Residency Definition

Resident tuition classification at Kansas State University is determined by criteria established in Kansas statutes and Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) regulations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide sufficient documentation to support a request for resident status. This page provides a general overview of the classification process; however, it does not supersede the official statutes or regulations, which outline the full residency requirements.

• Residency Criteria

  For students 18 years of age or older, residency is determined by whether the individual can clearly and convincingly demonstrate that they meet the criteria outlined in K.A.R. 88-3-2 and related regulations. For students under the age of 18, residency is based on the domicile of the custodial parent or the parent who provided the majority of support during the 365 days before the first day of classes.

  Residency requirements fall into three general categories:

  1. Continuous Physical Presence: Living in Kansas for at least 365 days prior to the first day of classes.

  2. Financial Independence: Reliance on Kansas-based financial resources and support.

  3. Intent to Remain in Kansas Indefinitely: Demonstrated intent to make Kansas a permanent home.

  Students may apply for reclassification while enrolled, but must show that they have met all residency criteria continuously for one full year before the start of the term in question. Please note that proving residency while attending school full-time can be especially difficult.

  If you have lived in Kansas within the last five (5) years and were previously classified as a resident for tuition purposes—and plan to return—please contact registrar@ksu.edu for further guidance. Additional information is available on the Kansas Board of Regents website.

• Application Process

  Applications for a change in residency status are available online via the printable Residency Application Form.

  • Applications may be submitted as early as 45 days before and no later than 30 calendar days after the first day of classes for the semester in question.

  • All questions on the application must be completed, and all supporting documentation must be attached as photocopies. These materials become the property of Kansas State University and are maintained in accordance with the university's student records policies.

  Each application is reviewed individually and assessed according to Kansas law and Regents regulations. Once a decision is made, the student will be notified in writing. Denied applications may be appealed.

• Appeals Process

  Students who are denied resident status may submit an appeal.

  • The Residency Appeal Form must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the denial decision.

  • The form will be included with the denial letter. To request an additional form, please email: registrar@ksu.edu 

  • Appeals are reviewed by the University Out-of-State Fee Appeals Committee, whose decision is the final determination made by Kansas State University.

• Special Residency Considerations

  International Students

  International students are held to the same residency criteria as U.S. citizens. However, intent to remain in Kansas—and in the United States—typically cannot be established without proof of Permanent Resident Alien status held for at least 12 months prior to the first day of classes. Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not alter these requirements.
  
  Refer to the Visa Types & Residency Classification Eligibility List for additional guidance

• College of Veterinary Medicine Applicants
  Applicants to the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine must be classified as Kansas residents for tuition purposes at the time of application in order to be considered in the Kansas applicant pool.
  
  Once a student accepts a non-resident admission offer to the College of Veterinary Medicine, they are not eligible to request a change in residency classification for tuition purposes.

• Tuition and Fee Waivers
  Certain categories of students may be eligible for resident tuition rates through legislative or KBOR-authorized waivers. These waivers do not change a student’s official residency classification. For details, refer to K.A.R. 88-3-8 through 88-3-12.

• K.S.A. 76-731: American Indian Residency Provision

  Under K.S.A. 76-731, any person attending or having attended Haskell Indian Nations University is considered a Kansas resident for tuition and fee purposes at state institutions governed by the Board of Regents.

  • Students must submit an official transcript or enrollment verification from Haskell to the Office of the Registrar within 30 calendar days of the semester in which the classification is requested.

  • For questions, contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@ksu.edu 

  Learn more about the statute here: K.S.A. 76-731