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Out-of-state tuition can run $15,000–25,000 more a year than in-state. If you truly make Arizona your home — not just to go to school — you may be able to be reclassified and pay the in-state rate. The rules are strict and start early; here’s the plain version.
Graduated from an Arizona high school? You likely already qualify for in-state tuition — even without documented status, under Prop 308. This page is for students who moved to Arizona from another state.
About a year of physical presence
Arizona generally expects roughly 12 continuous months living in the state for reasons beyond attending college, before the term you’re claiming residency for.
Real intent to make Arizona home
Not just being here — showing Arizona is your permanent home: an AZ driver’s license/ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, a lease in your name, an Arizona job, and local bank accounts all help build the picture.
Financial independence (for many students)
If out-of-state parents claim you as a dependent or support you, the school often looks to their state. Demonstrating you support yourself is frequently part of qualifying on your own.
Coming mainly for school
If you moved to Arizona primarily to attend the university, that usually weighs against in-state reclassification, no matter how long you stay.
Being a dependent of out-of-state parents
Dependent students’ residency commonly follows their parents’ state. This is the most common reason a reclassification is denied.
Keeping ties to another state
An out-of-state driver’s license, car registration, voter registration, or being on another state’s taxes signals your home is still there.
Start the clock — and the paper trail — early
The 12 months and the evidence both take time. The sooner you switch your license, registration, and accounts to Arizona, the stronger your case later.
Move everything to Arizona
Get an AZ driver’s license/ID, register to vote and register your car in AZ, open local bank accounts, and keep a lease or address proof in your name.
Keep records of everything
Save dated proof of presence and intent — lease, pay stubs, utility bills, the dates on your AZ documents. The petition is won with documentation.
File the reclassification petition on time
Each university has a residency classification office and a hard deadline (often before the term). Submit the Domicile Affidavit / reclassification request with your evidence.
Ask the residency office directly — don’t guess
They make the call and can tell you exactly what your school requires. A 15-minute conversation early can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
This is a general overview, not a determination — Arizona residency for tuition is decided by each university under the Board of Regents’ rules, and it is genuinely hard for students who came mainly for school. If you’re an Arizona high-school graduate (including without documented status, under Prop 308), you likely already get in-state tuition — that’s a different, easier path. Always confirm your situation with the school’s residency classification office.
A general overview, not a legal determination — your university’s residency classification office decides, under the Arizona Board of Regents’ rules. Talk to them early; the tuition difference is worth the call. Nothing here is stored.