Residency

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. Once the goal of the temporary purpose 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. 

There are numerous circumstances under which a student may qualify as in-state for tuition purposes, all of which are clearly outlined in the PA State System of Higher Education Policy on Student Domicile Regulations.  Numerous factors may be considered in determining whether an individual qualifies for residency.

• Students are considered Pennsylvania residents according to the regulations when they have lived in the state continuously for 12 months prior to initial enrollment at a PASSHE institution.
• Students under 22 years of age are considered to be domiciled with their parents or legal guardians, meaning their residency will match that of their parents.  A student's residency does not automatically change at age 22.
• Students who are not U.S. Citizens or permanent residents and are on a non-immigration visa or no visa, are presumed to not be domiciled, or are not residents of Pennsylvania.
• Students receiving scholarships, loans or grants specific to another state, are presumed to not be domiciled in Pennsylvania.

Each change in domicile request is reviewed carefully and the student’s situation is compared to the residency policies set forth by PASSHE (Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education) .

Each student situation is unique.  The key is to document as much about your residency situation as possible so that you can show you are and have been a Pennsylvania resident.  Documentation is power!

Yes, you must have your Residency Data Collection Form notarized as well as other documents that you may ask others to write on your behalf to prove your independence or residency in PA.  This is how we validate those documents are valid.

You do not have to have your supporting documentation (i.e. mortgage, license, car registration) notarized.

Once all documentation is received, decisions can take up to a few weeks to be rendered and it is not uncommon to be asked to clarify documentation submitted or for additional documentation to support your request.

After your documentation has been reviewed, the Registrar’s Office sends you a letter via email as well as in the mail informing you of the decision.  We utilize the mailing address that you include on your Residency Classification Data Collection Form.

Yes, if we feel something is missing from your documentation we will reach out.  Please note, this can delay the review of your documents.  It’s in your best interest to submit everything at once – your notarized Residency Classification Data Collection Form and all supporting documents to show your domicile is in PA.

All documents can be emailed to registrar@wcupa.edu (preferred) or mailed to: 

West Chester University
Office of the Registrar
25 University Ave
West Chester, PA 19383

Make sure to keep copies of all your documentation for future reference.  Do not submit original copies of leases, mortgages, auto information, etc., as those documents cannot be returned to you once submitted.

Yes, the deadline is the end of the add/drop period for the current semester (full 15 week add/drop deadline). Students should review the academic calendar.

Students should not delay their tuition bills because residency under review.  Instead, you should work out payment plan with Bursar while waiting a decision.  If your residency request is granted, Bursar is notified and adjusts your tuition accordingly.

No, documents cannot be returned to you once they are submitted.  Make sure to keep copies of all your documentation for future reference.  Do not submit original copies of leases, mortgages, auto information, etc., as those documents cannot be returned to you once submitted.