Residency FAQs

How is my Residency Status determined?

LCC initially determines your residency at the time of processing your Admissions Application. It is determined by what school district you reside in and other information that you provide on the application. Residency determines your tuition rate which is the amount you will pay, per billing hour, for classes you register for each semester at LCC. Please refer to the Residency page for more information about the different Residency statuses.

How long must I live at an in-district address before I am eligible for In-District tuition rate?

All students must be residing at the in-district address for at least a four month period immediately preceding their first day of classes as determined by the part of term.

Can residency be retroactive for previous semesters if I have the documentation to support?

No. Residency changes are not retroactive to previous semesters.

I believe there was an error in calculating my residency. What should I do?

If you believe there is an error, please fill out an Administrative Appeal located on the LCC Student Appeals and Complaints website.

I am currently paying tuition at Michigan In-State residency status rate but I think I should be In-District. How can I change this?

If you have lived at an address that pays property taxes to support LCC's budget and is within one of the 15 defined in district school districts for at least four consecutive months before the first day of classes as determined by the part of term, you may qualify for In-District tuition rates. You must provide documentation proving your residency. You can find a list of acceptable documentation here.

I use a PO Box for my mailing address. If the PO Box is in-district, can I get the In-District tuition rate?

A Post Office Box cannot be used to establish residency. You must provide your street address.

I don't have a Driver's License, ID Card or any of the listed documentation in my name. Can my parents' information be submitted for approval?

Residency documents in a family member's name (parent/legal guardian, sibling or grandparent) may be used if the familial relationship can be established through documentary evidence and if the family member's residence is satisfactorily documented for the required time period. You are also required to provide additional documentation in your name proving you live at the address unless you are under the age of 18.

My lease is currently a month-to-month lease. Will you accept a month-to-month lease as my documentation?

Yes, as long as the date that the lease was initiated meets the four month requirement and you have updated your ID to display the address; or you can provide a secondary form of documentation to support that you are still residing at the location within the last month.

Can I submit an expired lease, even though I am still living at the residence?

No. You will need to provide additional documentation to prove the lease has been renewed.

How old can my documentation be for monthly bills and statements?

We will only accept monthly documentation (such as utility bills, paycheck stubs, or cell phone bills) dated between 4-6 months prior to the start of the semester.

If submitting paystubs or utility bills, do I need to submit one for each of the four months prior to semester?

No. We only need one bill that meets the 4-6 month requirement, not one for each month.

I reside in an MSU residence hall. There is often a gap for summer semester. Can I send a letter from MSU verifying when I resided there?

Yes. As long as the letter indicates that the date you resided there meets the four month requirement. Contact MSU Housing Services for more information.

Can you explain the temporary absence for less than four months? Is it just allowed for travel or work?

The temporary absence is for a person who takes a work assignment or travels less than four months and returns to their permanent address.

What do I do if I cannot provide any supportive documentation but I know I am eligible to change my residency status?

If you cannot provide any acceptable documentation of residency, please visit the StarZone or any of the other service center locations or call 517-483-1200, Option #2 to speak with a Customer Relations Specialist.

Is there a deadline to change residency status?

Yes. To be effective for the current semester, requests for residency change must be submitted by the end of the 6th week of the semester. The specific date is published in the semester.

What is my residency eligibility if I am an International Student, Immigrant, Refugee, or have requested asylum?

Immigrant, refugee and requested asylum students may be eligible for in-district tuition rates. They must be residing at the in-district address for at least a four month period immediately preceding their first day of classes.

International students who entered the U.S. with certain visas may be eligible for in-district tuition rates. Please check with Global Student Services to determine your eligibility.

I am adopted, placed in foster care, or recently married. How do I determine my residency status?

A student who establishes a familial relationship such as foster placement, adoption or marriage may immediately claim residence at the familial home, subject to providing supporting documentation. Please visit the StarZone or any of the other service center locations or call 517-483-1200, Option #2 to speak with a Customer Relations Specialist.

I am a member of the military. How does this affect my residency?

Residency is based on the location of the present domicile of the student with the four-month requirement waived if the applicant can provide a Department of Defense 214 or 899, NGB form 22 or paperwork for reassignment or changed military base. This waiver is extended to the dependents (spouse and children) of the person named on the Department of Defense 214 or 899, or NGB form 22 who reside at the same address.

How do I submit an appeal if I do not agree with the institution?

Students wishing to exercise their right to appeal must submit an Administrative Appeal form.

For additional questions regarding residency please visit the StarZone or any of the other service center locations or call 517-483-1200, Option #2 to speak with a Customer Relations Specialist.