2025-26 Oregon In-State Tuition Requirements: Complete Qualification Guide
University of Oregon 2025-26 Tuition Rates
Locked rate for 5 cohort years for new 2025-26 students
Annual savings $29,320 with resident status
Rates include tuition only. Mandatory fees and other charges apply. Retrieved from official UO Board of Trustees approved rates, March 18, 2025.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- 12-month Oregon domicile prior to term enrollment
- Financial independence or dependency on Oregon resident
- Non-educational primary purpose for being in Oregon
- Limited enrollment (≤ 8 credits/term) during residency establishment
Want a quick summary? If you prefer a shorter, checklist-style version of this guide, visit our Oregon In-State Tuition Checklist for the essential requirements at a glance.
The Short Answer
To qualify for Oregon resident tuition rates for 2025-26, establish and maintain an Oregon domicile for 12 consecutive months prior to the term for which resident classification is sought, as governed by Oregon Administrative Rules and university policies, with primary activities other than being a student during that period.
Controlling Legal Authority
Primary Statute: Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 352.287 – Resident tuition and fees and eligibility for financial aid for various persons.
University Policy: University of Oregon Policy III.08.01 – Residence Classification.
Administrative Rules: Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 589-002-0200 for community colleges.
Applicants must be financially independent or dependent on someone who meets Oregon residency requirements, and enrollment over 8 credits during the 12-month period presumes an educational purpose that must be rebutted with evidence.
Reclassification deadlines: Submit a notarized Residence Information Affidavit and supporting documents by the last day to register; appeals to the Interinstitutional Residency Committee (IRC) must be filed within 10 days of the decision.
Oregon Residency Requirements
Legal Definition of Domicile
A person’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation. It is the place where a person intends to remain and to which the person expects to return when the person leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere. In order to establish a domicile in Oregon, a person must maintain a predominant physical presence in Oregon for 12 consecutive months after moving to the state.
12-Month Physical Presence Requirement
The cornerstone requirement is 12 consecutive months of Oregon domicile prior to the term for which resident classification is sought, with primary activities other than college studies during that period.
Enrollment Limitation Critical
Students enrolled for more than 8 hours in any semester or quarter during the 12-month period are presumed to be in Oregon primarily for educational purposes. This time does not count toward establishing domicile unless non-educational primary purpose can be proven.
Financial Independence Requirements
Financially Independent Person
A person who, at the time of application for residency status:
- Has not been claimed as a dependent during the immediately preceding tax year and will not be claimed during the current tax year; OR
- Has not received one-half or more of financial support in cash or in kind from another person during the immediately preceding calendar year and will not receive such support during the current calendar year (except from spouse).
Financially Dependent Person
A person who, at the time of application:
- Has been claimed as a dependent on federal and state income tax returns of another person during the immediately preceding tax year; OR
- Is eligible to be claimed as a dependent and can show that one-half or more of financial support was provided by another person.
Important: If financially dependent, the person claiming the applicant must also meet Oregon domicile requirements for 12 consecutive months.
How to Qualify: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Establish Physical Presence (Month 1)
Move to Oregon and establish primary residence, documenting presence via:
- Obtain Oregon driver’s license
- Register to vote in Oregon
- Open Oregon bank accounts
- Establish Oregon employment
Step 2: Maintain Limited Enrollment (Months 1–12)
Critical: Limit enrollment to 8 credits or fewer per term if taking courses; higher enrollment creates a presumption of educational purpose.
