Pending Residency Decisions
Students with pending domicile decisions are responsible for paying tuition for at least the in-state rate by the tuition deadline.ÌýOnce the domicile decision is made, if the student is classified at the out-of-state rate, the difference between the in-state and out-of-state rate will be due immediately. Do not wait until the final domicile decision is made to pay tuition!
Apply for In-State Tuition
In-state tuition privileges is only granted to those who apply for in-state tuition. Students should begin the application processÌýat least 21 daysÌýbefore the term.ÌýUnder no circumstances can a request be considered after the first day of classes.ÌýState law prohibits retroactive consideration of domicile (residency). The application will require you to provideÌývalid documentationÌýof your eligibility. Students whose status changes with the University, or who have not been enrolled for one year or longer must reapply for in-state tuition status.
To apply for in-state tuition rates, please review the University's policy onÌýresidency determinationÌýand complete theÌýÌý(paper form also available from the Registrar's Office in Rollins Hall). The completed form should be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar online, in person, or by faxÌýprior to the first day of classesÌýfor the term in question.
Other Ways to Apply
Special Applications
Active duty military, activated guard or reservist members, or guard or reservist members mobilized or on temporary active orders for six months or more, who are residing in Virginia, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. To be eligible, the active duty military member must apply for the in-state tuition rate using theÌý
Spouses and dependent children of active duty military who may qualify for the Military Dependent Tuition Benefit are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of the University Registrar or the appropriate base representatives for full information and application forms.Ìý and a copy of the military member's orders to Virginia must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar prior to beginning classes.
Effective Fall 2020, any student who attended high school for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Virginia and either:
- Graduated on or after July 1, 2008, from a public or private high school or program of home instruction in the CommonwealthÌýor
- Passed, on or after July 1, 2008, a high school equivalency examination approved by the Secretary of Education;Ìýand
- Unless exempted by state law, has filed Virginia income tax returns for at least two years prior to the date of registration or enrollment, or in the case of a dependent student, at least one parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis has done so;Ìýand
- Registers as an entering student or is enrolled in a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth will be eligible for in-state tuition regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
- Students with current F, H3, J, or M visas are not eligible, in accordance with theÌý.
Students meeting the above criteria may apply for in-state tuition rates using the "" (also available on theÌýRegistrar Forms website). Non-degree students who wish to be considered for in-state tuition rates must submit the completed application with their non-degree entry form.
Active duty military, activated guard or reservist members, or guard or reservist members mobilized or on temporary active orders for six months or more, who are residing in Virginia, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. To be eligible, the active duty military member must apply for the in-state tuition rate using theÌý
Spouses and dependent children of active duty military who may qualify for the Military Dependent Tuition Benefit are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of the University Registrar or the appropriate base representatives for full information and application forms.Ìý and a copy of the military member's orders to Virginia must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar prior to beginning classes.
Effective Fall 2020, any student who attended high school for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Virginia and either:
- Graduated on or after July 1, 2008, from a public or private high school or program of home instruction in the CommonwealthÌýor
- Passed, on or after July 1, 2008, a high school equivalency examination approved by the Secretary of Education;Ìýand
- Unless exempted by state law, has filed Virginia income tax returns for at least two years prior to the date of registration or enrollment, or in the case of a dependent student, at least one parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis has done so;Ìýand
- Registers as an entering student or is enrolled in a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth will be eligible for in-state tuition regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
- Students with current F, H3, J, or M visas are not eligible, in accordance with theÌý.
Students meeting the above criteria may apply for in-state tuition rates using the "" (also available on theÌýRegistrar Forms website). Non-degree students who wish to be considered for in-state tuition rates must submit the completed application with their non-degree entry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Establishing Residency (SCHEV)
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia provides general, descriptive information about establishing Virginia domicile in order to qualify for in-state tuition. Inquiries about institutional tuition classification decisions, or explanations involving special circumstances, should be directed to the institution a student plans to attend.
The conditions by which a student may be considered "in-state" for purposes of tuition classification are set forth byÌý. Although individuals may be considered state residents for voting and other legal purposes after being in the state for a short period of time, the Code outlines specific additional requirements that must be met to be classified as "in-state" for tuition purposes.
By law a student or the student's parent(s) must be domiciled in Virginia for at least 12 continuous months immediately preceding the first day of classes.
Yes, but you must maintain the Virginia connections you have established, such as claiming any income as Virginia income for tax purposes. Any interruption or change in these connections could be sufficient cause to negate whatever domicile has been established and could result in having to reestablish domicile upon returning to Virginia. You should check with the institutional tuition classification officer before you leave the state.
Yes, but the mere fact that you are a student is not sufficient evidence to consider you "in-state." Physical presence and intent must be demonstrated.
Not necessarily. Each individual must establish his or her own domicile as prescribed by tuition law.
Yes, recipients of the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) and other Virginia student aid programs must be domiciliary residents.
