Resident Classification Policy

Determination of Eligibility for Reclassification as a Pennsylvania Resident for Tuition Purposes:

1. A student shall be classified as a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of instate tuition rates, if the student has established a domicile in Pennsylvania and whose presence in the state is not primarily for educational purposes. A student whose presence in the Commonwealth is primarily for educational purposes shall be presumed to be a non-Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes. Domicile is a person's existing and intended, fixed, permanent and principal place of residence.
2. A student under the age of 21 is presumed to have the domicile of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian, unless the student has maintained continuous residence in Pennsylvania for purposes other than education for a period of at least 12 months prior to initial enrollment at Pennsylvania College of Technology and the student continues to maintain such separate residence.
3. A student who has resided in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for other than educational purposes for at least a period of 12 months immediately preceding his/her initial enrollment at Pennsylvania College of Technology is presumed to have a Pennsylvania domicile.
4. A student requesting classification as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes must be a citizen of the United States or have indicated by formal action his/her intention of becoming a citizen or must have been admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa. Students admitted to the United States on a tourist or a student (non-immigrant) visa are not eligible for classification as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes unless the student has indicated by formal action his/her intentions to become a United States citizen.
5. A United States government employee or member of the armed forces who was a resident of Pennsylvania immediately preceding his/her entry into governmental services and who has continuously maintained Pennsylvania as his/her domicile will be presumed to have a Pennsylvania domicile. Military personnel and their dependents who are assigned to active duty in Pennsylvania and reside in this state shall be charged in-state tuition rates.
6. A student receiving a scholarship, guaranteed loan, grant or other form of financial assistance dependent upon residence in a state other than Pennsylvania is not a state resident for tuition.

1. A student may appeal his/her residency classification in writing to the chief student affairs officer. The appeal will be considered and a decision rendered, which is final.
2. A student requesting reclassification as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate with clear and convincing evidence that his/her domicile is Pennsylvania. Each request shall be decided individually on the basis of all information submitted by the petitioner. Accordingly, it is not possible to list a specific combination of factors or set of circumstances which, if met, would ensure reclassification as a resident of Pennsylvania for tuition purposes. However, documents may include, but are not limited to home ownership, bank account, payroll records, drivers license, voter registration, etc.
3. A reclassification resulting from an appeal shall be effective for the current semester or session if the appeal is granted prior to the beginning of that semester or session. After that point, it shall be effective at the beginning of the semester or session following the successful appeal.

• Pennsylvania Resident: 
  Any student who has established a domicile in Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to initial enrollment and whose presence in the state is not primarily for educational purposes.
• Non-Resident: 
  Any student whose presence in the Commonwealth is primarily for educational purposes.
• Domicile: 
  Is a person’s existing and intended, fixed, permanent and principal place of residence.

Based on "The Policy for Determination of Eligibility for Reclassification As a Pennsylvania Resident for Tuition Purposes" Deputy Controller’s Office The Pennsylvania State University: 12/4/92

Reference: College Policy and Procedure 4.18