Regulations for Qualifying for In-State Tuition

Michigan State University (MSU) has autonomous, constitutional authority from the State of Michigan to establish the university’s “Regulations for Qualifying for In-State Tuition” and the definition of student residency status as it related to in-state fee status. In other words, Michigan State University’s residency guidelines are independent of other State of Michigan rules or regulations governing residency for other purposes (such as income and property tax liability or eligibility to vote or drive).

Michigan State University is supported by legislative funds derived from State of Michigan tax revenue. As a state tax-supported institution, the university gives preference in admission and tuition to long-term residents of the State of Michigan—that is, to students whose circumstances meet the university’s definition of “domicile.”

Michigan State University will review the application of students who believe they should be classified as in-state under the regulations. If a student is seeking in-state tuition based on Michigan domicile, but the student’s presence in the state is based on activities or circumstances that are determined to be temporary or indeterminate, the student will be classified as out-of-state.

These regulations establish the criteria for eligibility to receive in-state tuition rates at Michigan State University. Based on information supplied in the application for admission, a student will be classified as an in-state or out-of-state student. Any student who believes they have been incorrectly classified may complete an Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status (see Section VI., below). The application and documentation described in Section VI should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 150, East Lansing, MI 48824-2603 or emailed to feeclass@msu.edu in .pdf format at least thirty (30) days before the start of the semester for which reclassification is sought.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the fee classification process are available in the In-State Tuition Status section of the Office of the Registrar FAQ page. For questions or assistance with the application, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 1-517-432-3488 or feeclass@msu.edu.

STUDENTS MAY QUALIFY FOR IN-STATE TUITION STATUS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

1. Establishing eligibility through Michigan domicile for U.S. citizens.
2. Establishing eligibility through Michigan domicile for legal permanent resident aliens and immigrants.
3. Establishing eligibility through Michigan high school attendance and graduation (must meet all three (3) of the following requirements: (a) attended an accredited Michigan high school for at least three years; (b) graduated from an accredited Michigan high school or obtained a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED); and (c) will start their education at Michigan State University within forty (40) months of high school graduation or receipt of a GED.
4. Establishing they meet the criteria outlined in Absences from Michigan in Section IV; or
5. Establishing they meet one of the criteria listed in Section V.

ON THEIR OWN, THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT NECESSARILY LEND SUPPORT TO A CLAIM OF MICHIGAN DOMICILE:

• Enrollment in a Michigan high school, community college, or university.
• Employment in Michigan that is temporary or short-term.
• Employment in Michigan in a position that is normally held by a student.
• Ownership of land, vacation, second home, or investment property in Michigan.
• Presence of relatives, other than the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) who live in Michigan.
• Possession of a Michigan driver's license, Michigan identification card, or voter's registration.
• Payment of Michigan income or property taxes.
• A statement of intent to be domiciled in Michigan.
• The payment of university fees on behalf of a student.

For the purpose of these regulations:

Dependent Student
A student is presumed to be a dependent student if:

• They are 24 years of age or younger; unmarried.
• Are primarily involved in educational pursuits or have not been entirely financially self-supporting through employment.

Non-Dependent Student
A student is presumed to be a non-dependent if:

• They are 25 years of age or older.
• Student is married.

DEFINITIONS

Domicile

“Domicile” is defined as the place where an individual intends their true, fixed, primary permanent residence and long-term home to be, and to which the individual intends to return whenever they are absent from the university. In other words, an applicant must document that the state of Michigan is their primary permanent home and they intend to remain in Michigan long-term.

The domicile of a dependent student will be presumed to have the same effect as that of a dependent student's parent(s), stepparent(s), or legal guardian(s). Generally, an individual whose activities and circumstances, as documented to Michigan State University, demonstrate they are domiciled in Michigan will be eligible for in-state tuition status. An individual whose presence in the state is based on activities or circumstances that are indeterminate or temporary will not be eligible for in-state tuition status.

A student or parent(s), or legal guardian(s) of a dependent student cannot be domiciled or maintain a primary permanent residence in more than one state at a time. Establishing Michigan domicile will depend on, among other things, where a student lives/has lived, works/has worked, and attends/has attended school; where the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) live/have lived, and other clear and convincing evidence that demonstrates Michigan is the student’s primary permanent long-term home.

“Michigan Domicile” - Parent(s), legal guardian(s) or non-dependent student have established a primary permanent residence and household in the state of Michigan for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the semester for which they are seeking in-state tuition status (please see 1.A. and 1.B. below).

