All curriculum students, for tuition purposes, are classified as either in-state or out-of-state upon entering Tri-County Community College (TCCC). This classification, also known as your residence status, is determined by the Residency Determination Service (RDS).

 www.NCresidency.org

Contact RDS: 844-319-3640
rdsinfo@ncresidency.org

 Submission of RDS data to TCCC for the first time

• All TCCC applicants regardless of residency status must complete the RDS interview and submit their active Residency Certification Number (RCN) on their admissions application before they can submit their admissions application.
• All CURRENT TCCC students who have completed an initial classification, reclassification, or appeal must submit their active Residency Certification Number (RCN) to Admissions by sending an email to admissions@tricountycc.edu that includes your name, TCCC student ID number, and your RCN number, with the subject titled RCN Submission.

Submission of updated RDS data to TCCC

All students whose residency status has changed from what is on file with TCCC will need to let the admissions office know by sending an email to admissions@tricountycc.edu with a subject of RCN update, and the body of your email should include your RCN, your TCCC student ID number, and a note indicating that a change has been made.

RDS Validation Results or Status Changes

• If your determination changed from an IN to OUT residency status before the 10% point of the semester, you can pay out-of-state tuition or request a 100% refund. Your balance must be paid within five business days from the date of this notification. If a balance remains unpaid, no college transcripts or diplomas will be released.
• If your determination changed from an IN to OUT residency status after the 10% point of the semester, you will be allowed to continue to attend the current semester at the IN state rate. This means that your next semester will be at the OUT of state rates unless you successfully complete a reconsideration or appeal via RDS.
• If your determination changed from Out to IN, you might be eligible for a refund.

Notices

• Students without an active residency status nor an active continuous enrollment expiration date will not be eligible to register for curriculum courses. Complete the online residency interview through RDS to obtain or to update your RCN.
• It is the student’s responsibility to notify TCCC if North Carolina residency is lost or abandoned while enrolled. Contact Admissions or Registration Services at TCCC.
• Students registered solely for non-credit continuing education courses do not need to establish tuition residency.
• Residency Determination Service (RDS) was established by the N.C. General Assembly to ensure consistency in determining residency across all 58 community colleges and 16 state universities. Individual institutions no longer make residency determinations. If you have questions, please contact RDS. 

Active-Duty Military

Any active-duty member of the Armed Forces qualifying for admission to an institution of higher education as defined in GS 116-143.1 (a)(3) but not qualifying as a resident for tuition purposes under GS 116-143.1 shall be charged the in-state tuition rate and applicable mandatory fees for enrollments while the member of the Armed Forces is abiding in this State incident to active military duty in this State. Active-duty members whose permanent residence is in North Carolina, once verified by RDS, do not require an exception.

The student may be the service member, their spouse, or dependent relative meeting the eligibility for this tuition benefit may request, and be granted, benefits at any time during the term.

Veterans

Under NCGS §116-143.3A26 certain veterans and other individuals who do not meet the criteria to be considered a resident of North Carolina for tuition purposes and who are entitled to federal education benefits under 38 USC Chapter 30, 31, 33, or 35 may be eligible under federal law to be charged the in-state tuition rate and applicable mandatory fees for enrollment without satisfying the 12-month residency requirement under NCGS §116-143.1. Veterans and/or spouses and dependents of veterans, who have been deemed out-of-state by RDS but feel they should be considered for in-state tuition under NCGS §116-143.3A26 should contact the Admissions Office.

Reciprocity Agreement

Tri-County Community College is participating in a pilot program that allows in state tuition for residents of four GA counties: Rabun, Towns, Union, and Fannin. To qualify for in-state tuition rates, a student must still complete the Residency Determination Survey, a requirement through the NC College Community System, but also complete a waiver form with verification of residency in one of the approved counties. These forms are mailed out to GA residents upon application to the college, but also available at
the Harper Help Desk at TCCC Main Campus.

Click here for the Success Without Borders form.

Helpful RDS Information

RDS Top Ten Things to Know as you Start
RDS Reconsideration and Appeal(s) Factsheet
RDS Just the Basics