Massachusetts regulations state that "residency is not acquired by mere physical presence in Massachusetts while the person is enrolled in an institution of higher education.
To be classified as a resident, an enrolled student must live in Massachusetts as a "traditional resident" (not a student) for approximately 12 months immediately preceding their enrollment to UMass Dartmouth.
Applicants may be required to submit documentation to support a residency classification claim. Residency classification may be based using submitted documentation.
For more information: Regulations governing the residency status of students for tuition purposes
“Parent” shall mean
a) the person’s father and mother, jointly;
b) if the person’s father is deceased, the person’s mother; if the person’s mother is deceased, the person’s father;
c) if a legal guardian has been appointed by a court having jurisdiction, the legal guardian;
d) if neither the father or mother is living and no legal guardian has been appointed, the person who then stands in loco parentis to the person;
e) if the father and mother are divorced, separated or unmarried, the parent who has been awarded legal custody of the person; or if legal custody has not been awarded, the parent with whom the person lives. With respect to any adopted student, the word “adoptive” should be inserted before the words “father” and “mother” wherever used.
Are you a legally emancipated individual? (And add instructional text below)
“Emancipated person,” for the purposes of residency classification for tuition, shall mean a person who has attained the age of 18 years and is financially independent of his or her parents, or if under 18 years of age,
(a) whose parents have entirely surrendered the right to the care, custody, and earnings of such person and who no longer are under any legal obligation to support or maintain such person; or
(b) a person who is legally married; or
(c) a person who has no parent. If none of the aforesaid definitions apply, said person shall be deemed an “unemancipated person.”