Application for In-State Tuition Review

Review Process

The Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates, commonly referred to as the domicile application is initially reviewed by the Office of Admissions and should accompany new admission applications. Based upon the information provided by the applicant and parents (if required), the Office of Admissions will render one of three decisions:

  1. the applicant will be classified as in-state for tuition purposes
  2. the applicant will be required to provide additional documentation
  3. the applicant will be classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes

When additional documentation is required, the Office of Admissions will make the request in writing. Applicants have 30 days to provide the requested documentation. After 30 days, the applicant may be classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes. Please note that if a student registers for classes without having been declared in-state for tuition purposes, out-of-state tuition charges will apply. The student is responsible for understanding their domicile status prior to registration. The Offices of Admissions or Registrar can clarify your domicile status before you register.

Once declared out-of-state, students may request an additional review of their application and supporting materials by contacting Domicile Appeals Administration within the Office of the Registrar. No changes to domicile status will be made by the Office of Admissions once the initial review has been completed and the student has been classified as out-of-state.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I find information regarding the Virginia Domicile law?

All public institutions of higher education are governed by Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia. The Domicile Guidelines are the state regulations for in-state tuition eligibility. Newly admitted students can also obtain domicile information from the Office of Admissions.

Does my domicile application affect my admission application?

No. Review of admission and domicile applications are independent processes and one does not affect the other.

Why have I been declared out-of-state for tuition purposes?

Either the information you submitted with your in-state tuition application did not adequately evidence that you have been in Virginia for the mandatory one year period or you are in the state primarily to attend the University.

How long must I have lived in Virginia to be considered for in-state tuition?

12 months prior to the first day of the semester in which you wish to be considered in-state.

Am I guaranteed in-state tuition since I’m in the military of if I am the dependent of someone in the military?

No, not necessarily. However, if you feel that you may be entitled to this benefit please review the Code of Virginia as it pertains to military members and/or military dependents.

  • Dependents of Active Duty Military – Code of Virginia(23-7.4:E)
    Note: Dependent students must be degree seeking.
  • Active Duty Military Member - Code of Virginia (23-7.4:2)

Are international students eligible for in-state tuition?

Depends, international students may be legally capable of establishing domicile while present in the United States on a visa. A list of visa categories which are eligible for in-state tuition rates are contained in the Virginia Domicile Guidelines.

How do I request another review of my domicile decision after the Office of Admissions has classified me as out-of-state?

Once you have received an initial decision from the Office of Admissions, you can request an appeal through Domicile Appeals Administration within the Office of the Registrar. For more information please follow this link:
http://registrar.gmu.edu/students/domicile/index.html

Am I required to submit the domicile application?

No. Students who choose not to submit the domicile application will be assessed out-of-state tuition.

What are some examples of “additional documentation” that may be requested as part of my domicile application review?

Virginia tax forms, leave and earnings statements, military ID cards, military dependent ID cards, VA driver’s licenses, lease agreements and court orders.

Contact Us

E-mail: admissions@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-2400
Fax: 703-993-4622

Mailing Address

Office of Admissions
4400 University Drive, MSN 3A4
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Office Location

213 Johnson Center (2nd Floor)
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM