Residency Policy

Residents of the State of Michigan benefit from a lower tuition fee than is charged residents of other states. For the purposes of these regulations, a resident student is defined as a student that is domiciled in the state of Michigan. For University purposes, "domicile" is defined as the place where the student intends their true, fixed and permanent home (both during and after they complete their education at the University) and principal establishment to be, and to which the individual intends to return whenever he or she is absent. The fact that a presumption of resident status may apply to a student does not mean that the student will automatically be classified as a resident. The burden of proving domicile, with clear and convincing evidence, is on the student.

A nonresident student is one whose domicile is elsewhere. Students who enroll in the University as non-residents shall continue to be so classified throughout their attendance as students unless residency reclassification is granted.

Special Circumstances
In-state tuition rates apply to the following persons regardless of domicile:

  • United States military veterans who have been honorably discharged and/or students entitled to educational assistance under Title 38 of the United States Code, as amended.

Residency Guidelines
The following facts and circumstances, although not necessarily conclusive, have probative value in support of a claim for residence classification:

  • Both parents (in the case of divorce, a parent) permanently domiciled in Michigan as demonstrated by permanent employment, establishment of a household and severance of out of state ties.
  • Applicant employed in the State in a full-time, permanent position provided that the applicant's employment is the primary purpose for the applicant's presence in Michigan.
  • Spouse employed in the State in a full-time, permanent position provided that the spouse's employment is the primary purpose for the student's presence in Michigan.
  • Continuous domicile in the state of Michigan, while not enrolled as a full-time student, for one full calendar year prior to reclassification.
  • If financially dependent, parent and/or guardian have become Michigan residents since the student's first enrollment.
  • Other factors indicating an intent to make Michigan the student's domicile will be considered by the University in classifying of a student.

The following circumstances, standing alone, shall not constitute sufficient evidence of domicile to affect classification of a student as a resident under these regulations:

  • Continuous enrollment in a community college or university
  • Participation in a graduate program, fellowship or internship
  • Employment that is temporary or short-term
  • Employment in a position normally held by a student
  • Ownership of property
  • Presence of relatives (other than parents)
  • Possession of a Michigan's driver's license or voter's registration
  • Payment of Michigan income or property taxes
  • Applicant's statement of intent to be domiciled in Michigan

Residency Status of Immigrants and Aliens
Only persons who are entitled to reside permanently in the United States may be eligible for resident classification at the University. These individuals, like U.S. citizens, must still prove that they have established a Michigan domicile as defined in the Michigan Technological University Residency Guidelines. Having the privilege of remaining permanently in the United States, in itself, does not entitle a person to resident classification for University purposes. The Admissions Office will review the circumstances of the following classes of immigrants:

  • Permanent Resident Aliens who have been fully processed and possess a permanent resident alien card or stamp in their passport verifying final approval, or
  • Refugees (I-94 card must designate "Refugee").