Residency Classification Policy

The University of Memphis classifies students as in-state, out-of-state, or international for tuition purposes based on Tennessee law and institutional policy. Residency classification directly affects tuition rates.

As a state-supported institution, the University provides tuition benefits to Tennessee residents while ensuring compliance with state requirements and equitable administration of policy.

Students must meet both state eligibility requirements (Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requirements) and residency criteria to be considered in-state.

Note: You could be a legal resident of Tennessee (e.g., hold a Tennessee driver’s license, pay state taxes, or rent a property in the state) but may not qualify for in-state tuition.

Key Definitions

Domicile A person's true,fixed and permanent home with intent to remain indefinitely.

Continuous Enrollment Enrollment without interruption (excluding summer terms) at a Tennesse institution.

Dependent Student A student financially supported by a parent or guardian.

Independent Student A student who meets federal (FASFA) criteria for independence.

Parent/Guardian Includes legal guardians unless designation exists solely to obtain residency.

 

---

General Residency Requirements

---

A student may qualify for in-state tuition through:

1. Standard Residency Path or,
2. Domicile-based Residency

Standard Residency Path

Students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Meet EVEA requirements (Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requirements) 
• Have resided in Tennessee for at least one year prior to enrollment
• Meet one of the following:
  • Tennessee high school graduate (public or private)
  • Tennessee high school equivalency diploma

Domicile-Based Residency

Students may qualify if:

• They meet EVEA requirements (Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requirements) 
• They (or their parent/guardian if dependent) establish domicile in Tennessee
• They demonstrate:
  • • Physical presence
    • Intent to remain permanently

Important conditions:

• Presence for educational purposes alone does not establish residency
• Residency determinations are based on documentation and evidence
• Undocumented individuals cannot establish domicile under current policy

---

Special Eligibility Categories

---

Students may receive in-state tuition regardless of residency status if they meet one of the following:

1. Family and Dependency
   • Dependent student with at least one parent domiciled in Tennessee
   • Students maintaining continuous enrollment after a parent leaves Tennessee
   • Spouse of an in-state student (U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
2. Geographic Eligibility
   • Residents of counties bordering Tennessee (Crittenden County, DeSoto County Marshall County, Tunica County, Tate County) may qualify for a border country scholarship which provides with a waiver of the non-resident portion of regular tuition.
   • Residents within 30 miles of the University of Memphis
3. Academic Programs
   • Academic Common Market participants
   • National Student Exchange (NSE) participants
4. Military and Veterans
   • Active-duty military stationed in Tennessee
   • Spouses and dependents of active-duty personnel
   • Military personnel completing degrees after transfer/deployment
   • Veterans or individuals using VA benefits while residing in Tennessee
5. Employment-Based Eligibility
   • Part-time students employed full-time in Tennessee (must provide employer documentation verifying 37.5+ hours/week).
6. Employment Transfer
   • Student (or spouse) transferred to Tennessee by an employer (requires employer documentation prior to enrollment).
7. Permanent Residency & Immigration Status
   • Permanent residents (green card holders)
   • Approved asylum or refugee status

Certain visa holders may qualify if legally able to establish domicile; others (e.g., B, F, J visas) typically do not qualify.

---

Students Not Eligible for In-State Tuition

---

Students do not qualify if they:

• Do not meet EVEA requirements
• Are in Tennessee primarily for educational purposes
• Are enrolled full-time while attempting to establish residency
• Hold visa types that prohibit domicile eligibility (e.g., B, F, J visas) 

---

Appeal Process

• Residency classification is determined by the Graduate School for graduate students and Undergraduate Admissions for undergraduate students based on the material the student submits with their application
• Students may submit an Application for Residency Reclassification Form with documentation to have their residency reclassified.
• Students may appeal a reclassification decision by submitted an appeal to the Residency Appeal Committee. Residency Appeals are reviewed at the beginning of fall and spring semester. 
• Deadline: Last day to add/change classes

Change in Circumstance

Students may request reclassification if circumstances change by submitting an Application for Residency Reclassification Form and supporting documents.

Note: 

• Residency reclassifications are not applied retroactively. Any approved reclassification will take effect beginning on the date it is approved.
• Out-of-state tuition applies until approval is granted

---

Bursar Fee Discounts/Waivers

Visit the University and Student Business Services (USBS) website to learn more. Please refer to the policies posted on the site for a precise and detailed description.

Residency FAQs 

What is EVEA and why does it matter?

EVEA (Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act) requires verification of lawful presence for in-state tuition eligibility. You could be a legal resident of Tennessee (e.g., hold a Tennessee driver’s license, pay state taxes, or rent a property in the state) but may not qualify for in-state tuition.

I live in Tennessee—does that make me in-state?

No. Residency requires domicile, not just living in the state.  Domicile is a person’s true, fixed, and permanent home, with intent to remain indefinitely.

Can I move to Tennessee just before school to qualify?

No. You must reside in Tennessee for at least one year prior and show intent to remain permanently.

Does being enrolled full-time help me establish residency?

No. Full-time enrollment often shows your primary purpose is education, which does not establish residency.

Can my parents’ residency help me qualify?

Yes. Dependent students may qualify if a parent lives in Tennessee.

Do military students qualify automatically?

Generally yes, if stationed in Tennessee or using qualifying benefits, but you must register with the appropriate office.

Can employment help me qualify?

Yes. Full-time employment in Tennessee may qualify part-time students, with documentation required each term.

What documents are used to prove residency?

Examples include:

• TN state ID and car registration
• Lease or mortgage
• Utility bills
• Tax filings
• Employment verification
• Military documentation
• Voter's registration card

Can my residency status change?

Yes. You may apply for reclassification if your circumstances change.

What if I disagree with my classification?

You may file an appeal before the term deadline.

If my appeal is granted and my classification changed to instate does it apply retroactively?

No, successful appeals change a student’s classification for the semester in which the appeal is granted and subsequent semesters. It does not apply retroactively.