Residency

In order to qualify for Pennsylvania resident tuition, students must meet the PA State System of Higher Education criteria as summarized below:

• Continuous residence in Pennsylvania for 12 months prior to registration.
• U.S. citizenship, formal declaration of intent to become a citizen, or admission to the United States on an immigrant visa. A nonimmigrant visa (tourist or student visa) is not proof of intent of residency.
• Pennsylvania residency by parent(s) or guardian(s) of students who are minors. The age of majority in Pennsylvania for establishing an independent residence for tuition purposes is 22. A minor may, however, prove financial emancipation and independence through clear and convincing evidence.
• A United States government employee or a member of the armed forces who was residing in Pennsylvania immediately prior to entering the government service and who has continuously maintained Pennsylvania as his or her legal residence is considered a Pennsylvania resident. Others in military service stationed in Pennsylvania are considered Pennsylvania residents.
• A student receiving a scholarship or grant dependent on residence in a state other than Pennsylvania is not considered a Pennsylvania resident.

When do I need to apply?

The deadline to request a change in residency is the last day of the add/drop period of the semester (based on the standard start date). Applications should be received in full by the deadline.  Changes are made to the current semester and going forward.

Upcoming Residency Review Deadlines:

 

Required Forms & Documentation

1.  Residency Classification Data Collection Form
   • Filled out completely, including all sections related to financial history and the statement.
   • Must be signed by the student
   • Must be notarized
2.  If under 22 years of age, a letter from the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should be included along with the student’s statement explaining domicile. 
   • If the student is claiming financial independence, the letter should also include the facts that establish the student's financial independence and a separate residence.
3. Supporting Documentation (see list below).

Supporting Documentation

If the student has copies of the documentation listed below, they are strongly encouraged to supply them.  If information is omitted, they may be asked to produce this documentation to aid in the review process.  

Please note: This list is not exhaustive.  If you have additional documentation to help in your explanation that you are domiciled in the state, please include that with your Residency Classification Data Collection Form. 

1. Federal taxes – most recent copy, signed, dated
   • Students aged 21 years old and YOUNGER – Submit your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) tax returns
   • Students aged 22 and OLDER – Submit your own tax returns
2. State taxes – most recent copy, signed, dated
   • Students aged 21 years old and YOUNGER – Submit your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) tax returns
   • Students aged 22 and OLDER – Submit your own tax returns
3. Copy of current lease, mortgage, or proof of home ownership in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
4. Copy of Pennsylvania driver’s license
5. Copy of auto insurance
6. Copy of motor vehicle registration issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
7. Proof of bank account with a Pennsylvania address
8. Copy of Voter Registration information
9. Proof of permanent, full-time employment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
10. Membership in any state-based civic or social organizations
11. If the student is not a U.S. Citizen
    • Provide ALL copies of information pertaining to immigration status

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Petitions, supporting documentation, and data form should be addressed to:

Office of Student Accounts (OSA)
Millersville University
PO Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551-0302

Each case shall be decided on the basis of all facts submitted, with qualitative rather than quantitative emphasis. No given number of factors is required for domicile, since the determination in each case is one of the subjective intention of the student to reside permanently or indefinitely in Pennsylvania.

How is "domicile" (residency) defined?

PASSHE policy states, “Domicile is the place where one intends to reside either permanently or indefinitely and does in fact so reside.”  

A person may live in a place for temporary reasons, such as a vacation home or attending college. Once the goal of the temporary reason is accomplished, the person does not intend to remain in that place. Since the person's presence is only temporary, the individual cannot be considered an in-state resident for tuition purposes.  

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How was my residency originally decided upon?

The admitting office determines a student’s residency. This is traditionally based on high-school transcripts and address.

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How is a residency appeal reviewed?

Based on the evidence submitted, a university administrator will decide whether a student is qualified as in-state for tuition purposes.

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What are the chances of having my residency changed?

Each case shall be decided based on all facts submitted, with qualitative rather than quantitative emphasis. No specific number of factors are required for domicile since the determination in each case is one of the subjective intentions of the student to reside permanently or indefinitely in Pennsylvania. The key is to document as much about your residency situation as possible to support your claim.  Documentation is power!

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Do I really need to have my documents notarized?

You must have your Residency Data Collection Form notarized, as well as any other documents that you may have asked others to write on your behalf to prove your independence or residency in PA.  The Notary’s seal is how we validate these documents.

Not all supporting documentation must be notarized.

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How long does it take to decide on my appeal?

Once all documentation is received, a decision is made within ten business days. It is not uncommon to be asked to clarify documentation submitted or for additional documentation to support your request.

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How do I know if my change in residency has been granted?

After a decision has been made regarding the appeal, the Office of Student Accounts will send you a notice, via email and paper mail, informing you of the decision.  

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If I miss something, will you contact me?

Yes, if we feel something is missing from your documentation, we will contact you.  Please note, this can delay the review of your documents.  It’s in your best interest to submit everything at once – your notarized Residency Classification Data Collection Form and all supporting documents to show you are domiciled in Pennsylvania.

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Where can I send my documentation?

Notarized documents must be delivered in person or mailed.

Millersville University

Office of Student Accounts

PO Box 1002

Millersville, PA  17551

 

It is best practice to submit supporting documentation along with your appeal. However, if you must email supporting documents separately, they can be sent to osa@millersville.edu.

Make sure to keep copies of all your documentation for future reference.  Do not submit original copies of leases, mortgages, auto information, etc., as those documents cannot be returned to you once submitted.

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I'm waiting for a residency decision, but have a tuition bill due - what should I do?

Students should not delay payment of their tuition bills because their residency is under review.  Instead, you should work out a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts (OSA) while waiting for a decision.  If your residency request is granted, your charges will adjust accordingly.

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Will there be a change to my financial aid awards if my residency is approved?

There may be adjustments to your financial aid package as a result of a residency change. This is because the cost of attendance differs for an in-state versus an out-of-state student. To learn more, please contact the Office of Financial Aid, fa.mail@millersville.edu, or (717) 871-5100.

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Can I request that documents be returned to me after I submit my forms for review?

No, documents cannot be returned to you once they are submitted.  Make sure to keep copies of all your documentation for future reference.  Do not submit original copies of leases, mortgages, auto information, etc., as those documents cannot be returned to you once submitted.

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Who do I contact with questions?

The Office of Student Accounts, osa@millersville.edu, or call (717) 871-5101.