Texas Residency
Texas law classifies each person who applies for admission to a Texas public college or university as:
- A resident of Texas;
- A nonresident; or
- A foreign (international) student.
How you’re classified is important because it determines whether you pay non-resident tuition rates or in-state rates, which are lower. Being a resident also qualifies you to apply for financial aid awarded by the state.
Determining Residency
When you apply for admission, the university uses information you provide on the admissions application to make an initial determination about residency. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board establishes the rules that govern Texas residency for higher education in Texas.)
If the submitted information indicates you aren’t a U.S. citizen or permanent resident but that you may qualify for residency based on Texas high school graduation, you will be prompted by the application to download and submit the Residency Affidavit. It must be completed, signed, notarized and submitted to the university.
Residency Classification Review
Sometimes students submit incorrect information or information that makes it appear as though they are non-residents when they actually do qualify for Texas residency. In other cases, students initially ineligible for residency later become eligible.
If you believe you are incorrectly classified, take steps to correct the inaccuracy by submitting the Residency Core Questions.
In some cases, responses to questions on the form show that the student meets the requirements for one of the two options available for establishing residency:
High School Graduation
This option for establishing Texas residency is available to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and to international students.
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Establishing Domicile
This option for establishing Texas residency is available to:
- Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (Non-citizens and non-permanent residents may also use this option if they have an application for permanent residency on file with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.)
- International students who possess an eligible visa
More Information
Appeals
If you’ve submitted the Residency Core Questions and have been classified as a non-Texas resident after review of the form, you have the option to appeal your residency determination. You must do so before the 12th class day of the semester.
To appeal, email the Residency Appeals Committee stating why you should be considered a Texas resident and providing any additional information you can offer in support of your case. The committee will review the information you submit and make a determination.
The decision of the Residency Appeals Committee is final.