Residency and Tuition Classifications at CMC
Colorado Tuition Classification Law
Tuition classification is governed by state law (Colorado Revised Statutes 23-7-101, et seq., 1997) and applies to all public institutions of higher education in Colorado. Colorado Mountain College does not have discretion to make exceptions to the rules as defined by state law. Colorado Mountain College rigorously enforces tuition classification, as mandated by State statute.
For more information, please see the Colorado Department of Higher Education residency requirements or contact the Tuition Classification Officer at your campus.
How Tuition Classification Is Determined?
Your initial tuition classification is determined by the information provided on your CMC application.
To be considered a Colorado resident and to receive in-state tuition, you must:
- have lived in Colorado for 365 consecutive days prior to the first day of the semester.
- show that you intend to make Colorado a permanent home through the following:
- Obtaining Colorado driver's license
- Colorado vehicle registration
- Filing a Colorado tax return
- Permanent employment
- Colorado Voter registration
If you are under the age of 23, your parent's or legal guardian's information on the application determines your residency classification.
Students under the age of 23 who are independent must complete an Emancipation Form to have their own address and information used for classification.
In-District Tuition
To be considered an in-district resident and to qualify for in-district tuition, you must:
- have met all in-state tuition classification requirements (see above)
- have lived in the CMC District for at least 32 days prior to the first day of the semester. See CMC District Map.
In-State Resident With Second Home In-District
A student who has been classified as an in-state Colorado resident for tuition purposes and who owns a residence (i.e., a second home) in the CMC district or is a dependent of a person who owns a residence in the district shall be re-classified as an in-district student for tuition purposes.
Non-Resident
A non-resident, is a person who does not meet the Colorado State residency requirements to be eligible for in-state or in-district classification.
Tuition Reclassification
If you believe your tuition classification status is incorrect, you must submit one of the following completed petitions to your campus Tuition Classification Officer within 10 days of the start of the semester. If approved, your tuition rate to be updated for the current semester.
Tuition Reclassification Petition (Out-of-State to In-State/In-District)
Tuition Reclassification Petition (In-State to In-District)
Emancipation Form If you are under 23 and financially independent from your parent’s or guardian’s, you will also need to submit this form with your petition.
ASSET Tuition Reclassification If you have submitted an application to CMC and believe you qualify for In-State tuition based on the ASSET rules, please complete this form.
If your residency status changes during your time at CMC, it is your responsibility to submit a petition. Your tuition classification does not update automatically.
If you meet residency requirements during the semester, you can submit your Tuition Reclassification Petition any time, and the change to your tuition rate will take effect the following semester.
State of Colorado Residency Rule Exceptions
State law grants some exceptions to the Residency Rule. Please see the CDHE website for complete information.
Listed below are common exceptions. If you have questions or would like to request a reclassification of your tuition, please reach out to your Tuition Classification Officer.
Colorado’s ASSET bill allows U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, and students without lawful immigration status to qualify for in-state tuition rates if they meet certain conditions.
Informacion en español sobre ASSET
See more Information about ASSET
The State of Colorado Department of Higher Education provides a guide for establishing in-state tuition status for qualifying active duty armed forces personnel. Please see the CDHE website for further details.
The general assembly declared that Colorado public universities and colleges should extend in-state tuition classification to American Indian students who are registered members of a federally recognized American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado. Please see the CDHE website for further information.
In-state tuition for Team USA Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
More than 60 Olympic and Paralympic athletes have attended Colorado Mountain College. To honor them and support future dreams, the college offers in-state tuition for those training on Team USA.
Colorado Senate Bill 18-087, passed in 2018, grants eligibility for in-state tuition status to refugees and special immigrants admitted to the United States pursuant to federal law who have settled in Colorado. Please see the CDHE Website for further information.
See Tuition Discounts and Special Tuition Rates at Colorado Mountain College