Residency status must be determined upon admission to the college in accordance with the Alabama Community College System and the Code of Alabama Section 16-64-4. Prospective students answer screening questions included on the admissions application to assist the College in determining residency.
1. In-State Tuition
The in-state tuition rate is extended to students who have resided for a minimum of twelve continuous months immediately preceding the date of application for admission.
In-state tuition may be extended to students who reside outside of Alabama in a state and county within fifty (50) miles of a Gadsden State Community College campus, provided, however, that the campus must have been in existence and operating as of January 1, 1996. Eligible counties in Georgia include: Carroll, Chattooga, Floyd, Haralson, Heard, Paulding and Polk.
The in-state tuition rate shall be extended to students who have graduated from Alabama high schools or who have obtained a GED in the State of Alabama within three years of the date of their application for admission in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Code of Alabama.
Petition for In-State Residency: Students who are not eligible for in-state tuition based on the standard criteria may still qualify. Interested students must submit the Petition for In-State Residency form and supporting documentation certifying they have more substantial connections in Alabama than any other state. Details are on the Petition for In-State Residency form.
The form and all documents must be submitted by the last day of the Drop/Add period of the full term (fall, spring, summer) for which in-state tuition is sought. Late submissions, if approved, will not take effect until next term.
Submission of the Petition for In-State Residency form does not guarantee a student the in-state tuition rate. Residency status cannot be changed retroactively. Note: In accordance with Section 702 of the Choice Act, out-of-state students receiving Chapter 30 or 33 VA benefits may be eligible for the in-state tuition rate. Please visit the VA Office at the College.
2. Out-of-State Tuition
The out-of-state tuition rate shall be 2.00 times the in-state tuition rate, rounded up to the nearest dollar. International students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate.
Any student who was previously admitted to GSCC but has not attended within one academic year must establish eligibility for in-state tuition upon re-enrollment. Students who cannot provide sufficient evidence of eligibility for in-state tuition will be charged out-of-state tuition.