Certificate of Residence FAQ

Why do I need a Certificate of Residence?

In New York State, community colleges are supported by your county tax dollars. The mechanism that is used to do this is called a certificate of residence. If your county issues you a Certificate of Residence that means they will pay the amount listed as “non-resident” tuition on your bill. If the college does not receive your certificate of residence, you will have to pay non-resident tuition.

How do I qualify for a Certificate of Residence?

In order to qualify for a Certificate of Residence, you must have proof that you have lived in New York State for 12 months prior to your date of registration and in a county of New York State for the prior six months. If you have resided in more than one county during the last six months, you must obtain a certificate from each county. IMPORTANT: A dependent student’s residency is determined by where their parents reside, for example, a Cornell student whose parents live in Suffolk County must get a certificate of residence from Suffolk County not Tompkins County.

When do I apply for my Certificate of Residence?

The time frame to apply for your certificate of residence is 60 days before the first day of class through 30 days after the first day of class. It is IMPORTANT not to miss this deadline! Most counties will not issue a certificate of residence if you apply outside of this time frame. It is to your benefit to get your certificate of residence during the 60 days before classes start. You will be given credit on your bill within two business days of the college receiving your certificate.

How long is the Certificate of Residence valid?

Certificates of residence are generally valid for a period of one year unless otherwise noted by your County Treasurer. The certificate of residence is issued to you for a specific community college. If you change from one community college to another you will have to get a new certificate of residence for the new community college. For assistance regarding eligibility and renewal policies contact your County Treasurer’s Office.

Tompkins Cortland Community College

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	Certificate of Residence FACTS TC3 Card Tuition Form 1098-T Information	Certificate of Residence FAQ Why do I need a Certificate of Residence? In New York State, community colleges are supported by your county tax dollars. The mechanism that is used to do this is called a certificate of residence. If your county issues you a Certificate of Residence that means they will pay the amount listed as “non-resident” tuition on your bill. If the college does not receive your certificate of residence, you will have to pay non-resident tuition. How do I qualify for a Certificate of Residence? In order to qualify for a Certificate of Residence, you must have proof that you have lived in New York State for 12 months prior to your date of registration and in a county of New York State for the prior six months. If you have resided in more than one county during the last six months, you must obtain a certificate from each county. IMPORTANT: A dependent student’s residency is determined by where their parents reside, for example, a Cornell student whose parents live in Suffolk County must get a certificate of residence from Suffolk County not Tompkins County. When do I apply for my Certificate of Residence? The time frame to apply for your certificate of residence is 60 days before the first day of class through 30 days after the first day of class. It is IMPORTANT not to miss this deadline! Most counties will not issue a certificate of residence if you apply outside of this time frame. It is to your benefit to get your certificate of residence during the 60 days before classes start. You will be given credit on your bill within two business days of the college receiving your certificate. How long is the Certificate of Residence valid? Certificates of residence are generally valid for a period of one year unless otherwise noted by your County Treasurer. The certificate of residence is issued to you for a specific community college. If you change from one community college to another you will have to get a new certificate of residence for the new community college. For assistance regarding eligibility and renewal policies contact your County Treasurer’s Office.
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