Forms and Exceptions

The tuition and residency classification policy for Arizona’s three state universities (The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University) is set by the Arizona Board of Regents as authorized by the Arizona State Legislature. The general rule for resident classification for tuition purposes includes evidence of 12 months continued physical presence with concurrent permanent intent to be a resident of Arizona.

There are certain exceptions to the general rule. A student may also be eligible for resident status if they can establish that on or before the last day of regular registration, they meet one of the exceptions to the general rule listed below.

If you are a non-citizen, please review Visa Types & Residency Eligibility .

Deadline for Fall 2024: All residency classification forms and supporting documentation must be submitted on or before September 3, 2024. Forms submitted after this deadline will not be considered for the Fall 2024 term. Students who would like a decision by the first day of classes for the fall term must submit all forms and supporting documentation on or before July 19, 2024.

The student qualifies for residency if they have participated in an AmeriCorps program or the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program for at least one year in the state of Arizona.

The student may qualify under this AmeriCorps or VISTA Residency Classification Exception if they meet the requirement below:

• AmeriCorps or VISTA documentation to show 1 year of service completed in Arizona.

Additional Information

• The 12 months of AmeriCorps or VISTA service need to be completed before the first day of classes for the semester you are applying for residency for tuition purposes.

Required Documentation

Provide proof of one of the following:

• A copy of their AmeriCorps or VISTA service contract
• A copy of their AmeriCorps or VISTA completion letter
• An official letter from AmeriCorps or VISTA

Non-resident students who have earned an Arizona high school diploma or general education diploma and attended high school in Arizona for a minimum of three years while physically present in Arizona (the three years of Arizona high school attendance do not need to be consecutive) may be eligible for an undergraduate tuition rate equivalent to 150 percent times the in-state tuition rate, which means that instead of out-of-state tuition, you pay the in-state tuition rate plus half of the in-state tuition rate.

The student may qualify for the High School 150 tuition rate if they meet all the requirements below:

1. They are an undergraduate student.
2. They are not eligible for Arizona residency for tuition purposes.
3. They have attended high school in Arizona for a minimum of three years while physically present in Arizona.
4. They graduated from an Arizona high school (or attained the equivalent while physically present in Arizona for a minimum of three years).

Additional Information

• The Arizona High School 150 tuition rate applies only to undergraduate programs. This rate does not apply to differential tuition, or tuition for on-line, accelerated, or distributed programs.
• “High School” is defined as grades 9-12. Completion of the 9th grade while physically present in Arizona, whether at an Arizona middle school or high school or equivalent, will count toward the Arizona high school attendance requirement.
• The three years of Arizona high school attendance do not need to be consecutive.
• A student who meets the requirements of this policy will be eligible for the undergraduate tuition rate of 150 percent regardless of when the student graduated from an Arizona high school.
• The undergraduate tuition rate of 150 percent cannot be combined with Arizona Merit Scholarships.

Required Documentation

Submit a copy of your Arizona High School transcript (or GED equivalent) to the Office of Admissions. If you have not already submitted this document, please send it electronically to admissions@arizona.edu .

Students who qualify as non-citizen and may be eligible to receive an in-state tuition rate providing they meet the two requirements outlined in Arizona Proposition 308 .

The student may qualify for the Arizona High School Graduate – Qualifying Non-Citizen tuition rate if they meet all the requirements below:

1. They are a qualifying non-citizen and attended an Arizona public or private high school, or homeschool for a minimum of two years.
2. They graduated from an Arizona public or private high school, or homeschool equivalent, or obtained an Arizona high school equivalency diploma, e.g., a general equivalency diploma (GED).

Additional Information

The two years of Arizona high school attendance do not need to be consecutive.

For more information on Arizona Proposition 308, please review the information sheet (in English and Spanish) prepared by the Arizona Board of Regents.

Required Documentation

• Submit a copy of your Arizona high school transcript (or GED equivalent) to the Office of Admissions. If you have not already submitted this document, please send it electronically to admissions@arizona.edu .
• One of the following items to show proof of qualifying non-citizenship:
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
  • Birth Certificate
  Citizens of Freely Associated States Exception

  Effective July 1, 2024 and forward

  The student is a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

  The student may qualify under the Citizens of Freely Associated States Exception if they meet the requirement below:

  • The student is a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

  Required Documentation
  Provide proof of one of the following:

  • A copy of your passport for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
  • A copy of your birth certificate for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.
  Dependent Student

  The student is domiciled in Arizona and has not met the one-year durational requirement, but one or both of the student's parents are domiciled in Arizona and are entitled to claim them as a dependent child for state and federal tax purposes (whether or not the parent actually claimed the student as a dependent child).

