New Mexico Residency for In-state Tuition Classification Purposes The rules and regulations for establishing residency for tuition purposes are defined by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (CHE Rule 90) which is authorized by the Constitution of the State of New Mexico and the state statutes (chapter 235, IE, NMSL 1971 and Section 21-1-4.E NMSA 1978) for providing classification for a tuition differential between resident and nonresident students. An individual must establish legal residency in New Mexico before he or she is entitle to pay in-state tuition rates. The requirements to establish residency for tuition purposes are independent from those of other types of residency such as voting or holding public office. A legal resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth by this policy. These regulations for residency apply to all public post-secondary institutions in the State of New Mexico, including branches and community colleges. The full policy (CHGE Rule 910) are available at the Registrar's Office.