This an on-going list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about residency classification and reclassification at UMass Lowell. New answers are added regularly. Please send inquiries to residency@uml.edu.

Residency Classification

I moved to Mass. and have been in school for the past year, can I change my residency to in-state?

Most students do not qualify for a change in residency status once it has been established during admission. Residency is determined by where you were living 12 months prior to starting your higher education in Massachusetts. You cannot obtain in-state residency status, for tuition and fees, when you move to Massachusetts for an education. It does not matter if you live off-campus, have a job in Mass., pay Mass. taxes, have a Mass. driver’s license or have your car registered in Mass. Please refer to the policy on this website and application (3 forms). You may also call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.

I transferred to UMass Lowell after having attended another MA college/university and therefore, have lived in MA for the past year. Do I qualify for in-state tuition and fees?

Your residency is determined by where you lived 12 months prior to starting your higher education in Massachusetts.  If you did not live in Mass. for 12 months prior to starting school at your previous institution then you do not qualify for in-state tuition at UMass Lowell.  It does not matter if you live off-campus, have a job in Mass., pay Mass. taxes, have a Mass. driver’s license or have your car registered in Mass. You may call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.

I am active duty military. I am currently stationed in another state/country and due to be discharged soon. I plan to move to Mass. Will I be eligible for in-state residency?

Most likely, you need to refer to question 7 on the Residency Classification Worksheet and provide listed documentation.  You may call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.

I was a resident of Massachusetts during the time I was an undergraduate student but have moved to another state. I am applying for Graduate School or (GPS) Graduate program. What would my residency classification be?

The university considers continuing education/professional studies, undergraduate and graduate programs as separate academic “careers." Your residency classification is established at the time of your application to the new academic career. Based on your information, you would be classified as Out-of-State or New England Regional. Graduate Admissions/(GPS) Graduate & Professional Studies, will determine your residency.  Questions for Graduate Admissions should be sent to Jacqueline_Faneuf@uml.edu and questions for (GPS) Graduate, Online & Professional Studies should be sent to OCE_Admissions@uml.edu. 

My parents are divorced. I have one parents that resides in Mass. Am I eligible for in-state classification?

Yes, so long as one parent has resided in Massachusetts for 12 months prior to you starting your higher education in Mass., you will qualify for in-state residency. You will need to provide Undergraduate Admissions with your Mass. parent’s current mortgage/rental agreement and the last federal taxes filed (amounts may be redacted).  We reserve the right to ask for additional documentation if needed.  Note: You do not need to be claimed by the Mass. parent as a dependent. You may call 978-934-3931 or email admissions@uml.edu with questions.

I attend high school in ME, NH, VT, CT or RI but my parents live in Massachusetts, will I be eligible for in-state classification?

As long as you are a dependent of your parents, you will be classified as a Massachusetts resident. Additional documentation may be requested to support this claim.  You may call 978-934-3931 or email admissions@uml.edu with questions.

My parents own property in MA or I have a relative that lives in MA. If I live at my parent’s property or with my relative, do I qualify for in-state residency?

No.  A vacation/rental property owned by your parents is not their permanent residence and your residency status is also determined by where they permanently live. You cannot qualify for in-state tuition and fees by living with Mass. relatives or friends. You may call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.

I am a student on an F1, F2, J1 or J2 visa and have lived in Mass. for more than a year. Can I be considered for in-state residency for tuition and fees?

No. Students on these statuses are not eligible for in-state tuition no matter how long they have resided in Massachusetts. You may call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.

I have in-state residency but my parents are moving out of state. Will my residency status change?

No, if you remain continuously enrolled (Fall & Spring semesters only) your residency will not change.  If you take a year or more off, your residency will be re-evaluated upon your return to school and could potentially change.  You may call 978-934-3700 or email residency@uml.edu with questions.