Arizona residency for tuition purposes
Understanding residency for tuition purposes is important if you're attending an Arizona public university. Use the resources below to learn how residency is determined and whether you may qualify for reclassification.
Arizona’s public universities are supported by Arizona taxpayers, which is why residents receive a lower tuition rate. Residency decisions are based on Arizona Board of Regents Policy (ABOR), which is part of state law, and the Residency Office is required to follow those guidelines.
If you’ve been classified as a non-resident, you may petition for reclassification. The only way to change your residency status is by meeting one of the requirements, listed in the petitions and affidavits.
Residency Navigator
There are several ways a student can be classified as an Arizona resident for tuition purposes. To find out which option might apply to you, use the residency navigator tool. It will help identify if there is a petition or affidavit that fits your situation.
Petition and affidavits
If you're looking to become an Arizona resident for tuition purposes, visit the petitions and affidavits forms. Be sure to read the instructions closely before filling out a petition or affidavit. It is important to know that financial hardship cannot be considered in the decision.
This process can be a bit complex, and while these steps are here to help, they may not cover everything. It's a good idea to do your own research and reach out with any questions before you submit anything. We're here to help you navigate it.
Students with a US visa
Students with certain US visas or a pending permanent resident application may be eligible for residency reclassification. View eligibility and requirements.
Residency petition submission deadlines
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority deadline (submit by this date to have a decision by the time charges are due) | July 21, 2025 | November 24, 2025 | July 13, 2026 |
| Final submission deadline | September 5, 2025 | January 23, 2026 | September 4, 2026 |
| Appeal deadline | October 10, 2025 | February 27, 2026 | October 9, 2026 |
* Please note that summer and winter tuition are not impacted by residency status.
Residency FAQs
Why was I classified as a non-resident?
Residency classifications are based on information submitted on a student's application. If you believe your classification is incorrect, you can contact the residency office to find the easiest route to residency for you.
I have an Arizona ID, does that make me a resident for tuition purposes?
Not necessarily, just having an Arizona ID does not automatically qualify a student for residency. There are several requirements a student would need to meet to be considered an Arizona resident for tuition purposes. You can view the requirements on the Student Service Center.
I was a resident at my community college in Arizona. Will I be a resident at NAU?
Not necessarily. Residency for tuition purposes for the three state universities is determined according to guidelines established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). The community colleges are not governed by ABOR and your classification as a resident at the community college may or may not be in compliance with current ABOR policies.
My parents currently live out of state but are moving to Arizona. Can I be classified as an Arizona resident?
If you are dependent on parents or a legal guardian in the state you may be able to classify as an Arizona Resident for Tuition purposes if you can meet the criteria under the Dependent Child Residency Affidavit.
I live out of state, but am a member of a federally recognized Arizona Native American tribe. Do I qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes. All members of federally recognized Arizona Native American tribes are eligible for in-state tuition rates at Arizona’s public universities. When applying to Northern Arizona University, however, you will be first classified as a non-resident. To be reclassified as a resident, you will need to complete a Tribal Verification Form (emailed to you upon completion of your application).
Are there any hardship exceptions?
No, there are no hardship exceptions. Any person requesting classification as an Arizona resident for tuition purposes must meet the eligibility criteria established by the Arizona Board of Regents to be considered an in-state resident.
What does it mean to be domiciled in Arizona?
According to the Arizona Board of Regents, “Domicile” or “Domiciled” means an individual’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation. It is the place where the individual lives, intends to remain, and to which the individual intends to return when leaving without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.
Proposition 308
Thanks to Proposition 308, qualifying non-citizen students in Arizona (regardless of immigration status) may qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid at NAU. If you attended high school or were homeschooled in Arizona for at least two years and graduated (or earned a GED), you could be eligible.
Questions
If you would like to discuss your circumstance or eligibility, contact our office at 928-523-6464, send an email to Residency@nau.edu, or book an appointment.