Residency Requirements

As a graduate student, you are not required to become a Colorado resident, but there are great advantages in establishing residency. Tuition for out-of-state students is considerably higher than for students who are Colorado residents.  If you plan to establish Colorado residency, you will be responsible for gathering documentation that shows your intent to reside in Colorado, including a signed lease, a voter’s registration card, vehicle registration, and a driver’s license.  These documents must be obtained a full year prior to the granting of residency, which means they should be obtained immediately upon your arrival, prior to the start of your first semester.  During your first year at CSU, you should also pay your Colorado State taxes.  The Office of Financial Aid offers seminars on how to become a resident. You will be required to write an essay to prove your intent to remain in Colorado. Be sure to keep copies of all forms and documentation for your own records.  Submit your residency packet to Financial Aid documentation early, because residency requests are processed in the order in which they are received.  If your resident status is not approved by the beginning of your 3rd semester, you will be responsible for the out-of-state portion of your tuition.

https://financialaid.colostate.edu/in-state-tuition-requirements/