In-state Tuition Status and Residency Appeals
The Office of the Registrar applies the South Dakota Codified Laws (§ 13-53 et al.) and BOR Policy 3:2 to determine whether students are residents of South Dakota, and thereby qualified to receive in-state tuition rates. Only specific South Dakota Mines employees are authorized to apply and interpret the South Dakota Codified Laws to determine a student’s residency status. Determining residency can be a complex process. Here are just some (not all) of the key considerations in deciding if a student may qualify for in-state tuition in South Dakota:
-
What is the student’s primary purpose for being in South Dakota; (a person’s presence in the state predominately for educational purposes disqualifies them from receiving in-state tuition rates)
-
Was residency in South Dakota established twelve months or more prior to the beginning of the semester for which in-state tuition is sought;
-
Is the student still dependent on their parent(s) or legal guardian(s); and
-
Evidence of residency, such as employment in South Dakota, filing of resident South Dakota income tax returns, and obtaining a South Dakota driver’s license and South Dakota vehicle and voting registration.
Each case has its own set of facts. There is no set checklist of items that will guarantee classification as a resident for tuition purposes.
Appeal Process
The Undergraduate or Graduate Office of Admissions that admitted you to the University makes the initial determination of your residency status and your eligibility for in-state tuition rates. If you have questions regarding your initial tuition classification, you should contact the office that admitted you to the University.
According to the Board of Regents policy, students may request an appeal of their university’s initial determination of residency classification. The South Dakota Mines Appeals process is below:
| Appeal Level Process for new students |
Appeal Process for continuing students |
|
1st Appeal: Request that the Office of the Registrar review the initial decision made by Admissions.
Form needed:
Application for Resident Status
Documentation needed: As required on the application and any evidence that the student wants to use to support a change in classification.
Deadline: Thirty (30) days after the start of the semester
|
1st Appeal: Request that the Office of the Registrar make a new determination of current residency status.
Form needed:
Application for Resident Status
Documentation needed: As required on the application and any evidence that the student wants to use to support a change in classification.
Deadline: Thirty (30) days after the start of the semester
|
|
2nd Appeal: Request a review of the determination by the Office of the Registrar.
Form needed:
Appeal of Resident Status Determination
Documentation Needed: Any documented evidence that the student wants to use to support a change in classification that was not used in the prior appeal.
|
2nd Appeal: Request a review of the determination by the Office of the Registrar.
Form needed:
Appeal of Resident Status Determination
Documentation Needed: Any documented evidence that the student wants to use to support a change in classification that was not used in the prior appeal.
|
|
Final Appeal: Request that the Board of Regents review the university’s decision.
Documentation Needed:
Appeal of Resident Status Determination
|
Final Appeal: Request that the Board of Regents review the university’s decision.
Documentation Needed:
Appeal of Resident Status Determination
|
You can submit your appeals with proper documentation to the Office of the Registrar or email them to
registrar@sdsmt.edu.
Please allow 15 business days to be issued a decision on your status at each appeal level.
For more information:
South Dakota Codified Laws
South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 3:2