Important: Washington state residency for tuition purposes is governed by specific statutes and
regulations. Understanding these requirements can save you thousands of dollars annually.
RCW 28B.15.012 – Classification as resident or nonresident student: “The term ‘resident
student’ shall mean: (a) A financially independent student who has had a domicile in the state of Washington for
the period of one year immediately prior to the time of commencement of the first day of the semester or quarter
for which the student has registered at any institution and has in fact established a bona fide domicile in this
state primarily for purposes other than educational…”
WAC 250-18 – Residency Status for Higher Education: This chapter establishes the necessary
regulations for the administration of residency status in higher education, providing uniform determination
standards for student resident and nonresident status.
Cost Comparison – 2025-26 Academic Year
Institution
Resident Tuition
Non-Resident Tuition
Annual Savings
University of Washington
$12,260
$43,494
$31,234
Washington State University
$6,149
$14,702
$8,553
Western Washington University
$12,243
$28,251
$16,008
Central Washington University
$8,950
$24,886
$15,936
Qualification Pathways Overview
Washington state offers multiple pathways to qualify for in-state tuition, accommodating students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances:
Traditional Residency
12-month domicile requirement for financially independent students or dependent students with resident parents/guardians
Residency Affidavit Program
Available to students of all immigration statuses who meet specific high school and residency requirements
Military & Veteran Benefits
Active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents with various qualification options
Recent High School Graduates
Students who attended Washington high schools but whose parents moved out of state
Tribal Member Benefits
Members of federally recognized tribes with historical connections to Washington state
Traditional Residency Requirements
Financially Independent Students
Definition of Financial Independence
Students must meet ALL of the following criteria for both the current and previous calendar years:
Not claimed as a dependent on anyone’s tax return, regardless of age
Did not receive significant financial assistance from parents, relatives, or guardians (except spouse)
Used their own income or financial aid awarded in their name to pay living and tuition expenses
Note: Personal loans, Parent PLUS loans, gifts, and cash earnings are NOT considered income for this determination.
Domicile Requirements
One-Year Domicile: Must have a domicile in Washington for at least one year immediately before the term applying for residency
Primary Purpose: The domicile must be primarily for purposes other than college attendance
Acceptable Proof of Washington Domicile
Washington driver’s license
Washington vehicle registration
Washington voter registration
Lease, rental agreement, or mortgage in Washington
W-2 or pay stubs from Washington employer
Bank statements showing Washington address
Utility bills in student’s name
Financially Dependent Students
Definition
Students who do not meet ALL requirements for financial independence are considered dependent students.
Parent/Guardian Requirements
At least one parent or legal guardian must:
Have a domicile in Washington for at least one year immediately before the student applies for residency
Provide the same documentation as required for independent students
Immigration Status Consideration: Some parents cannot establish Washington domicile due to visa restrictions. Parents with B, C, D, F, H-1B1, H-2, H-3, J, M, P, TD, TN, WB, or WT visa status cannot establish domicile. However, parents with other immigration statuses, including undocumented individuals, can typically establish domicile.
Military & Veteran Benefits
Active Military Members
The following active military members qualify for Washington resident tuition:
Automatic Qualification
Active duty members stationed in Washington
Washington National Guard members (active duty not required)
Active duty members who live in Washington and are stationed in Oregon border counties
Active duty members or National Guard stationed out-of-state who entered service as Washington residents and maintained domicile
Continued Eligibility After Reassignment
Active duty members stationed out-of-state after Washington assignment maintain resident status if they:
Were enrolled in a Washington institution prior to reassignment and remain continuously enrolled, OR
Enroll in a Washington institution within three years of reassignment
Recent Change: As of June 9, 2022, military members eligible for VA educational assistance or rehabilitation benefits automatically qualify for resident tuition, regardless of where they live or when they enroll.