Step 3: Document Oregon Ties (Ongoing)
Continuously strengthen Oregon connections:
- File Oregon state income taxes
- Maintain Oregon employment records
- Document Oregon healthcare providers
- Keep Oregon utility bills and lease agreements
Step 4: Apply for Residency Classification (Month 12)
Submit required documentation by the registration deadline:
- Complete notarized Residence Information Affidavit
- Provide supporting documentation
- Submit by last day to register for the term
Required Forms and Deadlines
University of Oregon Process
Form: Residence Information Affidavit (notarization waived temporarily)
Deadline: Last day to register for the term in which resident status is sought
Submit to: richard.admissions@uoregon.edu or mail to Office of Admissions
Evidence Documentation Requirements
| Document Type | What It Proves | Validity/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Tax Returns | Oregon income tax filing status and financial ties | Must cover the 12-month establishment period |
| Oregon Driver’s License | Physical presence and intent to remain | Alone insufficient but supportive evidence |
| Oregon Employment Records | Economic ties and non-educational purpose | Permanent employment preferred over student positions |
| Oregon Voter Registration | Intent to remain and civic engagement | Alone insufficient but supportive evidence |
| Oregon Property Ownership | Significant economic investment and permanence | Strong evidence if owned personally |
| Oregon Lease/Rental Agreement | Physical presence and housing arrangement | Alone insufficient — leasing not ownership |
| Oregon Bank Statements | Financial activity and Oregon economic ties | 12-month continuous record preferred |
| Oregon Utility Bills | Physical residence and ongoing presence | Must be in student’s name when possible |
Financial Independence Documentation
- Federal and state tax returns (preceding and current year)
- W-2 forms and employment verification
- Bank statements showing financial self-sufficiency
- Evidence of not being claimed as dependent by others
- Proof of financial support sources
Residential Evidence
- Oregon lease agreements or property deeds
- Oregon utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Oregon insurance policies (auto, health, renters/homeowners)
- Oregon professional licenses or certifications
- Oregon healthcare provider records
Legal/Civic Engagement
- Oregon driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Oregon voter registration and voting records
- Oregon professional association memberships
- Oregon jury duty notices or service records
- Oregon community organization involvement
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Military Personnel and Veterans
Military Residency Provisions
- Active duty in Oregon: Reside in Oregon while assigned to duty at any base, station, or facility in Oregon
- Ship crew members: Serve as crew members of ships with Oregon ports as home port or permanent station
- Oregon tax filers: Reside elsewhere but file Oregon state income taxes within 12 months before leaving active duty
- Retained residency: Oregon residents entering armed forces retain Oregon residence classification until voluntarily relinquished
- Dependents: Spouses and dependent children of qualifying military personnel receive resident classification
Native American Tribal Members
Oregon Federally Recognized Tribes
- Burns Paiute Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw
- Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon
- Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
- Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
- Coquille Indian Tribe
- Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians
- Klamath Tribes
Additional Qualifying Tribes
Members of 36 additional Native American tribes with traditional boundaries or ceded lands in Oregon also qualify, including tribes from California, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Washington.
Documentation Required: Photocopy of tribal enrollment documenting tribal membership, submitted following university procedures.
Tuition Equity for Undocumented Students
Tuition Equity Requirements
Under Oregon’s Tuition Equity law (HB 2787; ORS 352.287), students must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Three years Oregon high school: Attended elementary or secondary school in Oregon during each of the three years immediately prior to receiving a high school diploma
- Five years U.S. education: Attended school in any U.S. state/territory during each of the five years immediately prior to receiving diploma
- Oregon high school graduation: Received a diploma or equivalent from an Oregon secondary school
- Immigration intent: Show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident by submitting federal application or statement of intent
Foster Youth Tuition Waiver
Foster Youth Eligibility
- Age requirement: Must access waiver before age 25
- Foster care history: In Oregon child welfare custody with substitute care placement for ≥ 180 days after 14th birthday
- Exit requirements: Exited foster care on or after 16th birthday OR experienced homelessness
- Duration: Covers equivalent of four years of undergraduate education
- Enrollment requirement: Enrolled in ≥ 1 credit hour as undergraduate
Refugee and Asylum Status
Qualifying Immigration Statuses
- Lawful Permanent Residents: 12-month residency requirement begins from date of LPR application receipt
- Refugees and Asylees: 12-month requirement begins from date of asylum/refugee application receipt
- Special visa holders: A, E, G, H-1B, H-1C, I, K, L, NATO, O, R, S, T, TN, U, or V visas
- COFA Islanders: Citizens of Palau, Marshall Islands, or Federated States of Micronesia who have not established residency in another state
Regional Tuition Savings Programs
Important Distinction: Price Reduction vs. Residency
These programs affect tuition pricing only and do not establish Oregon domicile for residency classification purposes unless an institution explicitly converts status through separate procedures.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
WUE Program Details
Eligible States/Territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and CNMI.
