Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for evaluating residency status for the purposes of tuition. Residency determinations are based on students’ responses as submitted via the Core Residency Questionnaire and required documentation subject to review by university officials. The University is guided by the Texas Administrative Code, Rule 21.24, the Rules and Regulations for Determining Residence Status of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and University Regulations. Under the state statutes and regulations, for tuition purposes, a student or prospective student is classified either as a resident of Texas, nonresident (U.S. citizens from another state), or international student (citizen from another country).
A resident of the State of Texas for tuition purposes is an individual or dependent who has physically resided (or whose parent has physically resided) in the state of Texas for a period of 12 continuous months prior to enrollment, or is an individual who graduated from a Texas high school and has maintained a residence in Texas continuously for at least three years prior to the date of that graduation and one year prior to enrollment. Individuals seeking to establish resident status under the second definition, and who are not citizens or permanent residents, must provide an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity of eligibility. Students are required to complete the Core Residency Questionnaire as part of the application process and submit it before the start of classes in the term for which reclassification of Texas residency status is sought. Residency for tuition purposes will be based on this questionnaire and other information and documentation submitted by the student as required by University residency officials in accordance with Texas Education Code. Documentation may include but is not limited to a combination of the following to satisfy domicile and physical presence requirements:
Physical Presence:
- Rental or lease agreements
- Copies of voter registration cards
- Copies of utility bills
- Copies of bank statements (financial details may be redacted)
- Payroll check copies or check stubs
- Evidence of receipt of social services
Domicile:
- Formal letters of employment on letterhead
- Copies of professional licenses or certification to conduct business or trades in Texas
- Copies of deeds to residential property
A nonresident for tuition purposes is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who has not lived and worked in the state of Texas for a period of 12 months prior to enrollment. An international student is a person who is a citizen of another country.
Residency for tuition purposes for a dependent is established based on the residency of the parents or legal guardian. Similarly, students pursuing Texas residency through a spouse are required to show proof of marriage for at least twelve months.
While these state requirements for establishing residency are complex and should be referred to in each circumstance, they generally require a minimum of 12 months of residence and gainful employment or ownership of residential property in Texas prior to enrollment, along with evidence of physical presence. Individuals classified as a nonresident or an international student may qualify for resident tuition rates and other charges while continuing to be classified as a nonresident or an international student under the following exceptions:
- Students who receive academic competitive scholarships
- Teaching or research assistants
- Faculty employment
- Certain visa types
- Military
Additional information on residency, reclassification, tuition exceptions and waivers is available through the U Central website.
Students are required to sign an oath of residency as part of the application process. Residency for tuition purposes will be based on this oath and other information and documentation submitted by the student as required by The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and/or The Office of the University Registrar or other designated university officials.
For more information, contact the:
Office of the University Registrar
registrar@utrgv.edu
Phone: 956-882-4026
One West University Blvd.
The Tower, Main, Rm. 1.101
Brownsville, TX 78520
1201 West University Dr.
Student Services Bldg., 1st Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539