Residency

Understanding your residency classification for tuition purposes is essential, and we're here to guide you through the process. In Texas, these classifications are established by the Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Why is residency classification important?

Residency classification determines the amount of tuition you'll need to pay.

To determine your residency, you can either provide core residency answers during the admissions application or complete the Texas Residency Oath task in your myLoneStar portal.

If you believe you qualify for a lower residency tuition rate, we encourage you to reach out to a staff member at your campus � see the Residency Officials Contact Information in the resources below. They are here to assist you in determining the best classification for you. Please note, Lone Star College has the right to request further supporting documents to determine your residency status correctly.

We are here to help you navigate through the Residency process, and we encourage you to explore our resources below.

Resources

A printable/searchable document outlining the Lone Star College System Policy Manual for Tuition and Fees

Some non-U. S. citizens may establish a domicile (permanent place of residence) in the State of Texas to establish residency for tuition purposes only. View the eligible Immigration Statuses here.

To establish residency through high school graduation, a person must:

1. Graduate from a high school in Texas or receive a GED in Texas; and
2. Physically reside in Texas for the 36 consecutive months immediately prior to high school graduation; and
3. Physically reside in Texas for the 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the census date of the semester in which the student enrolls in a Texas public college or university

If you are neither a US Citizen nor have issued a Permanent Resident card issued from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you are considered as an International Student and must also submit a copy of the SB 1528 Affidavit (printable) or download as fillable stating that you will apply for permanent residency when you are eligible to do so.

If you do not meet all three of the above listed criteria, you must wait until you have met all the above criteria before you can change your residency status or you can see if you meet one of the other options.

Our Academic Catalog contains lists of the Documentation Used to Establish Domicile in Texas. View this information here.

If you need help or have any questions about this process, reach out to the contact at your home campus.