Note: Residency for tuition purposes is governed by the Texas Education Code. Please be aware that because these rules are state statues, they are subject to change. For the complete rules and regulations, please check the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website at
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/pdf/0183.pdf
If a student's residence in Texas is primarily for the purpose of education and not to establish a domicile, the student shall be classified as a nonresident. A domicile is defined as "Physically residing in Texas for at least 12 consecutive months with the intent to make Texas one's permanent home. The burden of proof that a domicile has been established lies with the student."
To be considered a Texas resident for tuition purposes you must be an U.S. citizen or possess U.S. permanent resident status and meet one of the following criteria:
(A) The student has resided all or most of his or her life in Texas and has never established a domicile in another state;
(B) The student is a dependent of a parent who is a Texas resident. Proof will consist of a statement from the parents residing in Texas certifying that the student is currently claimed as a dependent on their federal income tax
(C) The student has been gainfully employed while residing in Texas as a non-full-time student for the twelve consecutive months preceding his or her enrollment, and other evidence indicating that (s)he has established a domicile in Texas;
(D) The student has come to Texas as a dependent or spouse of a household member moved to the state to accept employment and the student has resided in Texas twelve consecutive months;
(E) All the following criteria are met:
Reside in Texas for at least twelve (12) full consecutive months;
Be an independent adult (not claimed on parent's taxes);
Signed and Notarized Oath of Residency;
Completion of a residency application;
Ownership of a residence (i.e., townhouse, condominium, single family unit, or duplex) for all or most of the past twelve months. Student must be domiciled (reside) in said residence and hold title to the residence in his/her name or with his or her spouse and file for the homestead property tax exemption;
If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, the license must be issued from the State; if not licensed to drive, must have a Texas State identification card;
If registered to vote, registration must be in the state of Texas; and
If the owner of a vehicle, vehicle must be registered in the state of Texas immediately upon expiration of plates from the previous state.
Additionally, one or more of the following criteria must be met:
Membership in state organizations;
Having wills or other legal documents that indicate domicile in Texas;
Establishment of a business in Texas;
Current bank account(s) in Texas opened all or most of the past twelve months.
A nonresident who marries a resident of Texas must establish his or her own residency by meeting the above requirements.
A request for change of state of legal residence must be delivered to Stephanie Tefas in the Office of the Registrar by July 31st. Reclassification of residency is certified only from July 1 - July 31 with the effective date of August 1 each year.
Special requirements exist for non-U.S. citizens and military personnel.
