Ohio Residency for Financially Independent Students
To receive the state of Ohio subsidy for tuition purposes, you must show that you meet the qualifications set by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) in the Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 3333-1-10 and Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3333.31. You must also be eligible to remain in the United States on a permanent basis. Learn about Eligible Visa and Immigration Statuses. These guidelines are intended above all, to exclude from treatment as residents, those persons who are present in the state of Ohio primarily for the purpose of education.
The letter and number designations in each subsection correlates to the specific guidelines of the Ohio Administrative and/or Revised Codes.
Financially Independent Classifications
Residency Classification C-2
The C-2 Classification is applied through the completion of one degree program, provided you maintain continuous full-time enrollment and do not leave the state for more than a year or take a leave of absence for more than a year. In those cases, a student would no longer be considered an Ohio resident for tuition purposes and they would need to reapply for Ohio residency at that time.
To qualify for the C-2 classification you must satisfy the requirements and be able to provide documentation to validate ALL the following statements are true:
- have been living in Ohio for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which they are applying (this is known as a 12-month review period)
- have not left the state of Ohio for more than thirty days total, no more than two weeks at a time throughout their 12-month review period
- are 100% financially self-sustaining throughout their 12-month review period (please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information regarding eligible income)
- have changed all of his or her state specific documents to Ohio, including but not limited to: driver’s license or state ID, voter registration, and vehicle registration.
NOTE: Residency Classification C-2 does NOT apply to students on an ineligible visa, those who are financially dependent, or receiving financial assistance with expenses from someone else; this includes (but not limited to) tuition, education expenses, vehicle expenses.
Residency Classification E-1
The Residency Classification E-1 is temporary and applies for only one term. A student who is requesting reclassification under the Residency Classification E-1 is required to complete the Online Residency Form each term. After the student has lived in Ohio for 12 consecutive months, they may be eligible under Residency Classification C-2.
To qualify for the E-1 classification you must satisfy the requirements and be able to provide documentation to validate ALL the following statements are true:
- are employed in Ohio on a self-sustaining basis (if the student has dependents, then the self-sustaining amount will increase)
- have employment minimally covering all living expenses (rent, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, cell phone, etc.)
- have tuition that can be covered by employment and/or financial aid packages solely in student’s name
- are enrolled less than full-time (undergraduate-less than 12 credit hours; graduate-less than eight credit hours)
NOTE: Residency Classification E-1 does NOT apply to students on an ineligible visa or those who are enrolled full-time.
Documentation for Financially Independent Students
Complete and accurate evidential documentation is required for reclassification. Applications submitted with insufficient documentation will not be approved.
Please note that the list below is not exhaustive. Documents in addition to those required initially may be requested to complete a review.
The onus is on the student to ensure that all income sources and expenses are clearly documented.
-
Proof of Residence
-
A copy of a signed and dated lease(s), closing statement(s), or campus housing contract document(s) indicating dates of residence; terms and conditions (if applicable). The legal rental agreement must accurately and completely describe the living situation and the rent needs to be commensurate to fair market value, and cover the entire review period.
-
Ohio Driver’s License
-
A copy of your Ohio driver’s license or state ID card. Visit the Ohio BMV website for information.
-
Vehicle Registration
-
A copy of the current vehicle registration and/or title. Visit the Ohio BMV website for information.
-
Vehicle Title
-
A copy of the vehicle title. Visit the Ohio BMV website for information.
-
Federal Tax Return Transcript
-
A copy of the most recently filed Federal tax transcript. Visit the IRS website for additional information.
-
Ohio Tax Return Transcript
-
A copy of the most recently filed Ohio tax transcript, including the Ohio Schedule of Credits tax return (if filed as a part-year resident). Visit the Ohio.gov website for additional information.
-
Pay Stubs
-
C-2 Applicants:
Please provide three (3) pay stubs. Each pay stub should indicate hours worked; rate of pay; employment address; taxes being withheld
- one for the applicable month from the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification;
- one from the end of the financial tax year;
- the most recent pay stub.
E-1 applicants:
A copy of the three most recent pay stubs indicating: hours worked; rate of pay; employment address; taxes being withheld.
-
Employment Letter
-
A letter from employer on letterhead indicating the start date and duration of employment, rate of pay, number of hours worked, and employer contact information.
-
Savings/Checking Statements
-
C-2 Applicants:
Please provide three financial statements:
- one from the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- one from the year preceding the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- your most recent financial statement
E-1 Applicants:
Please provide monthly financial statements from the most recent three months.
-
Mutual/Trust Fund Statements
-
Please provide three financial statements:
- one from the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- one from the year preceding the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- your most recent financial statement
-
529 Statements
-
Please provide three financial statements:
- one from the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- one from the year preceding the start of your review period for the term in which you are seeking residency reclassification (Autumn=August, Spring=January, Summer=May)
- your most recent financial statement
-
Scholarship Documentation
-
A copy of scholarship criteria, eligibility requirements, and awards received during the 12-month review period. A copy of a student’s Statement of Account will not be accepted.
-
Grant Documentation
-
A copy of grant criteria and awards received during the 12-month review period. A copy of a student’s Statement of Account will not be accepted.
-
Loan Documentation
-
A copy of loan criteria and awards received during the 12-month review period. This must include primary borrowers, co-signers, and co-borrowers of the loan. A copy of a student’s Statement of Account will not be accepted.
-
Fee Authorization Documents
-
A copy of all fee payment authorizations received during the 12-month review period.
-
Other Income Documentation
-
Additional income documentation for any other income received during and one year prior to the 12-month review period.
-
Tuition Statement of Account
-
A copy of the monthly financial statement(s) evidencing tuition payments made if these payments have not been made solely through federal financial aid/scholarships/grants/fee payment authorizations.
-
Voter Registration
-
A copy of the Ohio voter registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
-
Financially Independent Students
-
What income sources are ineligible for helping me establish in-state residency as a financially independent student?
The following are examples of income sources, if used within the 12-month period preceding the semester residency reclassification is desired, that would make a student ineligible for residency:
- Gifts from family or friends received during or up to 12 months prior to the review period that assist with living or tuition expenses regardless if the person is an Ohio resident, or not
- Any direct or indirect support from persons or entities (including family members) for living expenses or a reduction to living cost that is not commensurate to fair market value, including, but not limited to, cell phone plans, health insurance plans, vehicle related expenses.
- Savings that have not been in an account, in your name, for at least 24 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of the term in which you desire reclassification.
- Employment income made during or up to 12 months prior to the review period that has not been subjected to Ohio taxation.
- PLUS loan money taken out by the student’s parents
- "Personal loans" or monies that do not come from:
- grants or scholarships
- loans from legitimate financial institutions
- loans from the federal government
- Financial aid that required you to be a resident of another state, including the National Buckeye Scholar Award from The Ohio State University
If I am employed and being paid cash (IE: tip income, babysitting), is this income eligible for residency?
Employment income earned as cash is only eligible for residency if it is subject to Ohio taxation. It is the responsibility of the student to provide proof that the income has been subject to Ohio taxation, otherwise it is ineligible income.
If I am paying Ohio taxes, does this automatically qualify me for the tuition subsidy?
Not necessarily. If you are trying to establish residency in Ohio, paying taxes in Ohio is an indicator of your intent to become an Ohio resident. However, you must meet all of the residency criteria to be eligible for residency for tuition purposes.
If I own property or a business in Ohio, but live in another state, does that make me (or my dependents) eligible for the tuition subsidy?
No. The state guidelines do not grant residency to individuals or their dependents solely on the basis that they own property or a business in Ohio.