51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Residency Information

The following information applies to new, former, returning, and continuing students.

Forms and Documents

• Affidavit of Intent to Become a Permanent Resident or Affidavit of Intent
• Residency Core Questions
• Documentation to Support Domicile and Residency

Things to Remember

• Residency for tuition purposes at a public college or university in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is different from residency for voting or tax purposes.
• There must be conclusive evidence of the student's intent to permanently establish his/her domicile in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
• The student has the burden of proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that residency or domicile, as appropriate, has been established and maintained in accordance with the rules.
• Residency rules are subject to change at any time due to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø legislation.
• Students who are classified as a nonresident must pay out-of-state tuition rates prior to establishing 51³Ô¹ÏÍø residency.

Pathways to Being Classified as a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Resident for Tuition Purposes 

The Rule 36/12

A person is entitled to classification as a resident for tuition purposes if that person:

1. graduated from a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø public or accredited private high school, and
2. resided in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø for the 36 consecutive months (three years) leading up to graduation or receipt of the diploma equivalent, and 
3. resided in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø the 12 consecutive months (one year) leading up to the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in the institution of higher education.

If you are neither a US Citizen nor have a Permanent Resident card issued from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you are considered as an International Student and must submit a copy of the Affidavit of Intent to Become a Permanent Resident stating that you will apply for permanent residency when you are eligible to do so. 

Note: If you currently hold a Student Visa or will be applying for a Student Visa to attend school in the US, you are not eligible for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Residency for tuition purposes.

Independent Individual Basing Residency on Self

Independent students are those who provide more than half of their own financial support and are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent for income tax purposes. A person is entitled to classification as a resident for tuition purposes if that person:

1. established a residence in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø not less than 12 consecutive months (one year) before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in the institution of higher education, and
2. maintained the residency in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continuously for the 12 months (one year) leading up to the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in the institution of higher education. 

The student will be required to complete and submit the Residency Core Questions and provide supporting documentation. 

Dependent Individual Basing Residency on Parent or Guardian

Dependent students are those who are eligible to be claimed as a dependent of a parent or legal guardian for income tax purposes or who are less than 18 years of age and have not been emancipated by marriage or court order.

A dependent person is entitled to be classified as a resident for tuition proposes if the parent or guardian of that person: 

1. established a residence in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø not less than 12 consecutive months (one year) before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in the institution of higher education, and
2. maintained the residency in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continuously for the 12 months (one year) leading up to the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in the institution of higher education. 

The student will be required to complete and submit the Residency Core Questions and provide supporting documentation. For more information on establishing residency as a dependent, please review the Residency Core Questions.

Military Personnel or Dependents of Military Personnel

A member of the US Armed Services whose Home of Record with the military is 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is presumed to be a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children. A member whose Home of Record is not 51³Ô¹ÏÍø but who provides the institution a Leave and Earnings Statement that shows the member claims 51³Ô¹ÏÍø as his or her place of residence during the year prior to enrollment in the institution of higher education is presumed to be a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø resident, as are his or her spouse and dependent children.

Nonresident active duty military personnel, and/ or their dependents, who are stationed with a unit in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø may submit a Military Residency Declaration form to receive the tuition waiver.

International Students

International students who are eligible to establish a domicile in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø may also qualify for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø resident status. Students with a Student Visa do not qualify. For more information on establishing residency as an international student, review the Residency Core Questions.

Correcting Errors in the Residency Classification

Sometimes students submit incorrect information or information that makes it appear as though they are non-residents when they actually do qualify for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø residency. In such cases, the students must submit additional documents to correct their status.

Students who are incorrectly classified as nonresidents can take steps to correct the error by submitting additional information to the university in the form of the Residency Core Questions.

For detailed information about regulations relating to residency in the State of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, visit the  page.