Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Residency Status

The Office of Admissions determines your residency status upon initial review of your application. The decision is based on information on your application. Your resident status determined at the time of your application will remain in effect unless a petition is submitted and re-classification is granted. If there is a question about your residency status, we will send you a residency petition form.

No. It is the student’s responsibility to petition for re-classification once he or she has met the “Basic Definition of Resident Status”.

If you are supported and claimed as a dependent by non-resident parent(s) and/or guardian(s), your residence is presumed to be that of your parent/guardian.

If you have a non-custodial parent (one who you normally don’t live with) who is a resident of Oklahoma, you may be classified as an Oklahoma resident once a petition and statement with supporting documentation of primary care, custody and support is submitted by the parent residing in Oklahoma.

No. The University of Oklahoma does not participate in any in-state reciprocity agreement with bordering states.

No. Your residency is that of your parents/guardian. To qualify for residency, you will still have to meet the “Basic Definition of Resident Status”. If you have extenuating circumstances and a family member (other than a parent) supports and claims you as a dependent for tax purposes and is an Oklahoma resident, he or she may petition on your behalf by completing sections 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8 of the petition.

No. There is not a set score that automatically allows a non-resident student to receive in-state tuition. There may be scholarships or tuition waivers you can apply for at http://www.scholarships.ou.edu/.

No. Resident status is based on the location of your permanent domicile. This is considered to be your fixed, permanent home and where you (or your parents) habitually reside. Since domicile has two components, residence and intent to remain indefinitely, a person can have more than one residence but only one domicile.

No. Application for a state certification or exam does not qualify you for in-state tuition status because this application is not considered sufficient evidence of intent to remain indefinitely.

You will need to complete the petition and meet the “Basic Definition of Resident Status”.

When considering a student for reclassification, there are three main requirements a student must meet:

1. documented financial independence for the current and previous tax year
2. maintaining a permanent domicile for twelve consecutive months
3. evidence of “intent to remain” in Oklahoma upon graduation.

Once a petition is received, it is reviewed within 7-10 working days. Decisions are made immediately, if possible, but there are delays with petitions submitted with insufficient documentation. A letter will be sent requesting additional information if necessary.

Yes. If, at a later date, you feel that you meet all of the requirements for reclassification, you may petition at any time.

Yes. If you establish residency in another state or if you are absent from Oklahoma for twelve months for purposes other than education. You will also lose your residency if the University of Oklahoma finds your resident status was granted on the basis of false or misleading information.