Douglas Olsen
The Montana University System classifies all applicants for admission and students as either in-state or out-of-state, and this classification impacts admissions decisions and fee determinations. To be considered a Montana resident for tuition purposes, an individual must be domiciled in Montana and demonstrate their intention to stay. This can be done by registering a vehicle in Montana, obtaining a Montana driver's license, or registering to vote in the state. However, an individual cannot establish residency if they are in Montana primarily for educational purposes or if they are registered for more than half of a full-time credit load. The residency determination process considers each individual's unique circumstances, and students can appeal their initial residency classification or reclassification decision.
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What You'll Learn
In-state status requirements
The Montana University System classifies all applicants for admission and enrolled students as either in-state or out-of-state. This classification impacts admissions decisions and fee determinations. The basic rules for classification are outlined in the Board of Regents' residency policy, and each residency determination is based on the unique circumstances of the individual.
To be eligible for in-state status, a person must meet a 12-month durational residency test. They must demonstrate a genuine intention to become a Montana resident and be physically present in the state. Evidence of intent to stay includes registering a vehicle in Montana, obtaining a Montana driver's license or identification card, and registering to vote in the state.
Students cannot meet the domicile test for Montana residency for tuition purposes if they:
- Attend a non-Montana-based school as a resident of the state where the school is located.
- Pay taxes in another state as a resident of that state.
- Maintain an out-of-state driver's license or identification card.
- Maintain vehicle registration from another state for a vehicle owned or operated in Montana.
- Maintain voter registration in another state.
- Hold a visa or other classification that does not allow permanent residence in the U.S.
An individual cannot establish residency or domicile if they are absent from Montana for more than 30 days during a 12-month period or if they are in the state primarily for educational purposes. Additionally, an individual abandons in-state status if absent from Montana for 12 or more consecutive months.
If no pathway to residency applies, and exceptional circumstances exist, an individual may file an affidavit of intent to establish residency. Exceptional circumstances include seeking refuge from domestic violence or remaining in Montana as a minor when a parent moves out of the state. However, filing an affidavit does not guarantee resident classification.
Students should contact the Admissions Office for initial residency classification and submit residency applications and supporting materials by the first Friday of classes of the term applying for residency.
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Residency questionnaire
Personal Information
Please provide your full name, date of birth, and contact details.
Current Address
Please state your current residential address and the date from which you have been residing there.
Previous Addresses
Have you lived in Montana previously? If yes, please provide the address(es) and the date(s) for which you lived in the state.
Parent/Guardian Information
If you are a minor, please provide the name(s) and address(es) of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Educational Background
Are you currently enrolled in a non-Montana-based school? If yes, please provide the name of the school, its location, and your current residency status there.
Employment Information
Are you currently employed? If yes, please provide details of your employment, including the name of your employer, your job title, and the date you started working there.
Vehicle Information
Do you own or operate a vehicle? If yes, please provide the vehicle registration details and the state in which it is registered.
Driver's License and Identification
Please provide a copy of your current driver's license or state identification card. If you do not have a Montana driver's license, please explain why.
Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote? If yes, please provide the state in which you are registered. If you are not registered to vote in Montana, please explain why.
Tax Information
Please provide information on the state tax returns you file. If you do not file Montana state tax returns, please explain why.
Intent to Stay in Montana
Please explain your reasons for wishing to establish residency in Montana. Are you seeking refuge from domestic violence, or are there other exceptional circumstances? Please provide any additional information or documentation that supports your case.
Additional Information
Please disclose any other relevant information that you believe may impact your residency classification. This may include details of financial assistance, scholarships, or visas you hold.
Please note that submitting this questionnaire does not guarantee classification as a Montana resident for tuition purposes. The outcome of your request for residency reclassification will be communicated to you directly. You have the right to appeal the initial classification decision or reclassification decision by submitting a letter to the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) within 14 calendar days.
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Evidence of intent to stay
To become a Montana resident as a university student, you must meet the requirements for in-state status. Domicile requires both a physical presence in Montana and evidence of the intent to stay. Evidence of intent to stay includes:
- Registering a vehicle in Montana.
- Obtaining a Montana driver's license or identification card.
- Registering to vote in Montana.
- Maintaining legal ties with Montana.
