In-State and Out-of-State Residency Classifications
Under state law and corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a prospective student is classified as a resident of Texas, a nonresident, or a foreign student. A person who has resided in the state under circumstances specified in these rules is eligible for classification as a resident.
A non-U.S. citizen, a foreign national, or a permanent resident of the United States not eligible to be classified as a resident of Texas is classified as a nonresident. A non-U.S. citizen who is not a permanent resident of the United States and has not been permitted by Congress to adopt the United States as a domicile while in this country is classified as a foreign student. An individual classified as a nonresident may qualify, under certain exceptions specified in these rules, for resident tuition rates and other charges while continuing to be classified as a nonresident.
The student is responsible for registering under the proper residence classification. If there is any question about the student’s right to classification as a resident of Texas, it is the student’s obligation to consult the Office of the Registrar and have his or her status officially determined. The applicable statutory provisions are set forth in Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code. Rules and regulations and interpretations have been issued by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the effective and uniform administration of these provisions.
Students must file a Core Residency Questionnaire for classification as a resident of Texas. If the student’s classification as a resident of Texas changes for any reason, the student must notify the UT Southwestern Registrar. Information and advice regarding residency status are available from the Office of the Registrar.
Texas law provides that a certain number of nonresident students may be permitted to pay the same tuition and fees as a Texas resident if the student holds a competitive scholarship worth at least $1,000 per year. However, not all out-of-state scholarship recipients will be granted the in-state tuition rate, as state law sets a maximum percentage of students who may receive this benefit.