Residency Application

Residency Reclassification Process – Detailed Overview

Residency status determines whether a student pays in-state or out-of-state tuition. At Northern Kentucky University (NKU), residency for tuition purposes is initially assigned based on information provided during the admissions process. Students who believe they were incorrectly classified or whose circumstances have changed may submit a Residency Application for review.

1. Initial Determination

Residency classification is first determined by NKU Admissions using application materials. This classification may reflect the residency of a parent or guardian if the student is considered dependent. Independent students must demonstrate their own domicile and financial independence.

2. Who Should Submit the Residency Application

Submit this application if you:

  • Are currently admitted or enrolled at NKU
  • Believe you meet the criteria to be classified as a resident of Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio for tuition purposes
  • Have documentation showing that you (or your parent/guardian/spouse) meet residency criteria.  View residency criteria at  https://inside.nku.edu/registrar/StudentResources.html 

Do not submit this form if:

  • You have not yet been admitted
  • You cannot yet demonstrate 12 months of domicile and financial independence (if applying as an independent)

3. Application Deadlines

Residency status changes are not applied retroactively. Submit your application by the deadlines below for it to apply to the current term:

Term Deadline
Fall or Spring semester Within 30 calendar days after the first day of the full semester
Summer session Within 10 calendar days after your first summer session

Late applications will be reviewed for the next eligible term.

4. Completing the Application

You must:

  • Fill out the Residency Application completely
  • Upload required supporting documentation (download the checklist to the right) by the deadline

Incomplete applications will be returned and may result in missed deadlines.

5. Dependent vs Independent Status

  • Dependent applicants are those claimed on a parent or guardian's tax return or receiving financial support from them.
  • Independent applicants must be fully self-supporting and not claimed as a dependent, except by a spouse.

Your status determines the required documentation.

6. Required Documentation All tax forms must include filer's name, signature and date.​​​​​​

All applicants must submit:

  • State-issued driver’s license or ID from KY, OH, or IN
  • Vehicle registration from the claimed state
  • Lease or deed showing 12+ months of housing in the claimed state
  • Most recent federal and state tax returns (student and parent/guardian or spouse, if applicable).  

If Dependent, upload at least two of the following for the parent or guardian:

  • Employer letter showing full-time employment in the claimed state or contiguous area
  • Prior lease or deed showing 12+ months of residence before enrollment
  • State tax returns showing payment of taxes to the claimed state
  • Pay stubs showing state tax withholding (current year)
  • Proof of full-time employment in the claimed state for at least one year
  • Professional or occupational license issued by the claimed state
  • Property tax payment receipt for residence in claimed state
  • Deed indicating real property ownership in the claimed state (must have resided there)
  • If married to an independent resident of the claimed state: marriage license and relevant residency documentation from spouse

If Independent, upload at least two of the following for yourself

  • Employer letter showing full-time employment in the claimed state or contiguous area
  • Lease or deed showing continuous residence in claimed state for 12+ months before enrollment
  • State tax return showing payment of taxes to the claimed state
  • Pay stubs showing current-year state tax withholding
  • Proof of full-time employment in the claimed state for at least one year
  • Letter from prior institution verifying in-state classification in claimed state
  • Professional or occupational license from the claimed state
  • Recent property tax receipt for a residence you occupy
  • Deed showing ownership and residence at a property in the claimed state
  • If married to an independent resident: marriage license and documentation from spouse
  • Documentation that you are not dependent on financial aid for basic living expenses

Special Circumstances:

  • Permanent Residents: Submit copies of both sides of your permanent resident card
  • Military-Affiliated: Submit military orders, discharge paperwork, or proof of home of record

All supporting documentation should be attached to this Application or they can be emailed to residency@nku.edu.  

7. Review and Determination

Residency reclassification is based on verifiable evidence:

  • Compliance with state guidelines
  • Proof of "dependent" or independent" status
  • Alignment with NKU tuition policy
  • Confirmation of admission term and student type
  • Documentation and supporting evidence

The review process may take several weeks, and applicants are notified of the outcome in writing.

Note: Submission of documents does not guarantee reclassification. Additional documentation may be requested during the review process.

8. Important Reminders

  • Keep copies of all items uploaded
  • Submit by the correct deadline for the desired term
  • All documents must be complete, accurate, and signed
  • Providing false or misleading information may result in denial or disciplinary action