Definition of Legal Residence

Tuition rates vary according to the legal residence of independent students or the legal residence of dependent students’ parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s). A person’s legal residency is determined by their domicile or permanent home. Chattahoochee Tech recognizes three student residency categories: In-State, Out-of-State and Foreign. Foreign students, as defined by the Technical College System of Georgia, are not eligible for In-State or Out-of-State classifications. 

An independent student meets the In-State residency requirements if he/she has established and maintained domicile in the state of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for a given term. A dependent student meets the In-State residency requirements if his/her parent or U.S. Court appointed guardian has established and maintained domicile in the state of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for a given term and such student graduated from an eligible high school in Georgia or the parent/guardian claimed the student as a dependent on their most recent federal income tax return.

Residency classification also directly affects a student’s eligibility for state-based aid (i.e. HOPE Grant & Scholarship). Students in any classification other than In-State are not eligible for state-based aid.

Individuals who wish to qualify for another type of residency status must complete a Petition for Change of Residency Classification Form and submit all required documentation. The form should be submitted to the Director of Admissions prior to the document deadline for a given term. Residency status is not changed automatically and the burden of proof rests with the student to demonstrate that he or she qualifies for a change of status. Changes to residency classification are for future terms only and will not result in refunds to students.