Policy Scope
The following policy applies to all UNMC students.
Policy Statement
Residency, as it relates to tuition, is different than establishing residency for other purposes. As a state institution, the University of Nebraska must abide by Nebraska State Legislature policy as determined by the University of Nebraska, Board of Regents (B.R.-5.7.1). These regulations provide the basis upon which University staff shall determine whether an individual qualifies as a Nebraska resident for tuition purposes. In some instances, it may be possible that an individual may qualify as a “resident” of Nebraska for one purpose (such as securing a Nebraska driver’s license) and still not meet the standards established by the Board of Regents for in-state resident status.
All students who did not graduate from a Nebraska high school or who have not lived in Nebraska long enough to determine resident status will automatically be classified as non-residents.
Students who qualify for any of the residency categories should login to complete and submit the University's "Application for Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes". For more information on residency categories and required documentation needed for each category, please refer to the Academic Records website.
The last day to qualify for residency for a semester is the last day of registration. All students must register and enroll in classes for the term in which residency is sought. Failure to register for the term for which residency is sought will result in the cancellation of the residency application. Applications determined to be incomplete after the last day to apply will be voided.
To apply for a subsequent semester or term, one must submit a new application and provide appropriate updated support documentation.
A student applying for residence for any semester or term will be required to have established a home in Nebraska at least 12 months immediately preceding the term or semester for which residence status is sought.
An individual who moves to Nebraska primarily to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Nebraska will be considered a non-resident for tuition purposes for the duration of their attendance. Enrolling more than half time (7 semester hours or more) any term at a university, college or community college in Nebraska during the 12 months immediately preceding the term for which residency classification is sought will be considered strong evidence that an individual moved to Nebraska primarily to enroll in a post-secondary institution in Nebraska. The student would therefore be considered a non-resident for tuition purposes for the duration of their attendance at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Is There an Appeal Process?
Individuals who believe they have incorrectly been denied residence for tuition purposes may appeal that decision through the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success; this decision shall be final in any such appeal.
References: RP-5.7.1 Residency Determination for Tuition Purposes
Effective Date: February 24, 2022
Revised Date: 6/20/2023
Policy Process Applied: Standard
Policy Review Cycle: Three-Year
Responsible University Administrator(s): Dr. Philip Covington, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success
Responsible University Office(s): Office of Academic Records
Policy Contact: Brooke Huntsmann, UNMC Registrar