NC state residency is determiend by the state through its Residency Determination Service (RDS) website rather than by the college.
North Carolina residency must be determined via RDS before any financial aid from the state can be considered.
Below is general information about RDS that may prove helpful. There is also more detailed information on the RDS website.
RDS provides residency determinations in accordance with North Carolina residency laws and applicable federal statutes for the purposes of in-state tuition and state financial aid.
To prove North Carolina residency and be eligible for a state grant; the student must demonstrate through RDS:
For many students, the residency classification process is simple. If the student was born in North Carolina and has lived in the State all his/her life, the student will probably be one of many students who are classified as North Carolina residents. If the student now lives in, recently lived in, or still have strong ties to another state, RDS may require more in-depth information or documentation. Any information the student provides will be validated against federal and North Carolina state agency databases. The student MUST:
You may access RDS through the RDS website.
Start the RDS Interview (select “Complete Residency Determination” button):
Additional directions, information, and next steps can be found on the RDS website. All questions regarding NC residency and the RDS website can be directed to:
Toll Free Student Number: (844) 319-3640
Local Student Number: (919) 835-2290
Fax Number: (919) 835-2427