Residency Classification
It is the intent of Middle Tennessee State University that uniform criteria shall apply in determining whether students shall be classified in-state or out-of-state for tuition and fee purposes and for admission purposes. The Residency Classification Policy provides the criteria that is utilized in making classification determinations. This page primarily addresses residency classification and programs for undergraduate, domestic students only.
For more information, please contact the following:
- Undergraduate, Domestic Students: MT One Stop at 615-898-2111 or mtonestop@mtsu.edu.
- International Students: International Admissions, 615-898-2116 or international@mtsu.edu.
- Graduate Students: College of Graduate Studies, 615-898-2840 or askgrad@mtsu.edu.
- Veterans: Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, 615-904-8347 or KUC 124.
Click Here to Jump to Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate, Domestic Students
IMPORTANT: Changes to tuition rates cannot be made after the university’s census date each semester (typically the 14th day of the fall and spring semesters, early July in the summer semesters). This application must be completed and processed prior to the census date for currently enrolled students to remove any out-of-state tuition charges for the current semester.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Classification
Students and applicants with a domicile in Tennessee are classified as in-state for tuition and fee purposes and for admission purposes. Domicile is a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation; it is the place where he/she intends to remain, and to which he/she expects to return when he/she leaves MTSU without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere. Students and applicants not having domicile in Tennessee shall be classified out-of-state. However, there may be avenues for students to seek in-state classification, in-state tuition rates, or reduced tuition rates. The primary factors in determining in-state classification for fee-paying purposes are (1) intent and (2) domicile. For common questions about residency classification see our FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
Applying for In-State Classification
Undergraduate, domestic students classified as out-of-state by Undergraduate Admissions may apply for in-state classification if they meet a scenario that would qualify them. Please note that students are required to submit an in-state classification application and appropriate documentation for the scenario that applies. Your application will be reviewed to determine two things: we need to know why you moved to Tennessee (intent) and whether or not you have established a permanent residence in Tennessee (domicile). Your application must pass both the intent and the domicile review in order for you to be classified in-state. The Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlement Act (EVEA) requires an applicant for in-state classification to be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully present.
Students meeting one of the scenarios below may contact the MT One Stop for questions and information on what documentation to submit. Possible scenarios that could allow a student to apply for in-state classification:
- Moved to Tennessee and lived in the state for one (1) year without enrolling in any postsecondary institution OR lived in the state and worked full-time (30 hours per week or more) for eight (8) months prior to enrollment
- Married a Tennessee resident OR be the spouse of a Tennessee resident who has moved to the state for reasons other than education
- Purchased a home in Tennessee (student must be listed as an owner of the home AND be domiciled in Tennessee)
- Claimed as a dependent of a Tennessee resident
- If dependent of divorced/separated parents, at least one parent must be domiciled in Tennessee
- Full-time job transfer from home state to Tennessee with the same company
- Participated in the Part-Time/Full-Time program and completed two consecutive semesters (see below)
Please note that students cannot be claimed as a dependent of an out-of-state parent for tax purposes if seeking in-state classification unless parents are divorced/separated and one parent is domiciled in Tennessee.
Completed application packets for undergraduate, domestic students can be submitted to the MT One Stop either in person during business hours, online through our dropbox, or by mail. Please do not email items if they contain PII (Personally Identifiable Information). You may redact Social Security Numbers and income information from the tax returns. We will typically process applications within 2 business days if complete and submitted before the deadline on the application (August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, May 1 for summer).
Part-Time/Full-Time Program
Students who do not meet any of the listed requirements above may participate in the Part-Time/Full-Time program to gain in-state classification status. This program allows students to receive an out-of-state fee waiver by working full-time (30 hours or more per week, off campus) and taking part-time classes (11 or fewer credit hours a semester) for two consecutive semesters. The intent of this program is to establish Tennessee residency. Therefore, once a student completes two consecutive semesters of the Part-Time/Full-Time program, they must apply for permanent in-state classification and submit all required documentation, live off campus, and are not claimed as a dependent for tax purposes by anyone out of state.
To apply for the program, fill out the application at the link below and attach to it a letter from your employer. This letter should be on company letterhead, be physically signed by the employer, and indicate the number of hours you work per week on average. Also make sure they include your start date and intent to keep you working full-time during the semester. You will also need to submit proof of residence (TN driver’s license, lease, on-campus housing agreement) at this time. Before your second semester of the program begins, you will submit a new employer letter to the MT One Stop confirming your continued full-time employment. Failure to do so means you will be charged out-of-state tuition for the following semester.
Send the completed application and requested documentation to the MT One Stop at mtonestop@mtsu.edu, submit it online through our dropbox, or bring it by the office during regular business hours. We will typically process your application within 2 business days if complete and submitted before the deadline on the application (August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, May 1 for summer). If approved, your tuition will be adjusted to the in-state rate provided you are in 11 hours or less for the semester. After two consecutive semesters in the program, you will apply for permanent in-state classification by submitting the in-state application, your Tennessee driver's license, a lease/deed for an off-campus dwelling in Tennessee, and your most recent tax return showing no one claimed you as a dependent. *If anyone claims you out-of-state and/or you are unable to provide documentation of off-campus housing, you will no longer be eligible for the program.
Academic Common Market
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition savings program which allows residents
of participating states to qualify for in-state tuition for unique academic majors
not offered in their home state. The ACM is coordinated by the Southern Regional Education
Board (SREB). Students may qualify for in-state tuition at MTSU if they are enrolled
in an academic major not offered in their home state.
Regional Scholars Program
The MTSU Regional Scholars Program allows select non-Tennessee resident students seeking an undergraduate degree who live within approximately 250 miles OR in a contiguous state and meet specific academic requirements to attend MTSU at a greatly reduced rate, as well as qualify for the Freshman Academic Merit Scholarships. The recently approved expansion of the program, beginning Fall 2019, will also include new and returning students living anywhere within the eight states bordering Tennessee (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia). Students who qualify will receive a reduced tuition rate equal to approximately 48% off the standard out-of-state rate.
Veterans
A veteran, or any individual entitled to the veteran’s education benefits, enrolled at MTSU may not be required to pay out-of-state tuition if classified as out-of-state. Below is a list of ways in which active duty military, veterans, and military connected students do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. Note: The VA does not cover out-of-state tuition rates in most situations.
- Box 19A on your DD214 is a Tennessee address
- Using VA Benefits, attending MTSU, and living in Tennessee
- Military orders to Tennessee
- Military orders out of Tennessee but still maintaining Tennessee residency
- Joining the Tennessee National Guard
- Dependent of a Tennessee resident who is active duty military
- Dependent of an active duty military member with orders to Tennessee
Please contact the Veterans and Military Family Center at 615-904-8347 or visit our website for more information on the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for common questions about residency for undergraduate, domestic students, including what basic documentation is required for in-state classification applications. PLEASE NOTE: The MT One Stop may ask for additional documentation when you apply for in-state classification as needed.
Questions? Contact the MT One Stop at mtonestop@mtsu.edu for assistance.
Contact MT One Stop:
Email: MTOneStop@mtsu.edu
Virtual Counter: Click Here
Dropbox: Click Here
Please do not send any documents or emails with unredacted Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security Numbers or credit card numbers, through any means other than the Dropbox, mail, or in person.