Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is a student classified as in-state or out-of-state?
   An initial determination of in-state status for admission, tuition and charge-differential purposes will be made at the time a student's application for admission is under consideration. Students not entitled to in-state status (under the University System of Maryland Policy on Student Residency Classification for Admission, Tuition and Charge-Differential Purposes – VIII-2.70) will be assigned out-of-state status for admission, tuition, and charge-differential purposes. Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions will also inform each applicant of his or her residency classification in the letter of acceptance.
   
   Additional information may be found at http://www.usmd.edu/regents/bylaws/SectionVIII/VIII270.html.
   
   
2. How can I seek a change in status?
   A student may request a re-evaluation of residency status by filing a Petition for Change in Residency Classification for Admission, Tuition and Charge Differential (referred to as Petition) with the Residency Evaluator in Academic Services. Only one petition may be filed per semester. A student applying for a change to in-state status must furnish all required documentation with the petition and it is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that he or she meets all requirements of the Residency Policy and that an in-state classification is appropriate. 
   
   Additional information on the Graduate School process may be found at http://www.umbc.edu/gradschool/procedures/status.html.
   
   
3. On what basis may I claim in-state status?
   I am seeking in-state status because I am a permanent Maryland resident.
   
   I am seeking in-state status because I am a full-time or part-time (50%) regular employee of a University System of Maryland educational institution, or the spouse or financially dependent child of such an employee.
   
   I am seeking in-state status because I am a full-time member of the U.S. Armed Forces, residing or stationed in Maryland, or whose home of residency is Maryland, or the spouse or dependent child of such a member of the armed forces.
   
   
4. What is the deadline for filing a petition?
   A student must meet the requirements for in-state status and submit a completed petition (including all documents therein) by the last day of late registration for the term the student wishes to be classified as in-state. A determination of in-state status is valid only if a student actually enrolls in the term in question. Determinations that are made in cases where the student does not actually enroll are not valid for a subsequent term.
   
   
5. May I petition for a change in status for previous semester(s)?
   No change in status requested by the student shall be given retroactive effect prior to the term for which a timely petition was filed.
   
   
6. How long does the petition process take?
   The initial re-evaluation may take as long as six (6) weeks. The petitioner will receive written correspondence detailing the determination of the Residency Evaluator within that timeframe.
   
   
7. What if I am billed as an out-of-state student while petitioning for a change?
   While petitions are under review, students are still obligated to pay out-of-state tuition that they were billed. Students are responsible for any late fees and finance charges that are assessed if the student's entire bill is not paid at the time it is due, regardless if a decision is pending with the Residency Evaluator. If an approval is granted, then Student Accounts Receivable will credit the student's account for any excess tuition paid.
   
   
8. Must I have the petition notarized?
   If claiming dependence, the person upon whom the student is dependent must have his/her signature notarized. (Notary services are available for these purposes at the on-campus bookstore and bank.)
   
   
9. What if I fail to provide accurate information with the petition?
   Failure to complete all applicable sections of the petition may result in a denial of in-state status. In the event incomplete, false or misleading information is presented, the institution may, at its discretion, revoke in-state status and take disciplinary action provided for by the institution's policy. Such action may include suspension or expulsion. If in-state status is gained due to false or misleading information, the university reserves the right to assess retroactively all out-of-state charges for each semester/term affected.
   
      
10. What if I am denied in-state status after petitioning?
    There are two levels of appeal.
    
    To the Campus Classification Officer: A student who has been denied in-state reclassification following the submission of a Petition may request an appeal of that decision. The Campus Classification Officer must receive this request no later than fifteen (15) working days from the date of the Residency Evaluator's written denial of the Petition. Failure to appeal will mean that the petitioner has decided not to appeal. Therefore, the petition will not be reviewed, no secondary decision will be made, and the decision of the Residency Evaluator will be maintained for the remainder of the semester. It is strongly encouraged that the petitioner submit an appeal letter in advance to give the Campus Classification Officer a better understanding of the petitioner's specific situation.
    
    To the Residency Appeals Committee: This is the second and final level of appeal. If the decision of the Campus Classification Officer is adverse to the student, a written appeal may be filed with the Residency Appeals Committee. Such written appeal must be received by the Committee no later than fifteen (15) working days from the date of the written decision of the Campus Classification Officer, and should present any and all information upon which the appeal is based and of which the student would like the Committee to be aware. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Committee, information and arguments not presented by the student to the Campus Classification Officer shall not thereafter be considered on appeal. It is the student’s responsibility to provide complete and timely responses to requests for information by the Committee. Failure to do so may result in a denial of the appeal. If an approval is granted, then Student Accounts Receivable will credit the student’s account for any excess tuition paid.



11. Where can I find out about UMBC's policy on BRAC in-state tuition?
    Please contact Ramal Jenkins at rjenki1@umbc.edu or 410-455-6294