Residency

Residency for Tuition Purposes

To qualify for in-city or in-state tuition, you must have continuously maintained your principal place of abode in New York City or New York State for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes AND have a bona fide intention of living in New York permanently. Students who need to provide proof of residency must complete the CUNY Residency Form and submit required documentation.


Tuition Rates

In-City In-State* Out-of-State
~$210/credit ~$210/credit* ~$320/credit
*In-state residents pay the same rate as in-city residents if they submit a valid Certificate of Residence (B-81 form).


Certificate of Residence (B-81)

If you reside in New York State but outside of NYC, you need to submit a Certificate of Residence form to receive in-city tuition rates. This certificate is issued by your county of residence and is valid for one year.


Who Qualifies for Resident Tuition?

You may qualify for in-state tuition if you meet ONE of the following:
  1. NYS High School or GED: You attended an approved New York State high school for 2 or more years and graduated from an approved NYS high school, OR you received a GED or TASC issued by New York State, AND you applied to CUNY within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma or GED/TASC certificate.
  2. 12-Month Residency: You have continuously maintained your principal place of abode in New York State for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes AND you have a bona fide intention of living in New York permanently AND you are one of the following:
  • U.S. citizen
  • Permanent resident (lawful permanent resident with valid documentation issued by USCIS)
  • Filed USCIS Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status) - pending decision
  • Granted asylum, refugee status, or withholding of removal
  • Applied for asylum and have been granted USCIS employment authorization
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  • Deferred Action (including DACA)
  1. Fall 2001 Enrollment: You were enrolled in CUNY in the Fall 2001 semester or quarter and were authorized by CUNY to pay tuition at the resident rate.


Dependent Students (Under Age 24)

Students under 24 years of age are generally considered dependent students. A dependent student's state of residency is considered the same as that of their custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The legal residence of a dependent student whose parents are divorced, separated, or otherwise living apart will be considered New York State if the student resides for 12 months with the parent who is a New York State resident.

To be designated a New York State resident, a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) reside out-of-state must present evidence that they meet CUNY's residency requirements AND demonstrate financial independence from their parents.


Undocumented and Out-of-Status Students

Pursuant to Section 6206(7)(a) of the New York State Education Law, undocumented students and students who are not residents of New York State may qualify for in-state tuition through the NYS High School/GED path (option 1 above).
You must file a notarized affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file such an application as soon as you are eligible to do so.


Visa Holders

Some students on visas may not be eligible for resident tuition rates. Students in F-1 status do not qualify for in-state tuition. For a complete list of eligible and ineligible visa types, refer to the CUNY Tuition and Fee Manual.


Required Documents

You must submit documentation in TWO categories:

1. Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status (REQUIRED)
You must submit valid documentation issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicating your qualifying status. Submit ONE of the following:
  • U.S. Citizens: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship
  • Permanent Residents: Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - both sides
  • I-485 Applicants: USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) for I-485 application
  • Asylum/Refugee: I-94 with asylum or refugee stamp, Employment Authorization Document (I-766) with code (a)(5) or (a)(8)
  • TPS: Employment Authorization Document (I-766) with code (a)(12) or (c)(19)
  • DACA: Employment Authorization Document (I-766) with code (c)(33), DACA approval notice
  • Work Permit: Employment Authorization Document (I-766) showing qualifying status code
 
2. Proof of New York Residency (REQUIRED)
Submit at least TWO different documents from different categories below. Documents must show proof of address/residency for the 12-month period immediately preceding the first day of classes.
  • Proof of Address: Lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, utility bills (gas, electric, water), bank statements
  • Government Documents: NY State driver's license, NY State ID card, NY voter registration card, vehicle registration, NY State tax returns
  • Employment Records: Pay stubs from NY employer, W-2 forms, employer verification letter
Documents in the same category covering the first and last months of the previous twelve-month period are acceptable provided they show the student living at the same address.


How to Submit

Upload to CUNYFirst:
Use this step-by-step guide to upload all documents to CUNYFirst: Uploading a Student Document through CUNYfirst

OR submit in person: Bring ORGINALS to Admissions Office, Room B-101 with a completed CUNY Residency Form


Important Requirements and Deadlines

  • Deadline: The college will not review any residency determination unless the request for review is made in writing and all required documentation is submitted on or before the last day of finals in the semester for which resident tuition is being sought.
  • No Late Submissions: Late submissions will not be reviewed.
  • No Retroactive Determinations: The college will not make residency determinations retroactively and will not issue refunds to students even in cases where they would have qualified for the resident rate if they had submitted timely documentation.
  • Dependent Students (under 24): Residency is typically based on parent/guardian location unless financial independence can be demonstrated.
  • F-1 Visa Students: Do not qualify for resident tuition rates.
 


Student Certification

By submitting residency documentation, you certify that all information provided and all statements made are true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

If you provide false information or withhold relevant information in order to obtain resident status, The City University may revoke its determination of in-state residency, and you will owe non-resident tuition to the University for each semester or session you have attended under these circumstances. You may also be subject to disciplinary action.


Appeals Process

If your residency determination is denied and you believe the decision is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. You will receive information about the appeals procedure with your denial notification. Complete rules regarding eligibility for the resident tuition rate and the appeals procedure are set forth in CUNY's Tuition and Fee Manual.