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Residency Classification in Colorado

Determining Your Residency

To determine your initial residency classification at Colorado State University Pueblo, our Office of Admissions first turns to the information you provided in the Residency Section of your CSU Pueblo Admissions Application.

However, Colorado residency for tuition purposes for the state of Colorado is governed by State Law (Title 23, Article 7, of the Colorado Revised Statutes of 1973, as amended) and by judicial decisions that apply to all public institutions of higher education in Colorado and is subject to change at any time.

As a note, the residency decision made at one Colorado institution is non-transferable to other Colorado institutions. Colorado State University-Pueblo must apply the rules set forth in the residency statutes and is not free to make exceptions to the rules except as specifically permitted by State Law.

Changing Your Residency Status

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    New or readmit students

    If you disagree with the residency decision made by the Office of Admissions, you may ask to have your classification reconsidered. However, in order to do so you must submit additional information proving your domicile prior to the first day of your first semester of classes. The first step? Submit the Residency Information Form. If your residency status remains unchanged, you may ask the Tuition Classification Officer for additional options specific to your situation.

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    Continuing Students

    Once you have begun your first semester at CSU Pueblo, you are required to submit a petition to have your classification reconsidered. Your initial residency classification remains unless you meet the domicile requirements for Colorado residency, you submit a Petition for In-State Tuition Classification which supports your domicile, and your petition is approved. Students enrolled in online programs through the Office of Extended Studies may be eligible for an exception to this requirement. Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

    If you have been classified as a non-resident and believe you qualify for Colorado residency, it is important to do the following:

    • Meet with the Tuition Classification Officer, Jon Valdez 719.549.2997, to learn further information on tuition classification requirements and the petition process.
    • Obtain a Petition for In-State Tuition Classification.
    • Submit a completed petition by the correct deadline.

Definitions, Details and Residency Requirements

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    What is a “Domicile”?

    “Domicile” is used to describe the place where an individual has demonstrated intent to make a permanent home and legal residence. Both physical presence (see below) and evidence of intent (see below) must be in place to begin the domicile year. A “qualified individual” must reside in Colorado with the intent to make Colorado their permanent home and legal residence.

    Colorado residency requires a domicile in Colorado for 12 continuous months on or prior to the first day of classes of each semester. Because domicile is defined as a permanent home and legal residence, being in Colorado solely for school purposes and/or temporarily for other purposes does not qualify as domicile for Colorado residency. Additionally, even if you do not qualify for residency in any other state, you are not guaranteed Colorado residency.

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    Physical Presence

    Physical presence means your actual permanent home and legal residence. Proof of physical presence may include all of the following:

    • Lease agreements
    • Rent receipts
    • Homeownership
    • Notarized statement from a landlord
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    Evidence of Intent

    Evidence of intent to make Colorado your permanent home and legal residence is demonstrated by giving up all your legal ties with your prior state and establishing them with Colorado for 12 continuous months. Proof that demonstrates evidence of intent, as specified by the residency statute, may include all the following:

    • Colorado driver’s license or valid Colorado ID for 12 continuous months
    • Colorado motor vehicle registration for 12 continuous months
    • Permanent, full-time, off-campus employment
    • Colorado voter registration
    • Change in a permanent address on all pertinent records
    • Payment of Colorado state income taxes as a Colorado resident
    • Withholding of Colorado state taxes from wages
    • Ownership of residential property in Colorado

    You are expected to take appropriate action on all factors relevant to your circumstances. 

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    Evidence of Legal Ties Outside of Colorado

    Evidence of legal ties outside of Colorado during the domicile year that demonstrates residency in another state may include the following:

    • Failure to file a Colorado state income tax return
    • Failure to have Colorado state income taxes withheld from your wages
    • Filing a Colorado state income tax return as a non-resident
    • Failure to obtain a Colorado driver’s license or Colorado ID
    • Maintenance of a home in another state
    • Prolonged absence from Colorado
    • Vehicle you operate is registered in another state
    • Residing in another state between academic terms or when not enrolled as a student
    • Any other factor unique to the individual which tends to imply your permanent home and legal residence is in another state

Exceptions and Special Programs

See if you're eligible for the many different tuition rate exceptions and programs.

Important Forms

Find all the important forms you need for your residency applications at CSU Pueblo.

Petition Process and Deadlines

Get information on how and when to submit a petition for residency.

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