If you are a minor, your residency status is that of your parent or guardian. If you are classified as a non-resident and believe you qualify as a resident, you must seek reclassification with the campus. You will need to provide clear and convincing evidence to satisfy Montana residency requirements.
It is important to note that an individual cannot establish residency or domicile if they are in Montana primarily for educational purposes or if they are registered for more than half of a full-time credit load. Additionally, an individual cannot establish residency if they are absent from Montana for more than 30 days during a 12-month period or if they obtain financial assistance requiring residence in another state.
If no pathway to residency applies to you and exceptional circumstances exist (such as seeking refuge from domestic violence), you may file an affidavit of intent to establish residency. However, this does not guarantee resident classification, and you must still provide evidence to demonstrate in-state residency for tuition and fee purposes.
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Pathways to residency
The Montana University System classifies applicants and students as either in-state or out-of-state. This classification impacts admission decisions and fee determinations. The basic rules for classification are outlined in the Board of Regents' residency policy, and each residency determination is based on an individual's unique circumstances.
The pathways to residency in Montana include:
- Domicile: An individual must be domiciled in Montana to be eligible for in-state status. This requires a physical presence in the state, along with evidence of the intent to stay. This can include registering a vehicle in Montana, obtaining a Montana driver's license or identification card, and registering to vote in the state. However, an individual cannot establish residency if they are in Montana primarily for educational purposes or are registered for more than half of a full-time credit load.
- Exception to the Domicile Test: If an individual does not meet the domicile requirements, they may still be eligible for in-state status through an exception. For example, if they are seeking refuge from domestic violence or remained in Montana as a minor while their parent established residency elsewhere. Filing an affidavit of intent does not guarantee resident classification, and individuals must still provide evidence of their intent to establish residency in Montana.
- Parent's Residency: If a student's parent claims them as an exemption for federal income tax purposes or provides the majority of their financial support (51%), and the parent is a Montana resident, the student may be considered a resident of Montana.
- Employment in Montana: An individual domiciled in Montana who is employed in a permanent, full-time job, along with their spouse and dependent children, can be considered residents of Montana without fulfilling the 12-month residency period. They must demonstrate that the primary purpose of their move to Montana was not education and that they have changed all legal ties to the state.
- Graduation from a Montana High School: Any graduate of a Montana high school accredited by the Board of Public Education who is a U.S. citizen is eligible for in-state fee status for a specified period.
It is important to note that the requirements and pathways to residency may vary, and students should refer to the Montana Residency Policy and consult with the Admissions or Registrar's Office for specific information and guidance.
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Residency reclassification
The Montana University System classifies applicants and students as either in-state or out-of-state. This classification is based on the Board of Regents' residency policy and is determined by the unique set of facts in each individual case. The residency status of a student affects admissions decisions and fee determinations.
The first step in the reclassification process is to review the Board of Regents Policy 940.1 and the Student Guide to Residency. To be eligible for in-state status, a person must meet a 12-month durational residency test. They must demonstrate a bona fide intent to become a Montana resident. The 12-month continuous period of domicile in Montana begins when an act indicative of an intent to establish residency is taken. This could include registering a vehicle in Montana, obtaining a Montana driver's license, and registering to vote in the state.
Students should contact the Admissions Office for initial residency classification. The Registrar's Office handles residency reclassification for currently enrolled students. The residency questionnaire is required for all reclassifications and must be completed and signed. All students must provide evidence to demonstrate in-state residency for tuition and fee purposes.
If a student wishes to appeal a decision made by the Residency Classification Committee, they must submit a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) within 14 calendar days of the committee's decision. The Commissioner's office will communicate the decision to both the student and the University of Montana.
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Frequently asked questions
To be classified as a Montana resident, a student must be domiciled in Montana, which requires both a physical presence in the state and evidence of the intent to stay. Evidence of intent includes registering a vehicle in Montana, obtaining a Montana driver's license, and registering to vote in the state.
You should first review the Board of Regents Policy 940.1 and the Student Guide to Residency to determine your pathway. You will then need to submit a residency questionnaire and supporting documents to the Registrar's Office.
To be eligible for in-state status, a person must meet a 12-month durational residency test. However, an individual cannot establish residency if they are absent from Montana for more than 30 days during this 12-month period.
