In-state tuition residency rules by state
Every state sets its own test for who pays resident tuition. Most require twelve months of domicile before the term begins and proof that you intend to stay, not just that you live there. Choose a state for its statute, waiting period, proof requirements and appeal process.
What every state looks at
- Domicile, not just presence. You must live in the state with the intent to make it your permanent home.
- A waiting period. Usually twelve consecutive months before the census date or first day of the term.
- Whose residency counts. Dependent students usually take the domicile of a parent or guardian.
- The purpose of the move. Moving primarily to attend college generally does not establish domicile.
- Who decides. The institution classifies you, under state statute and its board's policy, and runs the appeal.
All 50 state guides
- Alabama in-state tuition
- Alaska in-state tuition
- Arizona in-state tuition
- Arkansas in-state tuition
- California in-state tuition
- Colorado in-state tuition
- Connecticut in-state tuition
- Delaware in-state tuition
- Florida in-state tuition
- Georgia in-state tuition
- Hawaii in-state tuition
- Idaho in-state tuition
- Illinois in-state tuition
- Indiana in-state tuition
- Iowa in-state tuition
- Kansas in-state tuition
- Kentucky in-state tuition
- Louisiana in-state tuition
- Maine in-state tuition
- Maryland in-state tuition
- Massachusetts in-state tuition
- Michigan in-state tuition
- Minnesota in-state tuition
- Mississippi in-state tuition
- Missouri in-state tuition
- Montana in-state tuition
- Nebraska in-state tuition
- Nevada in-state tuition
- New Hampshire in-state tuition
- New Jersey in-state tuition
- New Mexico in-state tuition
- New York in-state tuition
- North Carolina in-state tuition
- North Dakota in-state tuition
- Ohio in-state tuition
- Oklahoma in-state tuition
- Oregon in-state tuition
- Pennsylvania in-state tuition
- Rhode Island in-state tuition
- South Carolina in-state tuition
- South Dakota in-state tuition
- Tennessee in-state tuition
- Texas in-state tuition
- Utah in-state tuition
- Vermont in-state tuition
- Virginia in-state tuition
- Washington in-state tuition
- West Virginia in-state tuition
- Wisconsin in-state tuition
- Wyoming in-state tuition
Already classified as a nonresident?
A residency decision can usually be challenged through reconsideration or an appeal, but the window is often short. Start with what to do in the first 24 hours.
Talk to an attorney about your file
Every residency and accommodations decision turns on specific facts and documents. In a consultation we review yours and tell you plainly where you stand.