Establishing Residency

Eligibility for in-state tuition privileges is governed by §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia. The provisions of this law are set forth, defined, and discussed in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s Domicile Guidelines.

All students who wish to qualify for in-state tuition, including students who have always lived in Virginia, should complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates included in the application for undergraduate admission. To qualify for Virginia residency, you must meet the following criteria prior to the first day of classes for the desired term of entry. These are minimum criteria; additional proof may be required to qualify for in-state tuition privileges.

• Twelve months of continuous residency in the state of Virginia. Students who are living in Virginia for educational purposes only are unlikely to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
• During the period of residency, proof of participation in the “activities of citizenship” must be documented.
• “Activities of citizenship” can be defined as: vehicle registration, drivers licensing, voters registration, payment of state income taxes, or other proof of affiliations within the state of Virginia.
• Any other proof of Virginia as the state of permanent residence. One may not have more than one state of domicile.
• Where applicable, visas allowing the establishment of domicile within the United States.
• Active duty military stationed in Virginia may qualify for immediate domicile through a change in the tax status and the Leave and Earnings statement.

Prospective students with residency questions may contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 540-231-6267. Current students may contact the Office of the University Registrar at 540-231-6252. Additional information is available in the residency instructions and on the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates.