Registrar

Residency Reclassification

To qualify as an in-state resident, a student must file a written petition with the Registrar's Office containing a statement of reason to support their claim of Pennsylvania domicile. (See process below)

What does "domicile" mean?

PASSHE Policy states, “Domicile is the place where one intends to reside either permanently or indefinitely and does in fact so reside.”  A person may live in a place for temporary reasons, such as a vacation home or attending college. Once the goal of the temporary reason is accomplished, the person does not intend to remain in that place. Since the person's presence is only for temporary reasons, the individual cannot be considered an in-state resident for tuition purposes.  

There are numerous circumstances under which a student may qualify as in-state for tuition purposes, all of which are clearly outlined in the PA State System of Higher Education Policy on Student Domicile Regulations.  Numerous factors may be considered in determining whether an individual qualifies for residency.

• Students are considered Pennsylvania residents according to the regulations when they have lived in the state continuously for 12 months prior to enrollment at a PASSHE institution.
• Students under 22 years of age are considered to be domiciled with their parents or legal guardians, meaning their residency will match that of their parents.
• Students who are not U.S. Citizens and are on a non-immigrant visa or no visa, are presumed to not be domiciled, or are not residents of Pennsylvania.
• Students receiving scholarships, loans or grants specific to another state, are presumed to not be domiciled in Pennsylvania.

What if the student believes the residency classification is incorrect?

Students who believe their residency classification is incorrect may request a review of their residency status.  During the review, students must provide  clear and convincing evidence that they are in fact domiciled in PA, based on the PASSHE policy and definitions.

Each student situation is unique. The student should consider what documentation supports their residency and financial ties in the state.  The student must prove they are currently residing in the state, have been residing in the state, and plan to reside in the state regardless of being enrolled at the institution. Acts including obtaining a driver’s license, registering a car and signing a lease in the state does not necessarily make a student a PA resident according to the policy. For students under the age of 22, documentation submitted would be to establish their parents domicile in Pennsylvania.  

When do I need to apply?

The deadline to request a change in residency is the last day of the add/drop period of the semester for the current semester. Students should review the academic calendar.

Required Forms

1.  Residency Classification Data Collection Form
   • Filled out completely, including all sections related to financial history
   • Must be signed by the student
   • Must be  notarized
2.  Letter from student explaining domicile change since original classification decision
3.  If under 22 years of age, letter from student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) explaining domicile change.  If the student is claiming financial independence, the letter should also include the facts that establish the student's financial independence and separate residence that is notarized.

Supporting Documentation

If the student has copies of the documentation listed below they are strongly encouraged to supply all possible information.  If information is omitted, they may be asked to produce this documentation to aid in the review process.  Any documentation that cannot be provided should be addressed in the student letter with an explanation as to why it was not included in the materials.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive.  If you have additional documentation to help in your explanation that you are domiciled in the state, please include that with your Residency Classification Data Collection Form.  Because each student situation is unique, the student might have documentation to support their claim and we may not be fully aware.  Anything the student cannot include on the list below should be addressed in the student letter to accompany the Residency Classification Data Collection Form.

1. Federal taxes – most recent copy, signed, dated
   • Students age 21 years old and YOUNGER – Submit your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) tax returns
   • Students age 22 and OLDER – Submit your own tax returns
2. State taxes – most recent copy, signed, dated
   • Students age 21 years old and YOUNGER – Submit your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) tax returns
   • Students age 22 and OLDER – Submit your own tax returns
3. Copy of current lease, mortgage, or proof of home ownership
4. Copy of driver’s license
5. Copy of auto insurance
6. Copy of motor vehicle registration
7. Proof of bank account or written explanation if bank account is out of state
8. Copy of Voter Registration information
9. Proof of permanent, full-time employment in the state
10. Membership in any state-based civic or social organizations
11. If the student is not a U.S. Citizen
    • Provide ALL copies of information pertaining to immigration status

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