2025–26 Minnesota In-State Tuition Requirements: Complete Qualification Guide
2025-26 Minnesota Tuition Rates Comparison
University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduate tuition rates for full-time enrollment (13+ credits per semester):
Source: University of Minnesota One Stop Student Services, retrieved September 2025. Additional fees may apply. Carlson School of Management and College of Science & Engineering assess additional $2,900 annual tuition.
The Short Answer: Minnesota In-State Tuition Eligibility
Under Minnesota Statutes § 135A.043 and University of Minnesota policy, students qualify for Minnesota in-state tuition rates if they meet these core requirements:
- Physical Presence: Lived in Minnesota for at least one calendar year immediately prior to the first day of class attendance
- Intent: Primary reason for being in Minnesota is not to attend school
- Citizenship Status: U.S. citizen or permanent resident (with exceptions for certain categories)
For 2025-26, students can appeal initial non-resident classifications through the University’s formal reclassification process. Appeals must be filed with supporting documentation demonstrating Minnesota domicile.
Legal Requirements for Minnesota In-State Tuition
Controlling State Statute
The primary legal authority for Minnesota residency classification is Minnesota Statutes § 135A.043, which states:
“A student, other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of United States Code, title 8, section 1101, subsection (a), paragraph (15), shall qualify for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent at state universities and colleges if the student meets all of the following requirements: (1) high school attendance within the state for three or more years; (2) graduation from a state high school or attainment within the state of the equivalent of high school graduation…”
Note: This statute primarily addresses specific populations. The general residency requirements derive from institutional policies and Minnesota State Board Policy 2.2.
University of Minnesota Policy
The University of Minnesota applies residency standards under which students are considered Minnesota residents if:
- They have lived in Minnesota for at least one calendar year prior to their first day of class attendance, AND
- Their primary reason for being in Minnesota is not to attend school
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Policy
Under Minnesota State Board Policy 2.2, students qualify as residents if they:
- Resided in the state for at least one calendar year immediately prior to applying for admission
- Are dependent students whose parent or legal guardian resides in Minnesota
- Residency during this period was not solely or primarily for attending college or university
Evidence and Documentation for Minnesota In-State Tuition
| Document Type | What It Proves | Validity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lease Agreement/Mortgage | Physical residence in Minnesota | Must cover 12-month period before enrollment |
| Minnesota Driver’s License | Legal residence and intent | Required within 60 days of establishing residency |
| Voter Registration | Civic ties and domicile intent | Must be current and accurate |
| Employment Records | Financial independence and ties | W-2s, pay stubs, employment verification |
| Bank Statements | Financial presence in state | Minnesota-based financial institutions preferred |
| Tax Returns | Tax domicile status | Minnesota state tax filing status |
| Vehicle Registration | Personal property ties | Must be current Minnesota registration |
| Utility Bills | Ongoing residential ties | 12 months of continuous service preferred |
How to Qualify for Minnesota In-State Tuition: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Establish Physical Presence (12+ months before enrollment)
Move to Minnesota and establish a permanent residence. Begin gathering documentation of your Minnesota ties immediately upon arrival.
- Sign lease agreement or purchase property
- Obtain Minnesota driver’s license within 60 days
- Register to vote in Minnesota
- Register vehicles in Minnesota
Step 2: Establish Minnesota Domicile Intent
Demonstrate that Minnesota is your permanent home and that you’re not here primarily for educational purposes.
- Obtain Minnesota employment (if possible)
- Open Minnesota bank accounts
- File Minnesota state tax returns
- Establish healthcare providers in Minnesota
Step 3: Application and Review
If initially classified as non-resident, complete the Application for Resident Classification.
- Complete application with supporting documentation
- Submit before published deadlines
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Step 4: Appeal Process (if necessary)
If denied resident classification, you may appeal the decision through the institution’s formal process.
- Contact Residency Officer at 612-626-4432
- Submit additional supporting documentation
- Request hearing if available
Special Circumstances for Minnesota In-State Tuition
Military Members and Veterans
Automatic Qualification: Under Minnesota State Policy 2.2, current and former U.S. military members, their spouses, and dependent children qualify for resident tuition rates regardless of residency status.
This includes eligibility under:
- Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Forever GI Bill – Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
- Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Additional Special Categories
| Category | Requirements | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Migrant Farmworkers | 2+ years in Minnesota as migrant farmworker | Employment records, CFR 633.104 documentation |
| Minnesota High School Graduates | Graduated from Minnesota high school | Diploma, residency during high school attendance |
| Employment-Related Relocation | Relocated to Minnesota by current employer | Employment verification, relocation documentation |
| Refugees and Asylees | Recognized by Office of Refugee Resettlement | Official refugee/asylee documentation |
| Foster Youth | Current or former foster care status | Foster care documentation |
Regional Tuition Savings Programs
Full Reciprocity Agreements (2025-26)
- Wisconsin: Students pay Minnesota resident rates
- North Dakota: Students pay Minnesota resident rates
- Manitoba, Canada: Students pay Minnesota resident rates
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
Students from participating states pay up to 150% of resident tuition (still below non-resident rates). For 2025-26, MSEP participating states include:
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Ohio
Discontinued Programs
South Dakota: Reciprocity agreement ended in 2024. The University of Minnesota honors reciprocity rates for continuing students and new students starting fall 2024/spring 2025 only.
University and System Contact Information
University of Minnesota
- Residency Officer: 612-626-4432
- Office of the Registrar: otr@umn.edu
- One Stop Student Services: 612-624-1111
- Admissions Office: 612-625-2008 or admissions@umn.edu
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
You must have lived in Minnesota for at least one calendar year immediately prior to your first day of class attendance, and your primary reason for being in Minnesota must not be to attend school.
Yes, each institution provides an appeal process for residency classification decisions. Contact the Residency Officer at 612-626-4432 for University of Minnesota appeals.
Yes, current and former members of the U.S. military, their spouses, and dependent children qualify for resident tuition rates under Minnesota law, regardless of their state of residence.
Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Manitoba, Canada. These allow students to pay resident or reduced tuition rates.
Key documents include lease agreements or mortgage documents, Minnesota driver’s license, voter registration, employment records, bank statements, tax returns, vehicle registration, and utility bills covering the 12-month residency period.
Generally, dependent students’ residency follows their parents’ residency. However, dependent students may qualify independently if they meet the one-year residency requirement and can demonstrate financial independence and intent to remain in Minnesota.
Legal Disclaimer and Methodology
Informational Purposes Only: This guide provides general information about Minnesota in-state tuition requirements and should not be construed as legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and students should consult with institutional residency officers for specific guidance.
Primary Source Hierarchy
- Minnesota Statutes (official state law)
- University of Minnesota Board of Regents policies
- Minnesota State Board policies and procedures
- Individual institutional residency policies
- Administrative guidance and interpretations
Update Policy
This guide is updated annually for each academic year and whenever significant policy changes occur. Information was retrieved and verified in September 2025.
Last reviewed: 2025-09-26
Last updated: 2025-09-26
Academic Year: 2025-26
Sources and References
Primary Legal Sources
- Minnesota Statutes § 135A.043 – Resident Tuition
- Minnesota Statutes § 136A.121 – State Grant Program
- Minnesota State Board Policy 2.2 – State Residency
Official Institutional Sources
- University of Minnesota Tuition Rates 2025-26
- University of Minnesota Residency Information
- University of Minnesota Reciprocity Programs
- University of Minnesota Residency Handbook