  The student may qualify for the Dependent Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

  1. The student is domiciled in Arizona, AND
  2. One or both parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of the student are domiciled in Arizona, and permanently living in Arizona prior to the first day of the semester, AND
  3. The student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are entitled to claim the student as a dependent child for Federal and State tax purposes (whether or not the parent actually claims the student as a dependent child).
  4. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

  Additional Information

  • Federal Definition of a Qualifying Child
    • Age: the student must be under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student for at least five months of the year. There is no age limit if the student is permanently and totally disabled.
    • Support: the student did not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year.

    Required Documentation

    From both parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and student:

    • Arizona driver’s license or ID
    • Arizona vehicle registration/title
    • Arizona voter registration

    From parent(s)/legal guardian(s) only:

    • A current bill indicating parent(s)/legal guardian(s) name, Arizona address, and the date.
    • Arizona employment verification (ex. paystub, Arizona withholdings, Arizona offer letter). If unemployed, submit a copy of resignation from previous employer.
    • Proof of lease or ownership of real property:
      • Mortgage statement
      • Home closing statement
      • Home deed
      • Real estate taxes
      • Rental agreement or lease
      • If parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are divorced: divorce/ legal separation paperwork.
      • If the student is under legal guardianship: Legal guardianship paperwork must be provided by a superior court and signed by a judge. Notarized letters are not objective evidence.
      • USPS Change of Address Form
      • Younger sibling(s) school of enrollment
      • Verification of transfer of household goods (moving bill)
      • If home ownership exists in another state, verification that home is for sale
      • If home in prior state was sold, proof the home sold
      • If unemployed, submit copy of resignation from previous employer
      • Verification of retirement
      • Statement explaining relocation to Arizona
      • Bank document must show parent(s)/legal guardian(s) name, Arizona address, and the date.
      Federal Service in Arizona

      Effective July 1, 2024 and forward

      The student is a member of a qualifying federal service who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in Arizona OR the student is the spouse or dependent child of a member of a qualifying federal service who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in Arizona.

      The student qualifies under the Federal Service in Arizona Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

      1. The student is a member of a qualifying Federal Service OR they are the spouse or dependent student of a qualifying Federal Service member. This includes the Foreign Service and the Intelligence Community.
      2. The Federal Service member is on active duty.
      3. The Federal Service member is currently stationed or on contract in Arizona for more than 30 days.
      4. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

      Additional Information

      • A student does not lose resident status while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled if Federal Service is discontinued.

      Required Documentation

      From the Federal Service member:

      • One of the following items to show proof of service in Arizona:
        • Orders indicating Arizona as place of service
        • Contract indicating Arizona as place of service

        If the student is the spouse of the Federal Service member:

        • Marriage license

        If the student is the dependent of the Federal Service member:

        • Student birth certificate
        Federal Service Outside Arizona

        Effective July 1, 2024 and forward

        The student is a member of a qualifying federal service who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is outside Arizona OR the student is the spouse or dependent child of a member of a qualifying federal service who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is outside Arizona. In addition, the Federal Service member claims Arizona as their legal state of residence.

        The student qualifies under the Federal Service Outside Arizona Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

        1. The student is a member of a qualifying Federal Service OR they are the spouse or dependent student of a qualifying Federal Service member. This includes the Foreign Service and the Intelligence Community.
        2. The Federal Service member is on active duty.
        3. The Federal Service member is currently stationed or on contract outside of Arizona for more than 30 days.
        4. The Federal Service member claims Arizona as their legal state of residence.
        5. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

        Additional Information

        • A student does not lose resident status while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled if Federal Service is discontinued.

        Required Documentation

        From the Federal Service member:

        • One of the following items to show proof of service:
          • Orders indicating place of service
          • Contract indicating place of service
          • State and Federal Tax form for most recent year
          • W2 form most recent year
          • Most recent pay stub

          If the student is the spouse of the Federal Service member:

          • Marriage license

          If the student is the dependent of the Federal Service member:

          • Student birth certificate
          Married to AZ Resident

          The student is domiciled in Arizona and has not met the one-year durational requirement, but the student’s spouse has established domicile in this state for at least one year, has demonstrated financial independence, and is entitled to claim the student as an exemption for federal and state tax purposes.

          The student may qualify under the Arizona Resident Spouse Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

          1. The student is domiciled in Arizona.
          2. The student’s spouse has established domicile in Arizona for at least 12 months immediately preceding the last day of registration and the spouse has demonstrated financial independence.
          3. The student’s spouse is entitled to claim the student as an exemption for federal and state tax purposes.
          4. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

          Additional Information

          • The student will need to submit proof of a marriage certificate or marriage license ( a significant other, fiancé, domestic partner does not qualify under this exception).
          • The marriage certificate or license must be dated before the first day of school.
          • The student’s spouse must be employed.

