To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, the student (dependent or independent) must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or a legal alien granted indefinite stay by U.S. Immigration, and must have established physical and legal residence in Florida for a least one year. Students who do not meet these basic criteria cannot be classified as residents for tuition purposes. Questions regarding residency status upon application and admission to UCF should be directed to the College of Graduate Studies. Questions regarding a change in residency status for currently enrolled graduate students should also be directed to the College of Graduate Studies.

In order to be eligible for Florida residency for tuition purposes for the spring 2013 term and later applicants will be required to submit at least two documents as proof of residency. UCF College of Graduate Studies reserves the right to require additional documentation as seen necessary to accurately determine the residency status of a student.

For residency requests, documentation received by the College of Graduate Studies after the last day of late registration will not be used to determine residency for the current term. Approved residency classification will not be applied retroactively to previous terms. Information regarding the College of Graduate Studies residency appeal process can be obtained by contacting the office at (407) 823-2766.

In-state status is only for those residents who reside in the state permanently with established legal domicile in Florida. Permanent Florida residency for tuition purposes is demonstrated by the absence of ties to any other state. An out-of-state permanent address on pertinent records is not indication of established legal domicile in Florida.

Permanent residence is evaluated for the domicile year associated with the initial term of entry to UCF or the term for which you are seeking reclassification.

Students are either dependent or independent. Graduate students are considered independent unless documentation provided determines otherwise. A copy of a federal income tax return substantiating dependent status will be required if a student is claiming residency as a dependent of a legal Florida resident. In rare cases, a student may qualify for temporary in-state status by qualifying under an exception category.