Establishing DC and Metro Residency

With limited exceptions*, all students are initially presumed to be out of state and must establish through clear and convincing evidence that they qualify for in-state tuition. UDC offers preferential tuition rates for residents of D.C. and the D.C. Metro area. In order to receive classification as a D.C. resident or D.C. Metro resident, one must you have resided in D.C. or the D.C. Metro area for a minimum of 90 days prior to the start date of the semester in which the student is seeking preferential residency.  Students may verify the start date on the University Academic Calendar, https://www.udc.edu/registrar/academic-calendars/  Active duty and recently  discharged members of the military (and their dependents) may be able to waive the 90-day requirement by verifying their military status.

The D.C. Metro resident tuition rates apply to students residing in Prince George’s County or Montgomery County in Maryland, or Alexandria County, Arlington County, or Fairfax County in Virginia. A comprehensive listing of covered counties, cities, and zip codes can be found here (pgs. 5-8)   .

To ensure that the residency of students is accurate for tuition assessment and the receipt of financial aid, the Proof of Residency Formand all and two supporting documents from our acceptable documents list must be submitted no later than the following deadlines*:

Fall 2020 Semester – September 11, 2020
Spring 2021 Semester – January 19, 2021
Summer 2021 Semester – July 9, 2021

                                                          Proof of Residency Forms and documents received after the above deadlines will not be approved.

Step 1:  Review the Residency Policy and Qualified Zip Code Listing (Metro Applicants) to verify if you are eligible to apply, Click here to view.

Step 2: Complete Proof of Residency Form,  https://www.udc.edu/makerspace/important-forms-admissions/ .

Step 3: Submit two documents from our approved documents listing below. residency@udc.edu

In order to prove that you meet the qualifications, you MUST SUBMIT TWO of the approved supporting documents listed below. Students may  claim residency on their own behalf, or if claimed as a dependent, on behalf of their parent(s) or legal guardians:

• VALID STATE-ISSUED ID – Driver’s License or State-Issued ID (passports are not accepted)
• VOTER REGISTRATION PROFILE (voter registration cards are not accepted)

DC VOTER REGISTRATION PROFILE:
https://dcboe.org/Voters/Register-To-Vote/Check-Voter-Registration-Status

MARYLAND VOTER REGISTRATION PROFILE:
https://voterservices.elections.state.md.us/VoterSearch

VIRGINIA VOTER REGISTRATION PROFILE:
https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation

• CERTIFIED STATE TAXES for the most recently completed calendar year (DC Form D-40 or D40EZ income tax return, Virginia Form 760 or Maryland Form 502, or other resident individual tax returns that bears address). You may request a certified copy, by visiting the respective city/state tax agency website below.  Federal Income Tax Returns (Form 1040) or W2 Forms are not accepted.

DC OFFICE OF TAX AND REVENUE:
https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/publication/cs-001-request-certified-copy-individual-or-business-tax-return

MARYLAND OFFICE OF TAX AND REVENUE:
https://taxes.marylandtaxes.gov/Resource_Library/Tax_Forms_and_Instructions/Request_A_Copy_of_Returns.shtml

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION:
https://tax.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/taxforms/miscellaneous/any/va-1-any.pdf
(Please note there is a 30-day turnaround time.)

• A STATE BENEFIT TRANSCRIPT – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Or SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from a District, Maryland, or Virginia government agency, showing receipt of public benefits from that agency, and bearing an address within the District, or one of the qualified Metro Area counties. State medical benefits are not accepted.

Special Populations

DC Public or Metro Area Public High School Gradates

DCPS Students who enroll at a District Public (or District Public Charter) School or Metro Area public high school or enters the University of the District of Columbia in the fall or spring semester immediately following his or her high school graduation and has an official high school transcript with his or her current District or Metro Area address noted on their transcript are exempt from steps 1-3.  However, if a student does not enroll the fall or spring semester after graduation student must adhere to steps 1-3 as outlined above.

DREAMERS

Regardless federal immigration status, District resident Dreamers who within the previous 10 years, attended high school in the District of Columbia for 3 years, graduated from a high school in the District, or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in the District  may be eligible to establish residency.  enters the University of the District of Columbia in the fall or spring semester immediately following his or her high school graduation and has an official high school transcript with his or her current District or Metro Area address noted on their transcript are exempt from steps 1-3.   However, if a student does not enroll the fall or spring semester after graduation student must adhere to steps 1-3 as outlined above.

MILITARY STATUS (Verify your status with the Director of Veteran Affairs, Ms. Sequoyah Adebayo at military@udc.edu).

DC GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES  

This policy applies ONLY to students who are current employees of the District of Columbia government, and who are actively engaged in agency-sponsored  education and training, and whose enrollment at UDC will enhance their education and training. Such employees who provide the proof noted below qualify for District residency status. Students who meet this qualification must provide two forms of proof. Please submit an employment verification letter, and a driver’s license or state-issued ID.

ELIGIBLE NON-CITZENS

Asylees, Refugees, and Permanent Residents are eligible for District or Metro Area residency rates if valid, unexpired, immigration and proof of residency documents are provided. Please note your eligibility to qualify for reduced tuition starts at least ninety (90) days from the issue date of your green card, with valid proof.

*Non-immigrant Visa Holders are ineligible for District or Metro Area residency and are automatically classified as Out-of-State. ▪ Persons with student (F) Visas ▪ Persons with diplomatic (A) Visas ▪ Foreign organization employees with (G) Visas ▪ Persons having other non-immigrant Visas are ineligible for residency.