          Required Documentation

          From the student:

          • One of the following items to show proof of living in Arizona:
            • Arizona voter registration
            • Arizona vehicle registration
            • Arizona driver’s license or ID
              

            From the spouse:

            • Arizona voter registration
            • Arizona vehicle registration
            • Arizona driver’s license or ID
            • State and Federal tax forms for the most recent tax year
            • Pay stub from about 12 months ago must show name, Arizona address and date
            • Recent pay stub must show name and Arizona address and date
            Military Choice Act

            The student is using Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active-Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, or the Marine Gunnery Sargent John David Fry Scholarship, AND qualifies as a “covered individual” under Section 702 of The Veterans Access, Choice, & Accountability Act of 2014.

            The student qualifies under the Military Choice Act Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

            1. The student is a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve) or they are the spouse or dependent student of a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve)
            2. They are using one of the following for the semester of residency application:
               1. Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
               2. Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment
               3. Chapter 33 Post- 9/11 GI Bill
               4. Chapter 35 DEA
               5. Marine Gunnery Sargeant John David Fry Scholarship at this institution
               1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
               2. An approved VR&E Authorization (Chapter 31 only)

               Additional Information

               • The student must be physically present in Arizona prior to submitting this application.
               • If the student is not currently physically present in Arizona, you may not apply for residency under this form until you relocate to Arizona and obtain the Arizona documentation.
               • Proof of living in Arizona document must include the student's name, a recent date, and their Arizona address.
               • The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

               Required Documentation

               • The student is required to have one of the following items to show proof of living in Arizona:
                 • Arizona driver’s license
                 • Arizona vehicle registration
                 • Arizona voter registration
                 • Employment history in Arizona
                 • Transfer of major banking services to Arizona
                 • Change of permanent address of all pertinent records
                 • Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status
                   
                 • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
                 • An approved VR&E Authorization (Chapter 31 only)
                   
                 Military Honorably Discharged

                 A student who is a veteran discharged with a character of service of “honorable” and can provide objective evidence of intent to be a resident of Arizona.

                 The student qualifies under the Honorably Discharged Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

                 1. Have proof of Honorable Discharge
                 2. Have proof of living in Arizona
                 3. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona

                 Required Documentation

                 One of the following items to show proof of living in Arizona:

                 • Arizona driver’s license
                 • Arizona vehicle registration
                 • Arizona voter registration
                 • Employment history in Arizona
                 • Transfer of major banking services to Arizona
                 • Change of permanent address of all pertinent records
                 • Other materials of whatever kind or source relevant to domicile or residency status
                 • DD-214 Member 4 showing Honorable Discharge
                 • Service 2 showing Honorable Discharge
                 Military Stationed Outside Arizona

                 The student qualifies under the Military Stationed Outside Arizona Exception if you meet all the requirements below:

                 1. The student is a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve) on active duty OR the student is the spouse or dependent of a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve) on active duty.
                 2. The military member is stationed outside of Arizona pursuant to military order.
                 3. The military member’s home of record on their Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) indicates Arizona for at least twelve months prior to the last date of registration.
                 4. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

                 Additional Information

                 • The Military member claiming in-state status under this section will need to submit two Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) for the military member.
                 • Both LES documents should indicate Arizona as the military member's home of record and one statement should be recently obtained and the other statement should be from 12 months prior.

                 Required Documentation

                 From the Military member:

                 • 1 LES document dated from about 12 months ago.
                 • 1 LES documentation recently dated.
                 Military Stationed in Arizona

                 The student is a member of the US Armed Forces (including Reserves and the National Guard) stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders, OR is a member's spouse or dependent child at the time of admission.

                 The student qualifies under the Military Stationed in Arizona Exception if you meet all the requirements below:

                 1. The student is a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve) on active duty OR the student is the spouse or dependent of a member of the US Armed Forces (includes AZ National Guard or Reserve) on active duty.
                 2. The active duty military member is currently stationed in Arizona.
                 3. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

                 Additional Information

                 • A student does not lose resident status while in continuous attendance toward the degree for which currently enrolled if military service is discontinued.
                 • A student domiciled in Arizona immediately prior to becoming a member of the US Armed Forces will not lose resident status due to their absence from Arizona while a member of the US Armed Forces, provided that they have demonstrated continued intent to maintain an Arizona domicile.

                 Required Documentation

                 From the Military member:

                 If the student is the spouse of the Federal Service member:

                 • Marriage license

                 If the student is the dependent of the Federal Service member:

                 • Student birth certificate
                 Native American

                 The student is an enrolled member of one of the 22-federally-recognized Arizona tribes and can verify tribal affiliation.

