Frequently Asked Questions - Declaring Arizona Residency, General
- I attended an Arizona institution using the WUE (Western University Exchange) or WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) program; will I be considered a resident?
- The WUE/WICHE program allows residents of a participating state to pay a special, reduced tuition rate at participating institutions in other states. However, the student must maintain residency in the originating state; that is, WUE cannot be used to gain residency. Arizona State University is not a participating institution in these programs.
Any time spent in AZ under the WUE program cannot be counted towards residency as the student is still considered a resident of their home state during that time.
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- Are there any hardship exceptions?
- No. Any person requesting classification as a resident for tuition purposes must prove they meet the residency requirements or that they meet one of the approved exceptions.
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- My parents live out-of-state but I attend an Arizona high school; will I be considered a resident if I graduate from an Arizona high school?
- No. ABOR policy indicates that the home of an unemancipated minor is that of the parents.
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- I am a continuing student; will my residency automatically change after 1 year?
- No, there is no set amount of time after which a student attending as a non-resident will automatically be changed to a resident for tuition purposes. Any student wanting to be classified must initiate the process by contacting the residency office and submitting a petition for change of residency by the appropriate deadline.
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- If I marry an Arizona resident, can I be classified as a resident?
- You may meet the residency requirements if you marry a resident of AZ. You would need to petition to verify your intent to be a permanent of AZ, that you are married, and that your spouse meets the AZ Board of Regents requirements for resident for tuition purposes.
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- I own property in Arizona; doesn't that make me a resident?
- No, owning property in Arizona does not automatically qualify you as a resident for tuition purposes.
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- I am a research assistant, teaching assistant or graduate assistant, and have been paying resident tuition. Am I a resident?
- No, RA, TA or GA positions may allow a student to pay tuition at the in state rates. However, it is through a waiver submitted by your department that pays the out of state portion of your tuition. It does not reclassify you as a resident for tuition purposes. To be considered a resident for tuition purposes, you would need to petition for residency.
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- I have been classified as a nonresident, but I will be here 1 year before classes begin. Can I be classified as a resident?
- Being in Arizona for 1 year does not necessarily make you a resident for tuition purposes. You will need to meet all three of the independent requirements: one year showing presence and intent, and two years financial independence, unless you meet one of the exceptions. Once a student has been classified as a nonresident by admissions, he/she would need to petition for change of residency in order to be classified as a resident.
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