Residing in Michigan solely for educational reasons does not qualify as being “domiciled” in Michigan. The reason for moving to Michigan must be for other than educational purposes. The student, their parent(s), guardian(s), or spouse must have moved to Michigan for a reason other than qualifying for in-state tuition and intend to make Michigan their primary permanent long-term home.

Legal Guardianship

References to parents shall include legal guardians when (a) the student is the dependent of the legal guardian(s), and (b) such legal guardianship has been established due to the complete incapacity or death of the student's parent(s). A parent's inability to provide funds necessary to support a college education does not constitute complete incapacity.

A temporary care agreement executed by a dependent student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) to other individual(s) who may live in the state of Michigan does not represent full legal guardianship.

Severance of Out-of-State Ties

Severance of out-of-state ties referred to in Section I.A. below means the student, their parent(s), guardian(s), or spouse have severed out-of-state ties by:

1. The final sale of any primary principal residence located outside the State of Michigan; and/or
2. Relinquishment or dissolution of ownership or interest in a business, corporation, partnership, and the like, located outside the state of Michigan, if applicable.

I.  ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY THROUGH MICHIGAN DOMICILE FOR U.S CITIZENS

1. Michigan Domicile. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have established a primary permanent residence and household in the state of Michigan for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the semester for which they are seeking in-state tuition status.
2. Michigan Employment. Are employed in the state of Michigan on a permanent basis.
3. Severance of Out-of-State Ties. Have severed out-of-state ties related to 1) any primary principal residence located outside the state of Michigan; and/or 2) have relinquished or dissolved ownership or interest in a business, corporation, partnership, and the like, located outside the state of Michigan, if applicable.

1. The student, or the student’s spouse, is employed in Michigan in a permanent job, and the employment is the primary purpose for the student's presence in Michigan; or
2. The student has not enrolled in any academic courses at any two -year or four -year degree granting institution during this twelve-month period.

1.  Attended an accredited Michigan high school for three years.
2. Graduated from an accredited Michigan high school or obtain a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED). 
3. Start their education at the Michigan State University within 40 months of high school graduation or receipt of a GED.

1. The dependent student's parent(s) or guardian(s) moved out of Michigan after the student completes their sophomore year in a Michigan high school; and
2. The dependent student and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) resided in Michigan for a minimum of ten years prior to their departure

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: A written statement explaining how the student meets the criteria for in-state tuition status as set forth in these regulations.
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.
4. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Photo Identification: A copy of the parent’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.
5. U.S. Permanent Residents:
   1. A copy of student’s U.S. permanent resident card.
   2. A copy of parent(s) U.S. permanent resident card.
6. Guardianship – A copy of the complete, fully executed official court guardianship agreement, if applicable.
7. Employment Verification: A letter from parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ employer on company letterhead verifying current full-time employment, work location of employee, and includes employer’s physical address.
8. Pay Stub: A copy of parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ most recent pay stub(s) showing Michigan taxes being withheld.
9. Federal and State Income Tax Returns: A copy of the first, second, and signature pages of parent(s) or guardian(s)’ most recent year’s federal and all state income tax returns (forms US 1040 and State 1040s) with:
   1. All accompanying W2s and Form 1099s; and
   2. Schedules C and E, (if self-employed).
10. Michigan Domicile - A copy of a complete, fully executed lease agreement(s), mortgage, property deed, or property title for Michigan domicile.
11. Severance of Out-of-State Ties:
    1. A complete, fully executed copy of proof of home sale (fully executed warranty deed, final closing statement or distribution statement) or proof of termination of lease agreement.
    2. Proof of relinquishment and/or dissolution of ownership or interest in any business, partnership, and the like, located outside the state of Michigan, if applicable.