                 The student may qualify under Arizona Native American Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

                 1. The student is an enrolled member of one of the 22-federally-recognized Arizona tribes
                 2. The student is able to verify tribal affiliation.

                 Additional Information

                 • Per the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR): The student is an enrolled member of an Indian tribe recognized by the United States Department of Interior whose reservation land lies wholly or partially in Arizona and extends into another state and is a resident of the reservation. For purposes of residency classification, enrollment as a tribal member in a federally recognized tribe whose reservation land lies wholly or partially in Arizona will be sufficient to establish residency for tuition purposes.

                 Required Documentation

                 The student must provide a copy of their Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal Identification Card. Documents showing tribal affiliation must be uploaded to the website within one week of the first day of classes for the fall and spring semesters.

                 Teachers on Contract

                 The student is an employee of a school district in this state and is under contract to teach on a full-time basis, or is employed as a full-time non-certified classroom aide, at a school within that school district.

                 The student may qualify under the Teachers on Contract Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

                 1. The student is an employee of a school district in this state and is under contract to teach on a full-time basis; or is employed as a full-time, non-certified classroom aide at a school within that school district.
                 2. The student is eligible for in-state classification only for courses necessary to complete the requirements for certification by the State Board of Education to teach in a school district in this state. This does not include other members of the student’s family.
                 3. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

                 Additional Information

                 • This exception only applies to the teacher who is on contract, not their family members.
                 • The student must be ONLY enrolled in courses necessary to complete their teaching requirements determined by the Arizona State Board of Education.

                 Required Documentation

                 • Teaching contract from the school district.
                 • One of the following to show proof of domicile in Arizona:
                   • Arizona driver’s license/ ID
                   • Arizona vehicle registration/ title
                   • Arizona voter registration
                   • Lease or property deed
                   • Recent paystub
                   Transferred Employee

                   The student may qualify under the Transferred Employee Exception if they meet all the requirements below:

                   1. The student is domiciled in Arizona.
                   2. The student (or their spouse) is employed by an employer which transferred them to Arizona for employment purposes.
                   3. The employee (the student or their spouse) was transferred at the direction of, and for the benefit of their employer.
                   4. The employee (the student or their spouse) is not self-employed or employed in a family-owned business not previously operating in Arizona.
                   5. The student must not hold a visa that prohibits establishing domicile in Arizona.

                   Additional Information

                   • If the transferred employe is the student’s spouse, the student will need to submit proof of a marriage certificate or marriage license ( a significant other, fiancé, domestic partner does not qualify under this exception).
                   • The marriage certificate or license must be dated before the first day of school.

                   Required Documentation

                   • One of the following to show proof of domicile in Arizona:
                     • Arizona driver’s license/ ID
                     • Arizona vehicle registration/ title
                     • Arizona voter registration
                     • Mortgage statement
                     • Home closing statement
                     • Home deed
                     • Real estate taxes
                     • Rental agreement or lease
                     • Document must show reimbursement of moving expenses paid by employer. Document can include moving bill or truck rental paid by employer.
                     • First paystub received as an Arizona employee
                     • Marriage License

                     New students matriculating in Fall 2024 and earlier: New and readmitted students who matriculated (began attending) in Fall 2024 and prior can continue to submit PDF exception forms to reg-rco@arizona.edu.

                     Continuing students in Fall 2024 and earlier: Continue to submit PDF exception forms to reg-rco@arizona.edu.

                     New students matriculating in Spring 2025 and beyond: New and readmitted students who matriculate (began attending) as of Spring 2025 and beyond will not need to submit PDF exception forms. Supporting documents can be directly uploaded when completing the Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes form in UAccess Student Center.

                     Commonly Used Residency Forms

                     Listed below are commonly used forms for residency classification purposes. Before submitting your form, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE SUBMITTING THE CORRECT FORM BY READING THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION below each link. If you have any questions, call the Residency Classification Office at 520-621-3113.

                     To view and print the .pdf (portable document format) file, you must have Adobe Acrobat® Reader™ software installed on your computer.

                     Residency Review Form

                     Students who believe they were incorrectly classified as a non-resident by a Residency Classification Officer may request a review by the Residency Review Committee. Students may only submit the review form for the same semester they were classified as a non-resident and must submit the form prior to the deadline indicated on the form. Forms submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed.

                     Petition to Change Residency Classification

                     Used by CONTINUING STUDENTS (must have been enrolled in previous semester to petition) to re-apply for Arizona resident status. Students are eligible to re-apply for Arizona Residency for Tuition Purposes every major term (fall/spring) if their situation changes and they believe they meet the reclassification criteria set forth by the Arizona Board of Regents Policy. Please see the Petition to Change Residency Classification form for the deadline for each semester.