Tuition Classification: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the citizenship requirements for an in-state tuition classification?
If you are a U.S. citizen (or U.S. national), lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or in another noncitizen category that can be eligible for federal student aid, then you may be considered for an in-state tuition classification. Please see the U.S. Department of Education’s Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens webpage for additional information about the noncitizen categories that may be eligible for federal student aid.

I am a F, H, or J series visa holder. Am I eligible to receive an in-state tuition classification?
As a visa holder, you are not qualified to be a Resident of Georgia for tuition purposes regardless of the fact that you have lived in Georgia for more than a year and file taxes. However, the person in your family that is employed full time in Georgia and on an employment-based visa is in green card process you probably qualify for the Economic Advantage Out-of-State tuition waiver. See the Out-of-State Tuition Waivers page for more information.

What is domicile?
Domicile is an individual’s present, permanent home where they intend to stay permanently or indefinitely and to which they return following periods of temporary absence. While an individual may have multiple residences, an individual can have only one domicile. Those living in Georgia for a temporary purpose, such as college attendance, are not considered domiciled in the state.

I have a parent that has lived in Georgia the last 12 months, but I live in another state with my other parent, can I get In-state tuition?
If your parent in Georgia claimed you as a dependent on their Georgia tax return for the most recent tax year then we will likely request a certified copy of your parent’s Georgia tax return to determine your eligibility for an in-state tuition classification.

If your parent you live with claims you as a dependent in the state they live in and you are under the age of 24 you may be eligible for the Non-Resident Student Out-of-State Tuition Waiver.

I/my spouse/my parent moved to Georgia for a job relocation, can I get in-state tuition?
You are not eligible for an in-state tuition classification until you have lived in Georgia for 12 consecutive months. However, if you moved here for to accept a full-time job offer in Georgia that you received PRIOR to moving to Georgia, you may qualify for the Economic Advantage waiver. See the Out-of-State Tuition Waivers page.

I am an active-duty military or veteran. Why am I classified as non-resident?
If your State of Legal Residence is another state, but you have separated from the last military within the last 36 months and/or using VA educational benefits, you should qualify for the Separated Military out-of-state tuition waiver. See the Military & Veterans page.

Your State of Legal Residence was Georgia on your LES but you filed as a NON-RESIDENT —You cannot be made a Georgia resident. However, you may qualify for the Active-Duty Military Waiver or Separated Military waiver. See the Out-of-State Tuition Waivers page.