Ohio Residency

Ohio residency guidelines are established by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), the planning and coordinating agency for higher education in the State of Ohio. Students who are classified as residents for tuition purposes receive the benefit of a state-supported education, funded largely by the taxpayers of Ohio. Therefore, the residency guidelines are meant to exclude from resident classification those people who are in the State of Ohio primarily for the purpose of receiving the benefit of a state-supported education.

The term "Ohio resident" for tuition purposes may differ from other definitions of Ohio residency. A person who has an Ohio driver's license, or who is an Ohio resident for tax, voting, or welfare purposes may not necessarily be considered a resident for tuition purposes. To be classified as a resident for tuition purposes, a student must meet the guidelines for residency as defined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

How was my residency determined?

Ohio Residency Status for Tuition Surcharge Purposes is initially determined by the information contained on the application for admission to Cleveland State University.  The purpose of the Ohio Residency Petition is to communicate regulations provided by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and to provide a means for students to supply additional information and appeal their residency status.

If a student believes he/she qualifies for one of the exceptions to the normal 12-month residency rule (C-2), you still must petition for residency to qualify you as an in-state student.

The State of Ohio's 2012-2013 budget establishes a new provision called "Forever Buckeye." This provision extends the in-state tuition rate to Ohio high school graduates having the current legal status to remain permanently in the United States, who had left Ohio but who return to enroll in an Ohio public institution of higher education and who establish a primary residence in Ohio by the 1st day of classes of the requested term. If you feel you qualify for the Forever Buckeye option please print and complete the Ohio Residency Application and follow the instructions for category C8: Forever Buckeye-Ohio High School Graduates. 

Regulations used to determine Ohio Residency Status for Tuition Purposes are under the authority of the Ohio Department of Higher Education by section 3333.31 of the Ohio Revised Code. Cleveland State University, based on the information provided on this residency petition, adheres to these regulations.

Steps to complete the residency petition:

• Carefully read page 1 of the residency petition. If you have questions please call Campus 411 at 216-687-5411.
• Identify the rule or exception that best fits your situation.
• Identify the documentation required by that rule or exception (attached).
• Complete and sign the application making copies of any necessary documentation.
• Mail, fax or return all material to the Campus 411 (BH 116).

The residency petition is designed to request necessary information; additional information may be requested.

Please type or print.  Petitions that contain illegible or missing data cannot be processed.

DEADLINE: PETITIONS MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE THE LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES FOR THE SEMESTER WHICH YOU ARE PETITIONING FOR RESIDENCY. PLEASE SEE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR DATES: http://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/academic-calendar