Residency Verification
All applicants for admission and enrolled students are legally bound to certify the county and state of their legal residency and are obligated to the College for the established tuition and fees.
Bucks County Community College adheres to the Regulations of the State Board of Education of Pennsylvania, Chapter 35, Community Colleges, which defines residency and domicile. The regulations define domicile as "the place where one intends to and does, in fact, permanently reside." The regulations also state "continuous residence in this Commonwealth for a period of 12 months prior to registration as a student. A student may rebut this presumption by convincing evidence." A copy of the regulations is available in the Office of Enrollment Services. If requested to prove residency or to establish residency in Bucks County, documentary evidence from disinterested persons is required.
Examples of factors which may provide convincing evidence include the following:
- copy of a signed lease or proof purchase of a permanent independent residence
- payment of appropriate State and local taxes
- agreement on company letterhead for permanent employment as a resident of the county
For in-county tuition, a student must provide evidence of permanent residency of Bucks County prior to registration.
Non-US citizens must supply admissions with their immigration documents. Visa holders and those who are not legal residents are subject to the out-of-state tuition.
Ownership of property or a business in Bucks County while not actually residing in the county does not qualify a person to attend the College as a county resident.
A student ’s residence is determined at the time the student makes application for admission, readmission,or registration. If you are visiting or living with a relative who is not your parent or guardian,you are not considered a legal resident of Bucks County.
The College reserves the right to challenge a student's residence at any time if there is reason to suspect that the student ’s address is incorrect.
In order for a student to be classified or reclassified as a Bucks County resident for a particular semester, the classification or reclassification must be approved by the Office of Enrollment Services by the end of the third week of classes (or equivalent in condensed terms). Any questions concerning residency should be directed to the Dean of Enrollment Services at esdeansoffice@bucks.edu