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Student Residency Classification

****Undergraduate students only – The residency application and supporting documentation can be submitted to residency@utk.edu online by sending through the secure vault by going to the UT Vault page. Inquiries and questions should be emailed to residency@utk.edu. ****

Graduate School students should complete the Graduate Application for In-State Classification form and submit it to the address on the form. You may opt to use the UT Secure Courier by following instructions posted on the UT Vault page.

College of Law students please contact April Wolford at ahartma6@utk.edu for additional information or to find out how to submit documentation.

Graduate Students in the College of Veterinary Medicine please contact Deborah Shepherd at dshepherd@utk.edu for additional information or to find out how to submit documentation.

All other Graduate students please contact Tina Wicker at Tina Wicker or visit the Residency Classification page on the Graduate School website for additional information and instructions on submitting documentation.

Initial residency classification is determined by admissions staff from information submitted on the undergraduate application for admissions. Items such as address, high school, including boarding schools, online schools and home schools affiliated outside of Tennessee, transfer work from out-of-state higher educational institutions including on-line schools and tax information can all provide an initial residency classification of out-of-state.

Undergraduate students who would like their residency classification reconsidered may submit an appeal (link for application is in the Residency Contacts section below) to the residency classification officer. The application for reclassification along with all supporting documentation must be received no later than the last day of registration in order to be considered for that semester.

The last day of registration for a semester is located on the Timetable/Financial Deadlines Calendars for the semester and is the “Last Day to Final Register, Add, Change Grading Options with a W—Full Session Course.”

Classification will be determined and the applicant will be notified by email.

Regulations

The State of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee System establishes student residency regulations.

  1. Students under the age of 24 are considered dependent students and residency classification for tuition purposes is determined to be the same state as parent(s) or legal guardian domicile.
  2. An emancipated student independent of parents may establish in-state classification by producing clear and convincing evidence of Tennessee domicile. Proof must be provided that the move to Tennessee was not primarily for obtaining educational opportunities for themselves, dependents, or spouse. Turning 18 in itself does not provide evidence that a student is emancipated for in-state tuition purposes. Intent to remain in the state after attending the university in itself does not provide evidence that the move to the state is incidental to educational purposes.
  3. Students over the age of 24 or otherwise independent must provide clear and convincing evidence that the move to Tennessee is not for educational opportunities for themselves, dependents, or spouse. Intent to remain in the state after attending the University in itself does not provide evidence that the move to the state is incidental to educational purposes.

UT’s residency guidelines are independent of other state rules or regulations governing residency for other purposes, including property tax liability, eligibility to vote, obtaining a driver license, or registering an automobile.

Appeal for In-State Classification

Students classified as out-of-state, or whose status is unclear, may submit an application for residency reclassification.

The deadline for submission of the application and supporting documentation is on or before the last day of regular registration. The last day of registration for a semester is located on the Timetable/Financial Deadlines Calendars for the semester and is the “Last Day to Final Register, Add, Change Grading Options with a W—Full Session Course.”

The residency classification officer will review the appeal and send a response by email. Completing the residency application or the appeal process does not guarantee a student will receive in state classification.

Frequently Asked Questions