Veterans
VA Benefits Eligibility
Veterans eligible for any VA educational assistance or rehabilitation benefits qualify for resident tuition, including:
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Fry Scholarship
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
10-Year Service Veterans
Veterans with at least 10 years of honorable service and 90+ days of active duty who:
Are not eligible for VA educational benefits
Enter school within three years of separation/retirement
Do not need to live in Washington
Maintain continuous enrollment
Special Discharge Categories
Veterans discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression qualify with no time restrictions or residency requirements.
Exclusion: Veterans with dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or officer dismissal do not qualify unless receiving VA educational assistance benefits.
Military Dependents
Spouse and Dependent Qualifications
The following military dependents qualify for resident tuition:
Spouses, domestic partners, or dependents of active duty members stationed in Washington or Washington National Guard members
Spouses, domestic partners, or dependents of service members stationed out-of-state who entered service as Washington residents
Spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26 of veterans with 10+ years service and 90+ days active duty (must enroll within 3 years of veteran’s separation)
Dependents of active duty members who live in Washington and are stationed in Oregon border counties
Continued Eligibility
If the service member is reassigned or moves, dependents maintain resident status if they:
Were enrolled before reassignment and remain continuously enrolled, OR
Were admitted before reassignment and enroll for their admitted term, OR
Enroll within three years of reassignment
Required Documentation
Military dependents may need to provide:
Certificate of Eligibility
DD-214 (service member’s discharge document)
Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
Military ID
Marriage certificate or domestic partnership registration
Residency Affidavit Program
Universal Access: This program is available to students of ALL immigration statuses, including undocumented students, making it the most inclusive pathway to Washington resident tuition.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the affidavit program, students must meet ALL of the following:
1. High School Diploma Requirement
Earn a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent before first term at the determining college
Any U.S. high school diploma qualifies, regardless of where or when earned
Foreign diplomas may qualify if deemed equivalent by the institution
2. 12-Month Residency Requirement
Maintain primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before first term
Residency must be for purposes other than college attendance
Limited college enrollment allowed (6 or fewer credits per term)
Temporary absences permitted if primary address maintained
3. Affidavit Signature
Sign a statement affirming that either:
They will apply for permanent residency (green card) when eligible and participate in citizenship preparation activities, OR
They are a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
Important: Starting June 9, 2022, the 12 months of residency must be primarily for non-college purposes. Students taking more than 6 credits per term must prove their Washington residence serves other purposes.
Affidavit Submission Process
Two Submission Options
Option 1: WASFA Filers
Students applying for state financial aid using the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) submit the affidavit as part of their WASFA application.
Who uses WASFA: Undocumented students, students not eligible for federal aid, and students who prefer not to apply for federal aid.
Option 2: FAFSA Filers or Non-Aid Applicants
Students using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or not applying for financial aid submit a separate residency affidavit form to their school’s registrar office.
Documentation Expectations
Schools should NOT request additional proof for affidavit signers unless other paperwork contradicts the affidavit claims. This includes:
Proof of high school diploma (unless contradicted)
Proof of 12-month Washington residence (unless contradicted)
Proof of permanent residency application or citizenship activities
Legal Consultation: Students with questions about how signing the affidavit may affect their immigration status should consult an immigration attorney.
Special Programs & Additional Pathways
Recent High School Graduates
Students whose parents moved out of Washington may still qualify if they meet ALL requirements:
75% High School Attendance: Spent at least 75% of junior and senior years in Washington high schools
Parent Domicile History: Parent(s) or guardian(s) had Washington domicile for at least one year within the five-year period before graduation
Enrollment Timeline: Must start college within six months of high school graduation
Continuous Enrollment: Must remain continuously enrolled for three quarters or two semesters per calendar year
Benefits: Qualifies for both resident tuition and all state financial aid programs, including Washington College Grant.
Tribal Member Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
Must meet BOTH conditions:
Tribal Membership: Member of a federally recognized tribe whose traditional/customary boundaries included Washington state portions OR whose tribe was granted reserved lands in Washington
Regional Domicile: For at least one year before enrollment, domiciled in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington
Benefits
Resident tuition at all public colleges and universities
Eligibility for specific state aid programs (Passport to Careers, State Work Study, American Indian Endowed Scholarship, National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant)
Documentation: Tribal enrollment verification and proof of domicile in qualifying states required.
