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Resident State Qualifications

MnSCU Board of Trustees Policy

Definition of Domicile
A persons' true, fixed, and permanent living place. Domicile is the place to which a person intends to return after temporary absences. A person may have only one domicile at a time.

Determination of In-State Tuition
Subpart A. Statute.
Students shall be eligible to pay in-state tuition if they meet the criteria of M.S. 135A.031. Subd.2.

Subpart B. Demonstrating domicile.
Students may establish eligibility for in-state tuition by demonstrating domicile in Minnesota before the beginning of any semester. Students have the burden of proving domicile for purposes of in-state tuition.

  1. Students who seek to qualify for in-state tuition must first meet the following threshold requirements:
    • Students must have resided in Minnesota for at least one calendar year, immediately prior to applying for in-state tuition.
    • Residence in Minnesota must not be merely for the purpose of attending a college or university.
  2. Each of the following additional facts and circumstances will be considered when responding to a petition for in-state tuition. No one of these factors is either necessary or sufficient to support a claim for in-state tuition.
    • Continuous presence in Minnesota during period when not enrolled as a student.
    • Sources for financial support are generated within Minnesota.
    • Domicile in Minnesota of family, guardian, other relatives,or persons legally responsible for student.
    • Ownership of a home in Minnesota.
    • Permanent residence in Minnesota.
  3. The following circumstances, standing alone, shall not constitute sufficient evidence of domicile to affect eligibility for in-state tuition under these regulations but may be considered as part of the demonstration of the facts and circumstances listed above.
  4. Domicile Factors

    • Voting or registration for voting.
    • The lease of living quarter.
    • A statement of intention to acquire a domicile in Minnesota.
    • Domicile of student's spouse in Minnesota.
    • Automobile registration.
    • Other public records, e.g., birth and marriage records.