Residency

The University of Maryland, like most public institutions of higher education, classifies students as "in-state" and "out-of-state" for various purposes, including assessing tuition. All new incoming students' default to out-of-state, non-resident. In-state tuition represents a significant financial subsidy toward the cost of education paid by the state of Maryland and the University.

The Board of Regents limits eligibility for "in-state" to a narrowly defined group of students. If all the elements in the definition of "in-state" are not met, the student will be classified as "out-of-state," unless an established exception in the policy exists. The VIII-2.70 Policy on Student Classification for Admission and Tuition Purposes of the University System of Maryland contains residency requirements, procedures, and appeal information.

In-State Classification Process

All new incoming students' default to out-of-state, non-resident. If you wish to be considered for in-state residency status, you must apply for in-state status. 

Application for In-State Classification

The Application for In-State Classification is only available to persons seeking admission to one of the programs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) or students recently admitted to a UMB program who have not yet started classes.

Petition for Change in Classification for Tuition Purposes

The Petition for In-State Classification is intended for use by those who seek a change in residency classification or by those whose status cannot be determined from the information submitted on the initial Application for In-State Classification as part of the admissions process.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

This act helps undocumented students be successful at UMB by allowing eligible students may temporarily qualify for in-state tuition if they submit the approval notification of their Deferred Action status. 

Maryland High School Graduates (Maryland Dream Act)

This page outlines the eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and application process to ensure compliance and successful submission for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates.

General FAQs

My admission letter states that I am out-of-state. I have been living in Maryland all my life. What should I do?  

All new incoming students default to out-of-state, non-resident. If you wish to be considered for in-state residency status in accordance with the University System of Maryland VIII-2.70 Policy on Student Classification for Admission and Tuition Purposes  

Any student, other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. § 1101 (A)(15), who meets all of the requirements listed in Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible Maryland High School Graduates, shall be exempt from paying the nonresident tuition differential at all public colleges and universities in Maryland.

This application is used for students returning from a leave of absence, students changing programs as well as new incoming students.

Follow the instructions to create a NEW standalone account, with a NEW password (this not any password that you are currently using for another UMB account) sign in, complete the application for the semester that you will be attending and submit it for review.

If our office does not receive an Application for In-State Classification, your residency status for admission and tuition purposes will remain out-of-state, non-resident.

You will be notified via email once your application has been reviewed and your residency determination is complete.

NOTE: You must read the Classification Policy to learn the requirements of each exception.

I am classified as out-of-state. I have read the policy and requirement for residency classification and believe I meet all the criteria. How do I request a change in residency status? 

Students wishing to apply for a change to in-state status after their initial semester can file a petition for a change in residency classification and must provide all the required supporting documents. Please review the Petition for Change in Residency Classification at www.umaryland.edu/petition/ 

The petition, instructions, deadlines and a checklist of the required supporting documents are listed on this page. 

Petition review could take up to 6-8 weeks and you will be notified via email once your petition has been reviewed and your residency determination is complete.

I heard that members of the Armed Forces may be eligible for in-state tuition. Can you tell me which branches of the military participate and what are the guidelines for in-state tuition 

Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines are eligible for instate tuition. If you are an active, full-time member of the Armed Forces and are stationed in the state of Maryland and have the appropriate documentation, you are eligible for instate tuition charges.

Please refer to the residency policy for specifics relating to this benefit

Does the University of Maryland- Baltimore offer the Yellow Ribbon Program. 

Currently the Law school is the only school that offers this benefit. Please reach out to admissions@law.umaryland.edu for more information.

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.

I am a graduate assistant and receive tuition remission. My bill shows I am being charged in-state tuition. Does this mean I have been given in-state status? 

UMB graduate assistants, receiving “tuition remission” are billed at the in-state rate.  This is an administrative accounting transaction. It has no relevance or effect on your classification status. Your proper status was indicated on your admission letter. You will always retain that classification unless you successfully petition to have it changed through the established procedures of Residency Reclassification Services. If you were classified as out-of-state, when you no longer receive tuition remission you will be billed at that rate.

I am a graduate assistant; do I need to apply for in-state residency? 

All students are deemed as out-of-state residents, an application and review for in-state classification is required in a students' first term in order to be deemed as an in-state resident. Graduate assistants are billed at the in-state rate, however this does not indicate an in-state status.  If an initial application was not completed in your first term, you may have to petition for a change in classification. Please contact the Residency Reclassification Team for more information at residency@umaryland.edu.

I have tuition remission; do I need to apply for in-state residency? 

All students are deemed as out-of-state residents, an application and review for in-state classification is required in a students' first term in order to be deemed as an in-state resident. Students eligible for tuition remission can follow this link to complete the tuition remission application.