Residency Classification & In-State Tuition

**Qualified Person: an individual eligible to establish Colorado domicile and begin the one-year domicile period necessary to qualify for in-state tuition

• Adults – at least 23 years old, or are married, or are emancipated from your parents
• Emancipated minors – Under 23 years old, and your parent(s) have entirely surrendered the right to your care, custody, and earnings, and if they have made no provision for your support.
• Unemancipated minors – Under 23 years old and depend on your parent(s) for financial support.

To qualify for in-state rates at Trinidad State College, a qualified person must display both domicile and intent.

• Domicile - Physically reside in Colorado for 12 consecutive months before the first day of the semester.
• Intent - Have legal ties to Colorado for 12 consecutive months preceding the beginning of the first day of the term with the intent to remain in Colorado indefinitely.  Examples of legal ties (intent) defined by the state of Colorado may include:
  1. Colorado driver’s license
  2. Colorado Registered voter
  3. Colorado vehicle registration
  4. Employment
  5. Filing and withholding state taxes as a Colorado resident

More information concerning Colorado residency requirements can be found on the Colorado Department of Higher Education Residency Requirements.

 

Military

If you are active duty or honorably discharged veteran or a dependent whose permanent duty station is in Colorado, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates.  Please complete the Military Tuition Status Form For questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 719-846-5550.

 

New Mexico Reciprocity (NMR) Program

A program allowing New Mexico residents to attend TSC at a reduced tuition rate.  Students must complete the New Mexico Reciprocity Agreement and provide evidence of residency in New Mexico. While using this agreement, time spent in Colorado cannot be applied towards the 12-month physical presence requirement to become a Colorado resident.

Students must complete the New Mexico Reciprocity Application and provide evidence of their residency from New Mexico.

 

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program is a ‘guest pass’ for students who are maintaining their residency in another state and do not intend to establish Colorado residency.  The WUE program is a program allowing students in 14 participating states to enroll in designated two-year institutions at a special, reduced tuition rate application only to WUE students. Residents of the following states are eligible for the program: Alaska, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  While using this agreement, time spent in Colorado cannot be applied towards the 12-month physical presence requirement to become a Colorado resident.

Students must complete the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program and provide evidence of their residency from their participating state.

 

Classified as a Non-Resident?

If you believe you were incorrectly classified and meet the residency requirements above, please fill out the Petition for in-state tuition classification.

1. Emancipated minor or have been attending TSC within last year as a non-resident: Petition for In-State Tuition Classification If you still have questions concerning your residency, please contact the Registrar's Office to determine your best course of action.

Registrar's Office: 719-846-5550

christy.holden@trinidadstate.edu

 

Residency Change Request Deadlines & Process

• The deadline to submit the Correction to Application form or the Petition for In-State Tuition Classification form is the earliest drop date for your courses. 
• Submitting a residency change request does not imply that your residency will be approved.
• Correction to Application forms will be reviewed within one week, and a Petition for In-State Tuition Classification form will be reviewed within two weeks. A decision will be emailed to your student TSC email account.
• Non-residents who enroll in classes while their residency classification is being reviewed must pay the non-resident rates to hold a place in classes.
• If a residency request is approved, you will receive a refund for the difference in tuition.
• If your residency request is denied, you will be responsible for paying the non-resident tuition if you remain enrolled.
• Any student who is denied in-state tuition classification after petitioning for in-state tuition may appeal the decision of the Registrar. The student must appeal in writing and provide any additional supporting documentation available to substantiate the claim to in-state tuition classification within 15 days of the denial.