2025–26 New Jersey In-State Tuition Requirements: Complete Qualification Guide
Comprehensive legal guide to qualifying for New Jersey in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, including detailed requirements, documentation, and appeals processes for Academic Year 2025-26.
📋 Need just the essentials? Check out our quick-reference checklist version with all requirements in a simplified format.
View the Quick Checklist →New Jersey 2025-26 Tuition Rates Comparison
| Institution | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University–New Brunswick | $18,651 (Tuition: $14,933) | $39,476 (Tuition: $35,758) | $20,825 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | $21,162 (Tuition: $17,312) | $39,912 (Tuition: $36,062) | $18,750 |
Rates effective Academic Year 2025-26. Retrieved September 25, 2025. Room and board not included.
The Short Answer: New Jersey In-State Tuition Requirements
Who Qualifies: Students (or their parents/guardians if dependent) who have been legally domiciled in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment.
Controlling Law: New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1 et seq., which defines domicile as “the place where a person has their true, fixed, permanent home and principal establishment, and to which, whenever they are absent, they have the intention of returning.”
Key Requirements for 2025-26:
- 12-month domicile requirement before first enrollment
- Intent to remain in New Jersey permanently (not just for school)
- Physical presence combined with legal ties to the state
- Dependent students follow parent/guardian’s domicile
Appeals Process: Residency determinations can be appealed through each institution’s formal appeals process with additional documentation.
New Jersey In-State Tuition Residency Requirements
Legal Foundation and Statutory Authority
New Jersey in-state tuition eligibility is governed by New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1 through 9A:5-1.2, enacted under the authority of N.J.S.A. 18A:62-4 and 18A:62-4.4. The regulation was most recently readopted effective June 21, 2022.
N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1 Key Statutory Language:
“Persons residing in New Jersey for a period of 12 months before first enrolling at a public higher education institution in this State are presumed to be domiciled in this State for tuition purposes. Persons residing in New Jersey for less than 12 months before first enrolling at a public higher education institution in this State are presumed not to be domiciled in this State for tuition purposes.”
Source: N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1
Domicile vs. Residence: Critical Legal Distinction
Under N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(a), domicile is defined as “the place where a person has their true, fixed, permanent home and principal establishment, and to which, whenever they are absent, they have the intention of returning.”
Crucially, N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(e) specifically states: “Residence established solely for the purpose of attending a particular educational institution does not constitute domicile for tuition purposes.”
Dependent vs. Independent Student Status
Under N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(f), dependent students are governed by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) domicile status. The regulation references the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority rules at N.J.A.C. 9A:9-2.6 for dependency determinations.
Key provisions for dependent students:
- Presumed domiciled where parent/guardian is domiciled
- Students with non-NJ domiciled parents presumed to be in state temporarily for education
- Continued eligibility if student remains in NJ despite parent relocation (N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(g))
How to Qualify for New Jersey In-State Tuition
Step 1: Establish Legal Domicile (12+ Months Before Enrollment)
Begin establishing legal domicile in New Jersey at least 12 months before your intended enrollment date. This involves both physical presence and demonstrable intent to remain permanently.
Step 2: Create Legal and Financial Ties
Establish multiple connections to New Jersey including voter registration, driver’s license, tax filing, employment, banking, and other legal relationships.
Step 3: Maintain Continuous Presence
Maintain continuous physical presence and legal ties throughout the 12-month period. Temporary absences are permissible if NJ remains your permanent home base.
Step 4: Submit Residency Documentation
Complete the Residency Analysis Form and provide all required supporting documentation by institutional deadlines (typically 60 days after term start).
Required Evidence and Documentation
Primary Documentation Requirements
All applicants must provide:
- Completed Residency Analysis Form (RAF) – Institution-specific form
- Certified New Jersey Income Tax Return – From year prior to enrollment
- New Jersey Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID – Must be valid
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Registration – If applicable
- Proof of Residence – Lease agreement, deed, or utility bills
Additional Supporting Evidence
| Document Type | What It Proves | Validity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | Legal residence and civic intent | Must be active NJ registration |
| Employment Records | Economic ties to state | W-2s, pay stubs, employment verification |
| Bank Statements | Financial establishment | NJ-based institutions preferred |
| Medical Records | Personal/family healthcare ties | NJ healthcare providers |
| Property Records | Ownership interest in NJ real estate | Deed, mortgage statements |
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Military Personnel and Veterans
Under N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(h) and the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act, qualifying military personnel and their dependents receive in-state tuition rates:
NJTEAM Act Coverage:
- Students eligible for VA Education Benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, or 35
- Active-duty military personnel stationed in New Jersey
- Military dependents as defined under 38 U.S.C. § 3679(c)
Required Documentation: NJTEAM Act Form and military/veteran status verification
New Jersey Dream Act Eligibility
Under N.J.A.C. 9A:5 Subchapter 3, undocumented students may qualify for in-state tuition through the New Jersey Dream Act if they meet specific criteria:
- Attended New Jersey high school for at least 3 years
- Graduated from NJ high school or received equivalent
- Are not non-immigrant visa holders (with specific exceptions for H-1B, T, U, or O visa dependents)
- File required affidavit of eligibility
Non-U.S. Citizens
Residency for non-U.S. citizens is determined based on federal immigration law criteria. Most temporary visa holders are considered out-of-state regardless of physical presence in New Jersey.
