Residence Requirements

Please select from the following topics for more information:

• How your residence status affects your tuition
• Your residence status
• Do you need a Certificate of Residence?
• How do you obtain a Certificate of Residence?
• When to apply for your certificate
• How to apply for a Certificate of Residence

How your residence status affects your tuition

Cayuga’s posted tuition rates apply to New York State residents* only. If you are not a New York State resident, your tuition is double the posted rate.

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Your residence status

• You are a Cayuga County resident if you have been a New York State resident for 1 year and have resided in Cayuga County for 6 months immediately prior to the first day of classes.
• You are an out-of-county resident if you have been a New York State resident for 1 year and resided in a county other than Cayuga. A Certificate of Residence is required from each county you have resided in during the previous 6 months.
• You are an out-of-state resident if you do not fall in either of the categories above or are residing in the United States on a student visa (F-1, J-1) or a work visa (B-1, B-2), regardless of the length of time you have resided here.

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Do you need a Certificate of Residence?

If you have resided in Cayuga County for less than 6 months or are a resident of a New York State county other than Cayuga, you must either submit a Certificate of Residence when you pay your tuition bill or pay the double tuition rate.

This Certificate is issued by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the county in which you reside, not by Cayuga Community College. As a student, it is your responsibility to submit the affidavit/application (choose the appropriate link below) and any necessary documentation to your county office in the time frame required by your county. Be advised that each county has deadlines imposed by state law.

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How do you obtain a Certificate of Residence?

You must apply for a Certificate of Residence. A standard form will be included with your tuition bill, or you can download it here. (This file is in PDF format and requires Adobe Reader, a free download.) Some counties require their own form; see below.

Certificates of residence are issued by your County Treasurer or Chief Fiscal Officer, not by the College. In accordance with New York State Education Law, you must complete the Application for Certificate of Residence and give it to your County’s Chief Fiscal Officer (comptroller or treasurer). Please be prompt. Your County may not provide a certificate after your course ends.

The Certificate of Residence must be dated no earlier than 60 days before the first day of classes. The Cayuga Community College business office must receive the Certificate of Residence by the due date on your tuition bill, or tuition charges will be double.

A Certificate obtained for the fall semester is good through the following summer session, provided your enrollment is continuous.

Unless you live in Cayuga County, you must submit a new certificate each academic year. Note: The following counties will not issue a new certificate every academic year: Chautauqua, Cortland, Franklin, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Onondaga, Ulster, Wayne, and Westchester. For these counties only the certificate is valid for 1 year from the date issued.

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When to apply for your certificate:

You can apply for the Certificate of Residence no earlier than 60 days before the start date of the semester. The Cayuga Community College business office must receive the Certificate of Residence by the due date on your tuition bill , or tuition charges will be double.

The Certificate of Residence must be dated within 60 days of the first day of classes. A Certificate obtained for the fall semester is good through the following summer session, provided your enrollment is continuous. If you are an out-of-county resident, you must submit a new certificate each academic year.

Note: The following counties will not issue a new certificate every academic year: Chautauqua, Cortland, Franklin, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Onondaga, Ulster, Wayne, and Westchester. For these counties only the certificate is valid for 1 year from the date issued.

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How to apply for a Certificate of Residence

1. Complete the application form and have it notarized.

Does your county require its own form?

If your county or borough is listed below, select the link provided for specific information.

2. Submit the notarized application form to your county with 2 of the following documents as proof of residency.*

Your documents must be dated at least 1 year, but no more than 2 years, before the date of the application:

• Driver’s license
• Car registration
• Apartment lease
• Income tax return
• Utility bill
• Voter registration card
• TAP award certificate
• Rent receipts

Please note:

• Your county may require that proof be in your name only.
• Some counties may allow you to submit a copy of a parental income tax return listing you as a dependent.
• New York City and Westchester County require that you appear in person to obtain your certificate of residence.

If you have any questions about your county’s requirements, contact your county office.

4. Mail the NOTARIZED APPLICATION with PHOTOCOPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS to your county. DO NOT SEND THE FORM TO THE COLLEGE.

Click here for county address information.

5. When you receive the Certificate from your county, mail it to:

Business Office
Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin Street
Auburn, NY 13021-3099

* To qualify as a New York State resident, the student must have established residence in New York State for a period of at least 1year, and in a county outside of Cayuga for a period of at least 6 months, both immediately preceding the date of registration. Students who have moved from one county to another must file an application with both counties and submit both certificates to Cayuga Community College. Non-NYS resident students who graduated from a New York State high school within five years preceding registration may be eligible for resident tuition rates. For details contact Cayuga’s business office at 315-255-1792, extension 2450.

For additional information:

Call the Business Office of Cayuga Community College at 315-255-1792, extension 2450.