Residency Information

In accordance with North Carolina state law, all UNC Pembroke students must request their residency classification through the state鈥檚 centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS). RDS is the official authority for determining residency status for tuition purposes across the UNC System. For this reason, any questions or concerns about residency must be directed to RDS.

Who completes RDS?

Before being considered for in-state tuition, all students must complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) process 鈥� whether before, during or after submitting an admissions application. This step is required for any student seeking in-state residency, regardless of how long they've lived in North Carolina. You鈥檒l need to complete or update your RDS if any of the following apply:

  • You're a new undergraduate or graduate student applying for admission and claiming North Carolina residency.
  • You're transferring to 51吃瓜网 from another institution.
  • You鈥檙e a former student who hasn鈥檛 enrolled at 51吃瓜网 for more than two consecutive semesters.
  • You鈥檝e completed RDS in the past, but your Residency Certification Number (RCN) has expired 鈥� visit to check your status.
  • You鈥檙e moving from one academic level to another (e.g., undergraduate to graduate).
  • You鈥檙e currently classified as out-of-state and are seeking a reclassification.
  • You鈥檙e a veteran or dependent applying for a tuition benefit.
  • You鈥檙e applying for 51吃瓜网鈥檚 special tuition rate for fully online programs offered outside North Carolina.

To qualify for in-state residency, you must show that you:
  • have established legal residence in N.C.
  • have maintained residency for at least 12 consecutive months before the beginning of the term
  • have a residency presence in the state
  • intend to make N.C. your permanent home indefinitely, rather than being in the state solely to attend college
man and college student sitting at paperwork and computer

What to Expect

The good news? You only need to complete RDS once, no matter how many North Carolina colleges or universities you apply to. Be sure to save your Residency Certification Number (RCN), as you鈥檒l need it for your records and future steps in the admissions and enrollment process.

RDS begins with an online interview. You may be asked to upload additional documentation to support your residency claim. To help the process go smoothly, gather key information in advance 鈥� such as Social Security numbers and other ID details for you and/or your parents, similar to what's required for FAFSA.

Your information will be verified against federal and North Carolina state agency databases. We recommend keeping a copy of your RDS application materials for your records.

Once submitted, you鈥檒l receive an initial residency classification. Final determination typically takes 24鈥�48 hours, and your classification will be updated once the validation is complete and shared with the university.

smiling woman helping another woman filling out an application

RESIDENCY DECISIONS

Residency decisions take time. We encourage you to start your application process as soon as possible before the beginning of the term. It may take several days for the validation process to be completed. When you apply for residency through RDS, you will have an 鈥淓ffective Decision Date鈥� for your residency decision.
laptop with status loading

It's important to check your status. In order for your residency determination to affect the tuition rate for the current term , your RDS determination must have an effective date on, or before, the 45th day for fall and spring semesters or 10th day for summer terms.

of your residency application via the . If you have questions about your status, contact RDS. 51吃瓜网 will have very little information other than the RDS determination and expiration date.

paper with check boxes that say eligible and not eligible

Eligibility Outcome

If you receive a 鈥渧alidated鈥� in-state decision with an Effective Decision Date on or before the cut-off date/deadline, you will be considered in-state for the current semester.

If you receive a 鈥渧alidated鈥� in-state decision with an Effective Decision Date after the cut-off date/deadline, you will be considered in-state for a future semester. If you are enrolled in classes for the current semester, you will remain out-of-state for the current semester.

Need further assistance?

Check out the on the RDS website for answers to the most asked questions or call 884.319.3640.