in Massachusetts; or if you are a faculty member, professional staff employee, or classified staff employee at a Massachusetts public college or university. Other exceptions may apply.

If you’re financially dependent on your parents, your permanent address is not located in Massachusetts, or you do not qualify for the New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break, your residency classification will be based on the state your parents reside in.

A person who is a lawful immigrant or permanent resident of the United States is eligible to be considered for Massachusetts residency for tuition purposes provided that they meet the same requirements for establishing residency in Massachusetts as are required of a United States citizen. Non-citizens who are in (or who are eligible to apply and who have applied for) refugee/asylum status are likewise eligible to be considered for Massachusetts residency for tuition purposes provided that they meet the same requirements for establishing residency in Massachusetts as are required of a United States citizen. All non-citizens must provide appropriate United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation to verify their status.

Students on certain visas may be classified as in-state. The student must provide valid documentation from the and meet the residency requirements.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE), certain immigration statuses are ineligible for in-state tuition consideration. These include B-1 and B-2 (business/tourist visitors), F-1 and F-2 (students and their dependents), J-1 and J-2 (exchange visitors and their dependents), M-1, M-2, and M-3 (vocational/language study), and P (athletes/entertainers).

The NEBHE Tuition Break provides significant tuition savings to certain eligible residents of the New England States when they enroll at out-of-state colleges and universities within New England and pursue approved programs.

Read a list of approved programs.