Become an In-State Resident
Students who believe they qualify for Texas residency may request classification or reclassification by following the guidelines below.
Residency Reclassification for Current Students
If you are currently classified as a nonresident and believe you qualify for Texas residency, you may apply for reclassification.
To request reclassification, complete the Residency Reclassification Packet (PDF) and submit all required documentation.
Residency classification remains in effect each semester unless officially updated through this process.
How to Establish Texas Residency
To qualify for Texas residency for tuition purposes, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully present in the United States. Eligible individuals may establish residency through one of the following two pathways.
Option 1: Establishing Residency Through Domicile
You may qualify for Texas residency by establishing and maintaining domicile in Texas for 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment.
If you are independent for tax purposes, you must meet the domicile requirements yourself. If you are claimed as a dependent, your parent or legal guardian must establish and maintain domicile in Texas.
Domicile may be demonstrated through one of the following:
- Full-time gainful employment in Texas (student employment does not qualify)
- Sole or joint ownership or lease of residential real property in Texas
- Ownership and operation of a business in Texas
- Marriage to a person who has established Texas domicile
Both physical presence in Texas and evidence of domicile must be maintained for 12 consecutive months.
Option 2: Establishing Residency Through Texas High School Graduation
You may qualify for residency through high school graduation if you:
- Graduate from a Texas high school or receive a GED in Texas
- Live in Texas for three years immediately prior to graduation
- Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months prior to the census date (typically the 12th class day) of the semester in which you enroll
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit proof of lawful presence in the United States.
Important Information
Residency is determined at the time of admission based on information provided in your application.
Residency classification remains in effect unless formally changed through reclassification.
Texas residency rules for tuition purposes differ from general state residency standards.
Students who do not qualify for Texas residency may explore available tuition waivers or exemptions.
Questions?
All residency inquiries must include:
- Student’s full name
- UTPB ID number
- Intended semester of enrollment