Oregon Border County Program
Participating Institutions
Oregon residents may qualify for resident tuition at select Washington institutions:
Clark College
Columbia Basin College
Grays Harbor College
Lower Columbia College
Walla Walla Community College
Washington State University-Vancouver
Washington State University-Tri Cities
Program Details
WSU “Border Bill”: Oregon residents in specified counties can attend WSU Vancouver/Tri-Cities part-time (8 credits or less) at resident rates
Requirements vary by institution
Contact school’s residency officer for specific eligibility criteria
Limited Scope: Qualifies for resident tuition but limited state financial aid eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I live in Washington to qualify for in-state tuition?
Most students must maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before enrollment. The residence must be primarily for purposes other than education. However, there are exceptions:
Military members and veterans may qualify immediately
Some students qualify through the affidavit program with different requirements
Dependent students rely on parent/guardian Washington domicile
Can I qualify for in-state tuition if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! Washington state offers multiple pathways for non-citizens:
Residency Affidavit Program: Available to students of ALL immigration statuses, including undocumented students
Traditional Residency: Available to students with qualifying immigration statuses (DACA, EAD, TPS, refugees, asylees, and many visa categories)
Military Pathways: Available to non-citizen service members and veterans
The affidavit program is particularly significant as it’s the only option for undocumented students without DACA or pending asylum applicants without Employment Authorization Documents.
What if I attend college while establishing residency?
Taking college courses while establishing residency can affect your qualification:
6 Credits or Less: Generally acceptable per term without additional proof
More than 6 Credits: Must prove Washington residence serves primary purposes other than education, such as:
Graduated high school in Washington and continued living here
Moved to Washington for employment (self or family)
Moved to Washington to care for family members
Running Start/College in High School: These credits don’t count toward the 6-credit limit
How do I apply for residency classification?
The application process depends on your situation:
Automatic Determination
Most students don’t need to separately apply. Colleges determine residency based on admission and financial aid applications.
When to Apply
Apply for residency if you’re classified as nonresident but believe you qualify as a resident:
Public Institutions: Contact your school’s residency officer (usually in registrar or admissions office)
Private Institutions: Contact your school’s financial aid office
Required Documentation
Commonly requested documents include:
Driver’s license or state ID
Voter registration
Vehicle registration
Lease agreements or mortgage documents
Employment records (W-2s, pay stubs)
Tax returns (student and/or parents)
Bank statements
Utility bills
What’s the difference between domicile and residence?
Understanding this distinction is crucial for qualification:
Domicile (Legal Term)
True, fixed, and permanent home
Place you intend to remain and return to
Can only have ONE legal domicile at a time
Requires both physical presence AND intent to remain permanently
Used for traditional residency qualification
Residence (General Term)
Where you physically live
Can have multiple residences
May be temporary or permanent
Used for affidavit program qualification
Key Point: The affidavit program uses “residence” while traditional qualification uses “domicile,” which is why the affidavit program has different requirements and documentation.
Can I appeal a residency decision?
Yes, you have appeal rights if you disagree with a residency determination:
Institution-Level Appeal
Submit appeal to your school following their published procedures
Provide additional documentation supporting your residency claim
Appeal deadlines vary by institution – act quickly
State-Level Review
If institutional appeal is unsuccessful:
File complaint with Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
WSAC reviews decision for compliance with state law and institutional policies
WSAC cannot overturn decisions but can advise institutions
Time Sensitivity: Appeal quickly as decisions affect tuition billing. Most institutions have specific deadlines for appeals.
This guide provides general information about Washington state residency requirements for tuition purposes. Laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with your institution’s residency officer or financial aid office for official determinations. For complex immigration-related questions, consider consulting with an immigration attorney.