Tuition Rate: Students pay no more than 150% of the resident tuition rate.
2025-26 Estimated Savings: Average savings of $12,517 annually compared to full non-resident rates.
Participation: University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and other Oregon public universities participate with varying specifics.
Oregon Good Neighbor Programs
Institution-Specific Programs
- Portland State University: Washington Border Discount for residents of neighboring Washington counties
- Oregon community colleges: Various reciprocity agreements with border counties in WA, CA, ID, and NV under OAR 589-002-0200
- Regional compacts: Oregon does not participate in SREB Academic Common Market, NEBHE Tuition Break, or MHEC MSEP
Timeline and Decision Support
12 Months Before Enrollment
Begin Residency Establishment
- Move to Oregon and establish domicile
- Obtain Oregon driver’s license within 30 days
- Register to vote in Oregon
- Begin Oregon employment if possible
- Limit college enrollment to 8 credits per term
6–9 Months Before Enrollment
Strengthen Oregon Connections
- File Oregon state income tax returns
- Maintain continuous Oregon employment
- Document Oregon healthcare relationships
- Establish Oregon financial accounts
3–6 Months Before Enrollment
Prepare Documentation
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Complete Residence Information Affidavit
- Consult with residency officer if needed
- Schedule appointment for document review
Registration Deadline
Submit Application
- Submit notarized affidavit with all documentation
- Meet last day to register deadline
- Follow up on application status
- Prepare for possible appeals process
Residency Qualification Decision Tree
- Are you a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident?
- If NO: Check Tuition Equity eligibility or other non-citizen provisions
- If YES: Continue to next question
- Have you lived in Oregon for 12 consecutive months?
- If NO: You likely do not qualify (consider waiting or special exceptions)
- If YES: Continue to next question
- During those 12 months, were you enrolled in more than 8 credits per term?
- If YES: Can you prove non-educational primary purpose?
- If NO: Continue to next question
- Are you financially independent OR dependent on someone who meets Oregon residency requirements?
- If NO: You likely do not qualify for resident classification
- If YES: You likely qualify — submit documentation
University Resources and Contact Information
University of Oregon Residency Office
Assistant Director for Residency: Richard Clear
Email: richard.admissions@uoregon.edu
Mailing Address
Office of Admissions
1217 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1217
ATTN: Residency
Services: Schedule phone calls or Zoom meetings for residency consultation
Official University Pages
Oregon State University
Frequently Asked Questions
Legal Disclaimer
Informational Purposes Only: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice; residency determinations are made by authorized university officials based on individual circumstances and current policies.
Official Sources Required: Always consult official university residency officers and current institutional policies for definitive guidance.
No Guarantees: This information does not guarantee residency classification or tuition rates; final determinations rest with authorized university officials.
Methodology and Update Policy
Primary Sources: Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, official university policies, and direct consultation with institutional sources.
Source Hierarchy: 1) Oregon statutes and administrative rules, 2) University of Oregon official policies, 3) Official university websites and communications, 4) Verified institutional contacts.
Retrieval Dates: Legal and policy information retrieved September 24, 2025; tuition rates from official University of Oregon Board of Trustees approved rates, March 18, 2025.
Update Cadence: Updated annually each academic year and as needed for significant policy changes.
Sources and Citations
- Oregon Revised Statute 352.287 — Resident tuition and fees eligibility
- Oregon Administrative Rule 589-002-0200 — State Reimbursement and Student Residency
- University of Oregon Policy III.08.01 — Residence Classification
- Oregon Revised Statute 350.300 — Waiver for current or former foster children
- University of Oregon Official Tuition Tables 2025-26 — Board of Trustees approved rates
- University of Oregon Residency Information — admissions.uoregon.edu/residency
- Oregon Student Aid — Foster Youth — oregonstudentaid.gov/foster-youth
- WICHE Western Undergraduate Exchange — wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue