Connecticut In-State Tuition Checklist: 2025-26

Q: How Do I Establish Connecticut Residency for Tuition?

Connecticut requires 12 months of continuous domicile before enrollment. You must demonstrate permanent physical presence and intent to remain, not temporary attendance for education. Moving to Connecticut solely for college doesn't qualify you for in-state rates.

Q: What if I'm Under 18 or Financially Dependent?

Unemancipated students qualify based on their parent's or legal guardian's Connecticut domicile. If your parents establish Connecticut residency, you automatically qualify for in-state tuition without separate documentation.

Q: How Do Independent Students Qualify?

Emancipated students must establish their own Connecticut domicile for 12 months before enrollment. You cannot be financially dependent on out-of-state parents or receive substantial support from non-Connecticut sources.

Q: What About Military, DACA, and Other Special Cases?

Connecticut provides alternative pathways including immediate qualification for active duty military stationed in Connecticut, special provisions for undocumented students with 2+ years Connecticut high school attendance, and New England Regional Student Program benefits.

How Do I Establish Connecticut Residency for Tuition?

Connecticut requires 12 months of continuous domicile before enrollment. You must demonstrate permanent physical presence and intent to remain, not temporary attendance for education. Moving to Connecticut solely for college doesn’t qualify you for in-state rates.

Essential Documentation Checklist

Connecticut driver’s license or state ID (issued ≥12 months ago)
Lease agreement or mortgage documents showing 12+ months Connecticut residence
Connecticut voter registration records
Connecticut tax returns (previous year filing as resident)
Utility bills, bank statements showing Connecticut address
Employment records from Connecticut-based employer

Key Timing Rule: The 12-month residency period must be completed before your first day of classes, not during your studies. Plan accordingly when moving to Connecticut.

Most Connecticut universities require completion of an official residency application with notarized documentation. Contact your institution’s registrar office early, as processing can take several weeks during peak enrollment periods.

What if I’m Under 18 or Financially Dependent?

Unemancipated students (under 18 or financially dependent) qualify based on their parent’s or legal guardian’s Connecticut domicile. If your parents establish Connecticut residency, you automatically qualify for in-state tuition without separate documentation.

Parent/Guardian Requirements

Parent or legal guardian must establish Connecticut domicile for 12+ months
Custody arrangements must be permanent, not created solely for tuition benefits
If parents are divorced, the custodial parent’s residency determines your status
Guardianship must be established for legitimate reasons, not tuition circumvention

Special Protection: If your Connecticut-resident parent relocates while you’re enrolled, you maintain in-state status through degree completion, provided you remain continuously enrolled. This protection doesn’t extend to parents who move to Connecticut after your enrollment begins.

Students whose parents move frequently due to work should document the timing carefully, as the 12-month requirement applies to your enrollment date, not your parent’s current assignment.

How Do Independent Students Qualify?

Emancipated students (18+ and financially independent) must establish their own Connecticut domicile for 12 months before enrollment. You cannot be financially dependent on out-of-state parents or receive substantial support from non-Connecticut sources.

Financial Independence Verification

Connecticut employment for 12+ months with documented earnings
Connecticut tax filing as independent resident
Self-supporting housing arrangements (lease in your name)
No substantial financial support from out-of-state parents/relatives
Connecticut banking, insurance, and financial accounts

Marriage Exception: Spouses of qualifying Connecticut residents immediately gain in-state eligibility. If your spouse is a Connecticut resident or enrolled Connecticut student, you qualify without establishing separate 12-month residency.

Full-time employed individuals moving to Connecticut can apply for in-state classification for spouses and children after just 6 months of residency, provided they’re not primarily in Connecticut as students themselves. This accelerated pathway requires employment verification and domicile evidence.

What About Military, DACA, and Other Special Cases?

Connecticut provides several alternative pathways beyond standard 12-month residency requirements for specific populations and circumstances.

Military Families

Active duty personnel stationed in Connecticut qualify immediately
Military dependents maintain in-state status during continuous enrollment, even if parent transfers
Spouses of Connecticut-stationed military qualify for in-state rates
Veterans using GI Bill benefits may qualify under federal residency protections

Veterans Access Act Provisions

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (HR 3230), Connecticut public institutions must provide in-state tuition rates to qualifying veterans and their dependents who enroll within 3 years of discharge, regardless of residency status. This federal protection ensures educational access for those who served.

Undocumented and DACA Students

Under Connecticut’s 2015 legislation (House Bill 6844), undocumented students can qualify for in-state tuition by meeting these specific requirements through UConn’s undocumented student policies:

Minimum 2 years attendance at Connecticut high school
Graduation from Connecticut high school (or equivalent)
Current Connecticut residency verification
DACA recipients with Connecticut ties may qualify under similar provisions

New England Regional Program

Connecticut residents can access Tuition Break programs in other New England states at rates up to 175% of in-state tuition (varies by institution) for majors unavailable at Connecticut public institutions. This reciprocal agreement covers Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Appeals Process: Students who initially receive out-of-state classification can appeal through their institution’s Dean of Students Office. Submit appeals with complete documentation at least 30 days before the semester begins for timely processing.