The community college program in the State of New York was intended to permit students who are State residents to pay a reduced tuition rate. To be eligible for the resident tuition rate, a student must have one year's legal residency in New York State and six months in the County of Nassau.Child's Social Security card; Proof of residency (e.g. , lease agreement, utility bill, etc.) Immunizations and health examinations: You must have lived in New York State for 12 months prior to the start of classes. The certificate of residency obtained from your home county is the only proof of residence that qualifies for resident or in-state tuition.