Residency

Residency Reclassification

Students who believe their residency classification is incorrect may request a review of their residency status.  During the review, students must provide clear and convincing evidence that they are in fact domiciled in PA, based on the PASSHE policy and definitions.

PASSHE Policy states, “Domicile is the place where one intends to reside either permanently or indefinitely and does in fact so reside.”  A person may live in a place for temporary reasons, such as a vacation home or attending college. Once the goal of the temporary reason is accomplished, the person does not intend to remain in that place. Since the person's presence is only for temporary reasons, the individual cannot be considered an in-state resident for tuition purposes.  

Each student situation is unique. The student should consider what documentation supports their residency and financial ties in the state.  The student must prove they are currently residing in the state, have been residing in the state, and plan to reside in the state regardless of being enrolled at the institution. Acts including obtaining a driver’s license, registering a car and signing a lease in the state does not necessarily make a student a PA resident according to the policy. For students under the age of 22, documentation submitted would be to establish their parents domicile in Pennsylvania.  

Required Forms & Documentation

1.  Residency Classification Data Collection Form
   • Filled out completely, including all sections related to financial history
   • Must be signed by the student
   • Must be  notarized
2.  Letter from student explaining domicile change since original classification decision
3.  If under 22 years of age, letter from student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) explaining domicile change.  If the student is claiming financial independence, the letter should also include the facts that establish the student's financial independence and separate residence that is notarized.
4. Supporting Documentation (see list below).

Supporting Documentation

If the student has copies of the documentation listed below they are strongly encouraged to supply all possible information.  If information is omitted, they may be asked to produce this documentation to aid in the review process.  Any documentation that cannot be provided should be addressed in the student letter with an explanation as to why it was not included in the materials.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive.  If you have additional documentation to help in your explanation that you are domiciled in the state, please include that with your Residency Classification Data Collection Form.  Because each student situation is unique, the student might have documentation to support their claim and we may not be fully aware.  Anything the student cannot include on the list below should be addressed in the student letter to accompany the Residency Classification Data Collection Form.

When do I need to apply?

The deadline to request a change in residency is the last day of the add/drop period of the semester (full 15- week add/drop deadline) for the current semester. Applications should be received in full by the deadline.  Changes are made to the current semester and going forward. Students should review the academic calendar.

Email the residency classification data collection form and all required documentation to registrar@wcupa.edu