Complete RDS before College Application Week!

Next week, a group of colleges in North Carolina will waive their application fees for students who apply through CFNC.org. There is an important step that you will need to do before you are able to submit any applications to in-state public institutions. In order for a student to receive the benefits of in-state tuition and state financial aid, a residency determination is required from RDS. This step must be completed with guardians due to the information it asks for. Please follow the steps below...

1. Go to RDS at ncresidency.org

   1. Log in to RDS using your CFNC username and Password (RESET if you can't remember)

   2. Update student profile (SSN and Date of Birth are critical, make sure they are correct).

2. Do RDS Online Interview using the following information of guardians...

   1. social security numbers

   2. tax return information

   3. vehicle registration

   4. driver's license numbers

   5. voter registration

   6. other information determined necessary by RDS

   7. Upload any required documents

3. Please remember

   1. BE ACCURATE Mistakes cause BIG problems in RDS and at the college

   2. FINISH Finish the RDS interview or your request will be cancelled and you have to start over.

   3. DON'T GUESS RDS checks answers with other NC state agencies

   4. SUBMIT DOCS You have 25 days to submit any and all documentation.

4. When you are finished you will see...

   1. RCN Residency Certification Number

      1. This number will never change. Make sure to write it down for your records.

   2. CLASSIFICATION Student will be listed as a Resident or Non-resident AND "In-State or Out-of-State" for tuition purposes

   3. DOCUMENTS Most students will not need documents. RDS will tell you if and what you need to submit. You have 25 days to submit.

5. Don't agree with RDS determination? Student can...

   1. Log in to RDS to review status, residency classification, and check for required documents

   2. Correct or enter additional information in a RECONSIDERATION

   3. APPEAL decision within the first 10 days. You must provide special information to prove NC residency.

   4. Call RDS toll-free 1.844.319.3640