Residency Information

As a student at a Texas college or university, you’ll be considered either a Texas resident or non-resident. Your residency status affects your eligibility for: 

• Resident tuition at a Texas public college or university 
• Financial aid at a Texas college or university 

To determine your residency status, you’ll have to answer a set of residency questions on your college applications. 

You are considered a Texas resident if you: 

• Graduate from a public or private high school, or receive a high school equivalency, in Texas 
• Live in Texas, as your permanent residence, for 12 consecutive months right before the semester that you plan to enroll in college 

Meeting one or both requirements will make you eligible to receive in-state tuition rates at a Texas public college or university. 

You’ll also need to know your residency status to determine which financial aid application you should complete. 

All US citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible noncitizens should complete the FAFSA application to apply for financial aid. 

The TASFA is available for students to submit if you are ineligible for the FAFSA. To be eligible for the TASFA, you must also meet these requirements: 

• Graduate from a public or private high school, or receive a high school equivalency, in Texas. 
• Live in Texas for at least three years (36 months) leading up to your high school graduation or receiving your GED. 
• Live in Texas, as your permanent residence, for 12 consecutive months right before the semester that you plan to enroll in college. 
• Provide the college or university with a notarized affidavit stating that you will submit an application to become a US permanent resident as soon as you are eligible to do so.