Residency Determination

Residency status determines whether a student qualifies for in-state or out-of-state tuition at Idaho’s public colleges and universities. The Idaho State Board of Education establishes residency requirements to ensure consistent application across institutions.

Students seeking in-state tuition must meet specific criteria outlined in Board policy, which may include factors such as duration of residence, intent to remain in Idaho, and financial independence.

Residency determinations are governed by Idaho law, guided by Idaho State Board of Education policy, and administered by each institution. Students are encouraged to review applicable policies and work directly with their institution regarding residency eligibility and required documentation.

• Idaho Code Section 33-3717B (institutions other than community colleges)
• Board Policy V.Q. – Residency for Tuition Purposes
• Idaho Code Section 33-2110A (community colleges)

The Residency Determination Worksheet (06 02 2022) may be used to:

• Appeal a residency determination; or
• Apply for certification of residency for select graduate and professional programs, including:
  • WWAMI regional medical education program
  • Idaho dental education program
  • University of Utah School of Medicine
  • Washington-Idaho regional veterinary medicine program

There are several different pathways to determine Idaho residency. It is only necessary to prove residency through one pathway, not all of them. For more information on the pathways review the documents linked below:

• Residency Visual (06-02-2022)
• Resident Tuition fact sheet pathways (06-02-2022)
• Resident Tuition fact sheet process (06-02-2022)

Under Idaho Code Section 33-3717B, students who are enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes with traditional, customary, or reserved lands in Idaho may qualify for resident tuition at Idaho public colleges and universities.

The following tribes are recognized as having traditional and/or customary tribal boundaries within Idaho, or as having been granted reserved lands within the state:

• Coeur d’Alene Tribe
• Eastern Shoshone Tribe
• Kootenai Tribe
• Nez Perce Tribe
• Shoshone-Paiute Tribes
• Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
• Northwestern Shoshone

For questions about residency status or to request a determination, students should contact the admissions or registrar’s office at the institution they plan to attend. Each institution is responsible for reviewing residency applications and making final determinations in accordance with Idaho Law and Board policy.