General Frequently Asked Residency Questions

Refer to the “Ohio State University Application” email that you received informing you of your residency classification status. Log into your Applicant Center to review and update your personal information. When your record reflects your current information, complete the Online Residency Form. Detailed instructions can be found on Step 4.

You will need to apply online through your My Buckeye Link (current student) or Applicant Center (applicant to Ohio State). Detailed instructions can be found on Step 4.

If you are applying for a term in which you are enrolled, you may be able to apply early depending on your path to residency. If you are applying as a “Forever Buckeye” or "Military Veteran/Dependent (not active duty)" you are able to apply for residency reclassification prior to the published application opening date. Students pursuing "independent," "dependent" or "active military" must apply no earlier than the date the online residency application becomes available.

• Current students use My Buckeye Link. Follow steps 1-3 of the application instructions. This will take you to your document list for the requested term. Your "Student Residency Status" will appear at the top of the page. See below for the status definitions.
• Applicants to The Ohio State University use your Applicant Center. Follow steps 1-3 of the application instructions. This will take you to your document list for the requested term. Your "Student Residency Status" will appear at the top of the page. See below for the status definitions.

Status Definitions are available on Step 5: Residency Application Status and Decisions.

Domicile establishes that a legal tenancy exists (your name on a lease, closing statement from a home purchase, or campus housing contract). For the purpose of residency for tuition, only one domicile may be maintained at a given time.

Obtaining an Ohio driver's license and registering to vote in Ohio demonstrates your intent to make Ohio your state of residence. The Ohio Revised Code states that any person who becomes a resident shall apply for a temporary permit or driver's license in this state within thirty days of becoming a resident. 

No. Any student who has been classified as a non-resident must request reclassification as a resident and provide evidence that they meet the defined requirements. It is the student's responsibility to understand the guidelines and meet application deadlines. 

If you are living in Ohio, are employed on a full-time or part-time basis AND are financially self-sustaining, you may be eligible under one of the financially independent guidelines. We cannot confirm eligibility until your completed application has been reviewed.

If you require notary services, please contact Student Legal Services or Buckeye Link for further assistance. Off-campus notary services may be available at your local bank, post office, or UPS store.

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 of the person being an Ohio resident
• 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 cell phones, health insurance and vehicle 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

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.

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.

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.

Please visit the Residency and Your Time Out of State webpage for clarification regarding financially independent students applying for Ohio residency.