Emancipation Residency
The information on this websiteÌýis considered to be general guidance and is not legal advice. Refer to theÌý to view the actual law.
Eligibility Criteria
Students who do not qualify to submit anÌýadult or parent petition should read the requirements carefully before attempting to petition as an "emancipated minor" (see definition below).
Proving emancipation is extremely rare, and is virtually impossible for most undergraduate students.
What Is Emancipation?
According to Colorado tuition classification statutes, a student who is not yet 23 years of age may qualify as an "emancipated minor" if the student demonstrates complete financial and residential independence, as well asÌýColorado domicile, for at least one year prior to the first day of classes in the semester for which they are petitioning.
A student who is emancipated receives no financial support from theirÌýparents, family, friends or other such sources, including from funds that their parents or others previously established for them.
Petition Process
Step 1: Complete the TC 101 Course (Required)
Students attempting to prove emancipation mustÌýcomplete our Tuition Classification 101 online Skillsoft course. If you don't have access to Buff Portal, please email tuitclass@colorado.edu for your next steps.
To access the course:
- Log in to Ìý(note: the course doesn't work well on mobile devices).
- On the , click "Start Skillsoft."
- On the Skillsoft home page, search for "CU: Emancipation TC 101."
- Click "Launch"Ìýand complete the course.
- On the final course page,Ìýclick the linkÌýto download the paper emancipation petition.
Step 2: Submit an Emancipation Petition
Complete the petition and submit itÌýwith all required supporting documentationÌýto the Office of the Registrar during theÌýposted submisson period for that semester.
The online petitionÌýcan't be savedÌýand accessed later, so you'll need toÌýgather your supporting documentation ahead of time. All required documents must be savedÌýelectronically as PDF, JPEG, TIFF orÌýPNG files, including your:
- Colorado employment verification
- Driver's license, state ID card or driver's history
- Lease or deed to verify physical presence
Step 3: Respond Promptly to Any Requests
Monitor your email and to-do itemsÌýfor important communications andÌýdecisions. If you don't reply to a requestÌýfor additional information by theÌýstated deadline, your petition may be closed with no option for appeal.
Step 4: Maintain Your Financial Independence
If you're granted in-state tuition status as an emancipated minor, you must maintain financial independence. If you don't, you'll be subject toÌýreclassification as a nonresident.
Contact Us
Ìý Ìýtuitclass@colorado.edu
Ìý Ìý303-492-6970 (option 3)
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