Regional Tuition Programs and Reciprocity
Important: New Jersey does not participate in any regional tuition reciprocity agreements for undergraduate students. Unlike other states, New Jersey residents cannot access discounted tuition rates in neighboring states through formal reciprocity programs.
Limited Options:
- Some border institutions may offer “good neighbor” discounts (institution-specific)
- Academic Common Market (graduate programs only, limited availability)
- Individual institutional scholarships for out-of-state students
Appeals Process and Timeline
Filing an Appeal
Students who disagree with a residency determination may appeal through the institution’s established appeals process:
Initial Decision
Institution makes initial residency determination based on submitted documentation
Appeal Filing (Within 30-60 Days)
Submit formal appeal with additional documentation and written justification
Appeals Review
Designated appeals officer or committee reviews case and additional evidence
Final Decision
Institution issues final determination; further appeals may be available through state administrative process
University Contact Information and Resources
Rutgers University
New Brunswick Campus:
Office of the Registrar
Phone: (848) 445-4636
Email: residency@admissions.rutgers.edu
Newark Campus:
Phone: (973) 353-5205
Camden Campus:
Phone: (856) 225-6053
Official Resources:
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Office of the Registrar:
Phone: (973) 596-3441
Email: registrar@njit.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Official Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I live in New Jersey to qualify for in-state tuition?
You must be legally domiciled in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment at a public institution of higher education. This requirement is established by N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(b).
What is the difference between residence and domicile for tuition purposes?
Domicile is your true, fixed, permanent home where you intend to remain indefinitely. Mere residence for attending school does not establish domicile for tuition purposes under N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1. You must demonstrate intent to make New Jersey your permanent home, not just a temporary location for education.
Can I appeal a residency decision?
Yes, you can appeal a residency determination by following the institution’s appeals process, typically involving additional documentation and review by a designated appeals officer. Appeals must generally be filed within 30-60 days of the initial decision.
Do military personnel qualify for in-state tuition rates?
Yes, under N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1(h) and the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act, military personnel and their dependents stationed in New Jersey qualify for in-state tuition rates. Veterans eligible for VA Education Benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, or 35 also qualify.
What documentation do I need to prove New Jersey residency?
Required documentation typically includes a completed Residency Analysis Form, certified NJ income tax return from the year prior to enrollment, NJ driver’s license or ID, vehicle registration (if applicable), and proof of residence such as a lease or deed. Additional supporting documentation may strengthen your case.
Legal Disclaimer and Methodology
Informational Purpose Only: This guide provides general information about New Jersey in-state tuition requirements and should not be construed as legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and students should consult with institutional residency officers and legal counsel for specific situations.
Methodology: Information compiled from primary sources including New Jersey Administrative Code, institutional policies, and official university publications. All statutory citations verified and linked to authoritative sources.
Update Policy: This guide is updated regularly to reflect changes in law and institutional policies. Users should verify current requirements with institutions directly.
Last Updated: September 25, 2025 | Last Reviewed: September 25, 2025 | Academic Year: 2025-26
Sources and References
- New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 9A:5-1.1 et seq. – Cornell Legal Information Institute
- Rutgers University Residency Policies – Official Rutgers Admissions Site
- NJIT Residency Determination – NJIT Registrar
- New Jersey Tuition Equality for America’s Military (NJTEAM) Act – N.J.S.A. 18A:62-4.4
- New Jersey Dream Act – N.J.A.C. 9A:5 Subchapter 3
- Rutgers Tuition and Fee Schedule 2025-26 – Rutgers Finance
- NJIT Tuition and Fee Schedule 2025-26 – NJIT Bursar