How to Determine Residence Status

The following statement reflects the College's policy on residence as set down by The Community College of Baltimore County in conformance with the Maryland Higher Education Commission General Regulations.

A student must reside in Baltimore County to be eligible for county tuition rates or in the State of Maryland, outside of Baltimore County, to be eligible for state tuition rates.

A student is a Maryland or County resident if he/she has maintained his/her legal domicile there for a period of not less than three months prior to the beginning of a semester.

Domicile as used in this regulation is defined as a person' s permanent place of abode, where physical presence and possessions are maintained and where he/she intends to remain indefinitely. The domicile of a person who received more than one-half of his/her financial support from others in the most recently completed year is the domicile of the person contributing the greatest portion of support, without regard to whether the parties are related by blood or marriage. A student who is under 18 years of age must claim his/her residence as that of his/her parents or legal guardians.

Students are required to sign a statement verifying their residency claims. When residence is questioned, the burden of proof of domicile is upon the student who must provide documentation which substantiates his/her claim. Examples of such documentation are given below:

1. Valid mortgage statement or lease agreement showing ownership or rental of local living quarters (notarized letters are not acceptable neither are mortgages representing investment properties).
2. Registration to vote in the state of Maryland or Baltimore County, for in-state and in-county residence, respectively.
3. Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license with a local address specified (proof of address change may be required).
4. Motor vehicle registration showing the local state or county address.
5. Proof of payment of Maryland State or local piggyback income taxes and all income earned including all income earned outside the state (for instate residency claims).

Any international student whose residence status is unclear may contact the international student adviser in the Counseling Center.

Students holding the following categories of Non-immigrant Visas may not establish domicile: B, C, D, F, H-2, 3, 4, J, M, O-2, 3, P and Q. Holders of the mentioned visas do not qualify for instate tuition. For exceptions in these categories only, see the International Student Adviser.