RDS, or the Residency Determination Service, is the first step in the college application process.

What is RDS?

Residency Determination Service (RDS) is the service that North Carolina uses in order to determine residency for all college students.  Establishing residency is important so that you will be eligible for in-state tuition to a North Carolina college as opposed to having to pay out-of-state tuition.  All students will need to complete RDS.  Upon completion, you will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN).  You will need to enter this number into your college applications where prompted so that schools will know your residency status.

Visit the website and complete the form: https://ncresidency.cfnc.org/residencyInfo/ 

Check out the images below for instructions and tips email or meet with your Counselor or Next Step Advisor for assistance!