Washington State Residency
Residency status is determined when a student applies for admission. To be classified as a resident, a student must have established a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington primarily for purposes other than education for 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of the term for which the student is applying.
For a dependent student, one or both parents or legal guardians must have maintained a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for twelve months. Independent students (students who have been financially independent for the prior and current year) can establish residency themselves.
Who can establish residency?
- A U.S. citizen or an alien with permanent resident status
- Active duty military stationed in Washington and their spouses and dependents
- Active duty Washington National Guard members and their spouses and dependents who reside in Washington
- Non-citizens with an A, E, G, H, I, K or L visa
- Non-citizens who hold “Refugee-Parolee,” “Conditional Entrant,” or PRUCOL status
- Non-citizens who qualify under the HB1079, who have resided within the state of Washington for 3 years prior to receiving a High School diploma or GED and have continued to reside in Washington. Click on this link to access the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit/Declaration/Certification.
- For additional information about HB1079 students can reference the following site: http://www.hb1079.org/
What does my residency status mean?
Resident – you are classified as a resident for tuition paying purposes.
Non-resident (Non-res) w/waiver – you are classified as a non-resident. A portion of the non-resident tuition has been waived and you will pay a reduced rate of the non-resident tuition (must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
Non-resident – you are classified as a non-resident and your tuition is the full non-resident rate.
Do I have to pay tuition if I have applied for a change in my residency status?
Yes. Check the Important Dates for tuition due dates. If your status has not been changed by the tuition due date, you are responsible for paying the full tuition amount. You may be eligible for a delayed payment. Contact the registrar at 509-574-4702.
How can I change my residency status?
- Click on this link to access the Residence Questionnaire.
- Submit the form and all required documentation to the Admissions Office in the Deccio building.
- You must apply to change residency status before the 30th calendar day of the quarter.
- Applications received after the 30th day will be considered for the following quarter.
Apply Early
It can take 2-3 weeks to process your application. If your residency status has not been changed by the tuition due date, you are responsible for all tuition costs.
Remember, the burden of proof of residency status lies with the student.
Selective Admissions Programs
Certain programs have additional requirements and application procedures. For additional information on how to apply for the following programs, please contact the programs directly. |