Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Residency

Residency for tuition purposes is a complex issue and Yavapai College requires clear and convincing evidence to support any claims for Arizona resident status.

When is a student's residency status determined?

The Admissions & Registration Office at Yavapai College determines each student's residency status when the completed application for admission and domicile affidavit are received and processed.

The decision is based on the information contained in the application for admission, domicile affidavit, transcripts, and other documents required for admission or submitted to support a petition for residency classification.

The residency status determined at this time remains in effect until the student either:

1. fulfills the requirements for residency and petitions for a change of classification or;
2. loses residency by his or her absence from Arizona with intent to become a resident of another state. Residency status is reviewed after any absence of one semester or more.

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How is a minor student's residency status determined?

In Arizona, 18 is the age of majority. Persons under the age of 18 are considered minors under the law. The residency status for students under 18 is based upon the domicile of the parents (or legal guardian, where the parents are deceased or whereabouts unknown). In most cases a person must be 18 to begin to establish residency apart from his or her parents or guardian.

What is the policy about establishing residency while attending school in Arizona?

All of the evidence is weighed under the presumption that a non-resident full-time student's presence in Arizona is primarily for the purpose of education and not to establish domicile, and that decisions of an individual as to the intent to establish domicile are generally made after the completion of an education and not before.

What is the resident status of immigrants, refugees and international students?

A non-citizen with a visa that prohibits establishing a domicile in Arizona during any portion of the durational period may not be granted resident status. Other non-citizens may qualify for resident status by:

• Meeting all requirements for residency outlined previously, or
• Having been granted refugee status and meeting all other requirements for domicile.

What effect does property ownership in Arizona have on tuition classification?

Property ownership in Arizona does not, by itself, constitute residency or entitlement to resident tuition.

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Does living in Arizona with a relative other than parents have any effect on residency status?

No. This would have no influence on residency status.

If a student is a dependent of a Yavapai College alumnus, would it have any effect on his or her tuition classification?

No. This would have no influence on residency status.

How does a student change residency status?

A non-resident who feels he or she has satisfied the residency requirements may obtain a Domicile Affidavit from the Admissions and Registration Office. A change in residency classification is never automatic. It is always the student’s responsibility to initiate the petition.

Is there a deadline for submitting a petition for reclassification for residency?

Yes. The deadline is the last date of regular registration for credit, as published by this college. No petitions for reclassification will be accepted after that date.

Can a student who is classified as a resident lose resident status and be reclassified as a non-resident?

Absence from Arizona alone will not result in a loss of Arizona residency once established, unless the absence is accompanied by actions which indicate an intent to establish a new domicile.

Determination that false or misleading information was provided by the student may also result in loss of resident status and dismissal from the college.

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