Student Services

Residency Determination

 

Students whose residence status is not clearly established should complete a Residency Questionnaire so that a university decision may be rendered in advance of enrollment. A Residency Questionnaire must be turned in prior to the census date of the term in order for a reclassification to be effective for that term.

 

The university may request that any student claiming Texas Residence for tuition purposes complete a Residency Questionnaire and provide substantiating documents to affirm Texas residency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What are the basic rules to establish residency?

Answer: To qualify for Texas residency for tuition purposes, you must meet BOTH of the following requirements for 12 consecutive months PRIOR TO the census date for your term of enrollment.

Domicile - Routes for establishing domicile include: 

  • Employment in Texas
  • Ownership of real property (land, home, etc.) in Texas
  • Marriage to a Texas resident
  • Possession of a state or local license (for example, nursing license) to conduct business
  • Ownership of business in Texas
  • Receipt of social services in Texas

Physical Presence - Routes for establishing physical presence include:

  • Lease of rental property
  • Connection to Texas utility service(s) (electricity, water, cable, phone, etc.)
  • Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license
  • Registering to vote in Texas
  • Registering a vehicle in Texas
  • Opening a bank account with a Texas address
  • Attendance at a Texas college/university

For more information go to the Texas Legislature Online Statutes Web page, Texas Education Code. Tuition and Fees are under Chapter 54.

 

Question: Why do I have to complete the Residency Questionnaire* to provide documentation?

Answer: House Bill 1147, passed by the 69th Texas Legislature, requires each student to provide substantiating documentation to affirm Texas residency. It also requires that each student sign an oath of residency.

 

*Residency Questionnaire: print, complete, and mail to: UTHSCSA, Registrar's Office, Mail Code 7701, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900.

 
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