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: A written statement explaining how the student meets the criteria for in-state tuition status as set forth in these regulations.
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.
4. Spouse’s Photo Identification: A copy of the spouse’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification, if based on spouse’s employment.
5. U.S. Permanent Residents:
   1. A copy of student’s U.S. permanent resident card.
   2. A copy of spouse’s U.S. permanent resident card.
6. Marriage Certificate: A copy of marriage certificate, if based on spouse’s employment.
7. Employment Verification: A letter from student’s and/or spouse’s employer on company letterhead verifying current full-time employment, work location of employee, and includes employer’s physical address, if based on current full-time employment.
8. Pay Stub: A copy of student’s and/or spouse’s most recent pay showing Michigan taxes being withheld, if based on current full-time employment.
9. Federal and State Income Tax Returns: A copy of the first, second, and signature pages of student’s and spouse’s (if based on spouse) most recent year’s federal and all state income tax returns (forms US 1040 and State 1040s) with:
   1. All accompanying W2s and Form 1099s; and
   2. Schedules C and E, (if self-employed).
10. Michigan Domicile: A copy of a complete, fully executed lease agreement(s), mortgage, property deed, or property title providing evidence of Michigan domicile for at least the 12 months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the semester for which student is seeking in-state tuition status.
11. Severance of Out-of-State Ties:
    1. A complete, fully executed copy of proof of home sale (fully executed warranty deed, final closing statement or distribution statement) or proof of termination of lease agreement.
    2. Proof of relinquishment and/or dissolution of ownership or interest in any business, partnership, and the like, located outside the state of Michigan, if applicable.

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: A written statement explaining how they meet the criteria for in-state tuition status as set forth in these regulations.
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.
4. Birth or Marriage Certificate: A copy of birth certificate (if dependent student) or marriage certificate (if spouse).
5. Active-Duty Military: A copy of the most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
6. Honorably Discharged Veteran: A copy of Release of Discharge from Active-Duty form indicating honorable discharge (DD-214).

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: A written statement explaining how they meet the criteria for in-state tuition status as set forth in these regulations.
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.
4. High School Transcript(s): A copy of student’s high school transcript(s), if not already on file.

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: Provide a written statement explaining how the student meets the criteria for in-state tuition in accordance with these Regulations. 
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license or other official photo identification.
4. Parent(s) Photo Identification: A copy of parents’ driver’s licenses (if dependent student).
5. Passports: A copy of student and both parents’ passports.
6. Employment Verification: A signed and dated letter from parent’s employer on company letterhead indicating:
   1. Date full-time permanent employment began in Michigan.
   2. Location(S) outside of Michigan where employee has or is working.
   3. Duration of temporary out-of-state assignment.
   4. Will employee be returning to Michigan at the end of out-of-state assignment.
   5. Company contact name, address, phone number, and email address.
7. Federal and State Income Tax Returns: A copy of the first, second, and signature pages of parent's (if student is age 24 or younger) or student’s (if student is 25 years of age or older) most recent year’s federal and state income tax returns (Form 1040 and State-1040) with:
   1. All accompanying W2s and/or Schedule 1 included with Form 1040.
   2. Schedules C and E, if self-employed.
   3. Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) partner’s share of income, deductions, credits, etc.
8. Michigan Domicile: A copy of a complete, fully executed property deed, quit claim deed, land contract, mortgage agreement, property title or lease agreement(s) for parents’ permanent Michigan residence.
9. Michigan Property Tax Statements: A copy of the latest paid property tax statement for parents’ permanent Michigan residence.
10. Out-of-State/Foreign Domicile: A complete, fully executed copy of proof of home sale (final closing/distribution statement, warranty deed or termination of lease agreement where parents are currently residing.

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status. https://reg.msu.edu/Read/FeeClassApp.pdf
2. Statement of Explanation: Provide a written statement explaining how the student meets the criteria for in-state tuition in accordance with these Regulations. 
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license or other official photo identification.
4. Parent(s) Driver’s License: A copy of both parents’ driver’s licenses or other official photo identification.
5. Michigan Income Tax Returns: A copy of ten years of parent’s Michigan income tax returns prior to departure from Michigan (sophomore year and prior). 
6. Michigan Domicile: A copy of a complete, fully executed property deed, quit claim deed, land contract, mortgage agreement, property title or lease agreement(s) covering same ten year period (sophomore year and prior) for parents’ Michigan domicile.
7. Michigan High School Transcript(s): A copy of Michigan high school transcripts.

1. Application: An Application for Classification to In-State Fee Status.
2. Statement of Explanation: A written statement explaining how they meet the criteria for in-state tuition status as set forth in these regulations.
3. Student Photo Identification: A copy of student’s driver’s license, state identification card, or other official photo identification.

• In-state fee status applies to only entire semesters. Students will not be granted in-state fee status for part of a semester.
• The application and documentation will not be returned. The student is advised to keep a copy for their records.
• The student will be notified by the Review Committee if additional documentation or information is required.
• The average processing time is approximately four weeks after all documents have been received.
• The student will be notified by email when a determination has been made.