Non-U.S. citizens are legally capable of establishing domicile where they have been granted the status of lawful permanent residents by the U.S. Immigration Service. Immigrants may claim, and seek to prove, eligibility for in-state tuition rates as Virginia domicile as any citizen of the United States. The burden is on the student to establish, clearly and convincingly, his or her domicile in Virginia for the requisite one-year period.
No. TheÌýCode of VirginiaÌýprovides some exceptions under which in-state tuition or reduced tuition rates might be available. Effective Fall 2006, all dependents of active duty military personnel who are assigned to aÌýpermanent duty stationÌýin Virginia, and who reside in Virginia, are eligible to receive in-state tuition to the Commonwealth's colleges and universities, so long as they are continuously enrolled in the institution. Military spouses and dependents must APPLY for this benefit.
Yes. The non-military spouse must meet the same domicile requirements as any new resident to the state.
No. Effective July 1, 2007, active duty military who are assigned to a Virginia military installation and reside in Virginia are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. Military students must APPLY to receive the in-state rate.
No. Applicants must petition separately at each institution. Each institution must have appropriate documentation to support its classification decision.
Each public institution of higher education has established anÌýappeals processÌýfor students who question decisions on eligibility for in-state charges. The appeals process includes an immediate review and a final administrative review. Due process procedures shall be in writing and shall include time limitations in order to provide for orderly and timely resolutions of all disputes. Any party aggrieved by a final administrative decision shall have the right of review in the Circuit Court for the jurisdiction in which the institution is located.
Definitions of Terms
Domicile is the present, fixed home of an individual to which he or she returns following temporary absences and at which he or she intends to remain indefinitely. Domicile in the Commonwealth must be established 12 months prior to the first day of class.
Intent, together with physical presence, establishes domicile (residency). The tuition law lists several factors which can be used to determine if intent has been established. No one factor is sufficient. In determining domiciliary intent, all of the following factors applicable to the individual are considered:
- payment of Virginia state income tax as a resident
- registering to vote in Virginia
- ownership of real property in Virginia
- acceptance of permanent employment in Virginia
- obtaining a Virginia motor vehicle operator's license
- registration of a motor vehicle in Virginia
- continuous residence in the state of Virginia for at least one year prior to the first day of classes
- sources of financial support
- location of checking or savings accounts or other economic relationship to Virginia
- any other factors which are peculiar to the individual which tend to establish intent to make Virginia one's permanent home.
The burden is assumed by the applicant to provide as much information and documentation as appropriate to support intent. There is no one set of criteria applied to an individual to document peculiar circumstances.
Substantial financial support means financial support in an amount which equals or exceeds that required to qualify the individual to be listed as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns (more than 50%).
Any student who is listed as a dependent on the federal or state income tax return of his or her parent or legal guardian or who receives substantial financial support from his or her parents or legal guardian.
Any student whose parents have surrendered the right to his or her care, custody and earnings, have ceased to support him or her, and have not claimed him or her as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns for at least 12 months prior to the date of the alleged entitlement.
An emancipated minor is a student under the age of 18 whose parents or guardians have surrendered the right to his or her care, custody and earnings and who no longer claim him or her as a dependent for tax purposes.
A legal guardian is someone appointed by the court with personal or financial responsibility for a minor.ÌýNote: Court verification that the appointment was not for tuition purposes and that parents do not contribute to the minor's support is required routinely.
Domicile is the present, fixed home of an individual to which he or she returns following temporary absences and at which he or she intends to remain indefinitely. Domicile in the Commonwealth must be established 12 months prior to the first day of class.
Intent, together with physical presence, establishes domicile (residency). The tuition law lists several factors which can be used to determine if intent has been established. No one factor is sufficient. In determining domiciliary intent, all of the following factors applicable to the individual are considered:
- payment of Virginia state income tax as a resident
- registering to vote in Virginia
- ownership of real property in Virginia
- acceptance of permanent employment in Virginia
- obtaining a Virginia motor vehicle operator's license
- registration of a motor vehicle in Virginia
- continuous residence in the state of Virginia for at least one year prior to the first day of classes
- sources of financial support
- location of checking or savings accounts or other economic relationship to Virginia
- any other factors which are peculiar to the individual which tend to establish intent to make Virginia one's permanent home.
The burden is assumed by the applicant to provide as much information and documentation as appropriate to support intent. There is no one set of criteria applied to an individual to document peculiar circumstances.
Substantial financial support means financial support in an amount which equals or exceeds that required to qualify the individual to be listed as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns (more than 50%).
Any student who is listed as a dependent on the federal or state income tax return of his or her parent or legal guardian or who receives substantial financial support from his or her parents or legal guardian.
Any student whose parents have surrendered the right to his or her care, custody and earnings, have ceased to support him or her, and have not claimed him or her as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns for at least 12 months prior to the date of the alleged entitlement.
An emancipated minor is a student under the age of 18 whose parents or guardians have surrendered the right to his or her care, custody and earnings and who no longer claim him or her as a dependent for tax purposes.
A legal guardian is someone appointed by the court with personal or financial responsibility for a minor.ÌýNote: Court verification that the appointment was not for tuition purposes and that parents do not contribute to the minor's support is required routinely.