Basic Qualification Requirements

Delaware residency classification depends on establishing domicile—your true, fixed, and permanent home where you intend to remain.

• 12 consecutive months of Delaware domicile before term start
• Predominant physical presence (183+ days annually in Delaware)
• Single state allegiance (cannot claim residency elsewhere)
• Intent to remain permanently in Delaware beyond education
• Financial independence requirements for students 18-24

Dependent students under 24 follow their parent’s/guardian’s domicile status.

Independent students must establish separate Delaware domicile with complete financial separation from family support.

The Academic Common Market provides in-state rates at participating institutions in 14 southern states when your desired degree isn’t available at Delaware public colleges.

Required Documentation Package

Applications require comprehensive documentation proving Delaware domicile.

Mandatory Documents (ALL required):

• Delaware resident tax return showing all income including out-of-state earnings
• Federal tax return listing Delaware as domicile state
• Housing proof: registered deed or current lease covering 12+ months

Additional Verification (minimum 2 required):

• Delaware driver’s license dated 10+ months before term start
• Vehicle registration for all owned/leased vehicles
• Employment verification from Delaware employer on letterhead
• Utility bills for 12 consecutive months showing Delaware address
• Bank statements with Delaware address (not PO boxes)

All documents must reflect the same Delaware address and cover the required timeframe.

The University of Delaware Registrar provides detailed checklists and can verify documentation requirements through online databases.

Application Timeline & Process

Plan residency establishment carefully—the 12-month requirement cannot be waived except for specific military/veteran categories.

Delaware Technical Community College requires only 6 months domicile or employment, providing an alternative pathway.

• 12+ months before enrollment: Establish Delaware domicile, register to vote, obtain driver’s license
• 10+ months before: Ensure driver’s license meets minimum timeframe requirements
• Tax year prior: File as Delaware resident, establish employment/financial independence
• 60-90 days before term: Submit reclassification application (varies by institution)
• Before semester start: Application deadline—no retroactive approvals beyond current term

Students may request reclassification once per 12-month period.

While applications are under review, pay non-resident tuition rates and meet all deadlines to avoid late fees.

Decisions are made in writing by the Registrar’s Office with specific reasoning provided.

Military, Veterans & Special Cases

Several categories qualify for immediate in-state classification or modified requirements, bypassing the standard 12-month waiting period.

Military Personnel & Veterans:

• Active duty stationed in Delaware: Immediate qualification with military orders
• GI Bill recipients: In-state rates with Delaware residence proof (any duration)
• Delaware National Guard: In-state classification regardless of home state
• Deployed servicemembers: Maintain Delaware domicile during deployment

Appeals Process: Submit written appeal within 30 days to the Standing Committee on Student Classification.

Include student ID, specific basis for appeal, and clear and convincing evidence of qualification.

Committee meetings allow personal presentations with reasonable time limits.

Appeals decisions are final and cannot be resubmitted for one year unless circumstances change substantially.

High school graduates meeting Delaware’s special residency provisions for non-citizens may qualify with 3+ years Delaware high school attendance, graduation within 18 months of enrollment, and evidence of pursuing citizenship/permanent residency.