SP 4-40 – In-State Tuition Classification

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SP 4-40

EFFECTIVE: November 13, 2008
APPROVED: November 12, 2008
REVISED: April 20, 2011
RE-AFFIRMED: June 10, 2015
REVISED: October 12, 2018

REFERENCES: C.R.S. 23-7-101 to 107 CDHE Policy Section VI Student Services Part B

APPROVED:

Joseph A. Garcia, Chancellor

APPLICATION

The procedure applies to the State System of Community Colleges.

BASIS

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) in-state tuition determination procedure sets practice in compliance with Colorado Department of Higher Education (DHE) policy.

INITIAL CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES

The initial tuition classification decision shall be made by Admissions and Records staff at the College for the term that the student has been admitted. The decision shall be based upon a review of the following information:

1 . Age of the student on the first day of the term for which the student is admitted.
        a. If a student is under the age of 23 on the first day of the term of admission, residency status will be based on the domicile and intent status of the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian unless the student is legally emancipated.
        b. If a student is age 23 or older on the first day of the term of admission, residency status will be based on the student’s own domicile and intent status. 

2. Pursuant to the statutory exceptions found under the Colorado Revised Statutes, the Tuition Classification Officer will assess student eligibility.

Each student shall have initial residency determined by (no later than) the first day of the term for which the student is applying and will be notified in writing via email or standard mail of the applicable residency status. If a student is admitted to a College after the first day of the term, initial residency status will be determined within 10 business days of the student’s admission decision.

CHANGES IN TUITION CLASSIFICATION

Data Correction Procedures for Initial Tuition Classification

If a student fails to provide sufficient information for a residency determination or if Admissions and Records staff has a question about information provided, the student shall be asked to provide additional information so an accurate residency decision can be made.

PETITION TO CHANGE INITIAL TUITION CLASSIFICATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Any student who believes the tuition classification is not correct shall have up to 30 days from the first day of the student’s term of admission to provide a letter of appeal with an explanation as to why the student believes they should qualify and/or supporting documentation if referenced in the explanation. The Institutions will publish the deadline for the submission of a Tuition Classification Petition. Each student will be notified via email or standard letter of the outcome of the petition within 30 days of the decision.

PETITION FOR A CHANGE TUITION CLASSIFICATION FOR CURRENT OR FORMER STUDENTS

Students who have attended as a non-resident and believe that their residency classification has changed and wish to prove eligibility for in-state classification must petition for in-state tuition classification. The student may provide a letter of appeal with an explanation as to why the student believes they should qualify and/or supporting documentation if referenced in the explanation. The Institutions will publish the deadline for the submission of a Tuition Classification Petition. Each student will be notified via email or standard letter of the outcome of the petition within 30 days of the decision.

APPEAL PROCEDURE

Any student who is denied in-state tuition classification by the institution may appeal the decision. Each institution has a process to appeal the decision of the Tuition Classification Officer. The appealing student will be notified of the decision made by the appeals panel and reasons why the petition was approved or denied. The decision of the appeals panel is final and will not be overturned by the DHE.

CORRECTION OF RESIDENCY DETERMINATION DUE TO AN ERROR

Each College reserves the right to correct a residency determination after the 30 day deadline in cases where the College believes that an error occurred. In cases where the change will result in a refund, Admissions and Records staff shall consult with Accounts Receivable staff on the issue.

REVISING THIS PROCEDURE

CCCS reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this procedure at any time and the change shall become effective immediately.