Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates
The Office of Admissions and Records is responsible for making an initial determination of eligibility for in-state tuition rates, based on information provided by the student on the “Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates,” included with college application materials. Eligibility is determined by using State Council for Higher Education guidelines pertaining to Section 23.7-4 of the Code of Virginia.
In order to be eligible for in-state tuition rates, the student must have been a legal “domicile” of Virginia for a period of at least one full year prior to the planned term of enrollment at the College. Domicile is a technical legal concept, which means more than simple “residency” in the state of Virginia. A legal domicile must demonstrate the intention of remaining in Virginia indefinitely. Demonstration of intent is usually accomplished through objective evidence. For a listing of acceptable documents for demonstrating legal residency, please see www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf. A student under the age of 24 generally assumes the domicile of the parent(s), unless the student meets one or more of seven exceptions. Applications for reclassification of domicile status and all supporting documents must be submitted prior to the first day of the semester. The domicile status in effect on the first day of the semester determines the tuition rate for that semester. Additional information about eligibility can be obtained in the Admissions and Records Office.
Students who disagree with an initial determination of eligibility made by the Office of Admissions and Records may appeal the decision following the “Domicile Appeals Process” outlined in the Student Handbook.