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 can still apply for reclassification. The only way to change your residency status is by meeting one of the requirements.
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. Each request is reviewed individually, and it is important to know that financial hardship cannot be considered in the decision.
Proposition 308
Thanks to Proposition 308, 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.
Petition and affadavits
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.
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 US visas or a pending permanent resident application may be eligible for residency reclassification. View eligibility and requirements.
Residency status deadlines (Fall 2025)
July 21, 2025: Deadline for a decision by the first day of 2026 spring classes. (All forms and supporting documents must be submitted by July 21, 2025.)
September 5, 2025: Final deadline to submit residency status change forms.
October 10, 2025: Deadline to submit a residency reclassification appeal (if denied).
Questions
If you would like to discuss your circumstance or eligibility, have questions about Prop 308, contact our office at 928-523-6464 or by email at Residency@nau.edu.