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    • Residency Classification

    Registration & Records

    The State of Tennessee and the UT System establish residency regulations for uniform use across all public higher education institutions in Tennessee. UT Knoxville uses this classification to determine the appropriate tuition & fee rate and verify financial aid eligibility and retention. Initial residency is determined during the admissions process, but students who believe they were incorrectly classified may request a review.

    Residency Criteria

    Residency is based on domicile— your true, fixed, and permanent home. 

    • Dependent students (under age 24, unless married, a parent, or a veteran/active-duty service member) take the domicile of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Turning 18 does not automatically make a student independent for tuition purposes. 
    • Independent students (age 24 or older, or who otherwise meet independence criteria) must provide clear and convincing evidence that their move to Tennessee was not primarily for educational purposes. Simply stating intent to remain in Tennessee after attending UT does not establish a domicile.
    • Property ownership or a Tennessee driver license alone does not confer in-state status. The primary domicile of the parent or independent must be in Tennessee. 
    • Divorced or separated parents: Dependent students may qualify for in-state status if one parent is domiciled in Tennessee, regardless of custody. 

    Residency Assessment Tool

    Continuous Enrollment

    Students classified as in-state who remain continuously enrolled at a Tennessee public institution do not lose their in-state classification if their parent(s) move out of state. “Continuous enrollment” means enrollment during fall and spring semesters (summer enrollment is not required). 

    Military-Affiliated Students

    UT Knoxville follows Tennessee law to provide in-state tuition or out-of-state waivers to eligible active-duty military members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, ROTC cadets, and their dependents: 

    • Active-duty military stationed in Tennessee or Fort Campbell, KY qualify for out-of-state waivers.
    • Active-duty military members whose home of record or legal residence is Tennessee, but who are stationed elsewhere, qualify for in-state tuition.
    • Veterans and reservists may qualify for out-of-state waivers under the Tennessee Vets Act. 
    • ROTC cadets actively participating in the ROTC program are eligible for out-of-state waivers on a per-semester basis. 
    • Dependents of eligible military members or veterans using US Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits may also qualify for out-of-state waivers while living in Tennessee. 

    Documentation such as military orders, DD-214, or a Certificate of Eligibility may be required each semester. 

    International and Non-US Citizens

    Certain non-US citizens may qualify for in-state classification if they meet state eligibility criteria and provide required documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident card, qualifying visa status, and proof of domicile). 

    International students holding F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for in-state classification because these visa types indicate the student is in the US primarily for educational purposes. 

    Students with Deferred Action status are also ineligible for in-state tuition based on domicile. 

    Honors and Scholarship Programs

    UT Knoxville does not grant in-state status solely for participation in the Chancellor’s Honors Program or other honors programs. However, some non-resident recipients of UT Chancellor’s Scholarships who are also enrolled in certain honors programs may be considered for an out-of-state tuition waiver.

    Initial Residency Classification

    Undergraduate residency classification is determined by admissions staff based on the information provided in your application. Factors such as your permanent address, parent or guardian domicile, high school or home-school affiliation, transfer work from out-of-state institutions, and tax records can affect your initial classification. Graduate and professional students are classified through their college or program.

    Applying for Reclassification

    Admitted students who have been classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes may request a review of their residency status by submitting the appropriate residency application and supporting documentation. This process is only available to admitted students and is intended to determine eligibility for in-state classification for tuition purposes.

    • Undergraduates: Complete the Undergraduate Residency Application for Tuition Purposes (Microsoft Form) and upload all required supporting documentation within the form. Do not submit the application through Vault or by email.
    • Graduate Students: Submit the Graduate Application for In-State Classification and supporting documentation as directed on the form or send materials to graduateadmissions@utk.edu through the UT Vault. All applications and required documentation must be submitted by the deadline to add or drop full session courses without a “W.” for the semester in which reclassification is sought. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next semester. Retroactive classifications are not permitted.

    Applications and all supporting documents must be received by the last day of registration for the semester. If applying for residency reclassification after enrolling at UT, you may also be asked to provide Proof of Lawful Presence (EVEA) documentation. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next semester. Retroactive classifications are not permitted.

    Once reviewed, applicants are notified of their classification by email. Completing an application does not guarantee in-state status. 

    Residency Reclassification and Appeals Process

    First Appeal— Residency Classifier

    Admitted students who have been classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes may request a review of their residency status by submitting an application for reclassification. This process is intended for currently or newly admitted students seeking a change in their tuition classification—not for applicants whose admission residency is still under review.

    To be considered for the upcoming semester, the completed application and all required documentation must be submitted by the deadline to add or drop full-session courses without a “W.” Applications are reviewed by the appropriate residency classifier (e.g., Undergraduate, Graduate, College of Law, or College of Veterinary Medicine). Students will be notified of the decision by email once the review is complete.

    Second Appeal— Residency Committee

    Students who wish to appeal the first decision must email residency@utk.edu within 30 days of the notification date of the initial decision. The email must include a clear statement explaining why the student believes the first decision was incorrect. Additional forms or documentation may be requested as part of the review process.

    The Residency Committee, composed of the university’s residency classifiers, will review all first appeal materials and determine whether further information is needed. Committee members who did not participate in the original decision will vote on the outcome of the second appeal. Students will be notified of the committee’s decision by email.

    Third Appeal— Residency Coordinator

    If a student wishes to appeal the second decision, they must email residency@utk.edu within 30 days of the second appeal notification date. A new application form is not required, but the email must include a statement explaining why the student believes the second decision was incorrect.

    The Residency Coordinator will review all prior materials and the decision of the Residency Committee and may request additional information if necessary. The Residency Coordinator has the authority to reclassify a student administratively at this stage. Students will be notified of the final decision by email.

    Reapplying for Reclassification

    Students who have completed the full appeals process and were denied in-state residency may reapply in a future semester if their circumstances have changed. This reapplication is treated as a new case, not a continuation of the previous appeal.

    Residency FAQs

    Who needs to submit a residency application?

    Students who are not admitted as in-state will need to submit a residency application along with supporting documentation to the residency classifier to determine eligibility for in-state classification.

    Why wasn’t I admitted as an in-state student?

    The admissions process looks at many different items when making an initial residency determination for a student. Items such as address of student and parents, high school graduation state, including boarding schools and home school affiliation outside of Tennessee, transfer work from out-of-state educational facilities, and tax information. Any one of these items indicating an out-of-state connection for a student can provide an out-of-state classification to a student.

    What is the deadline for submitting the Residency Application?

    The deadline for applying for reclassification and submitting all documentation is the last day to final register, add, change grading options with a W for a full session course as indicated on the Timetable/Financial Deadlines Calendars for the semester. This date is usually about the 7th day of the semester. Any applications or documentation received after that date will be considered for the next available semester. Retroactive residency classifications are not available. No exceptions will be made to this deadline for application submissions or documentation items.

    What are the criteria used to be considered either a dependent or independent student?

    • Students age under the age of 24, unless married, a veteran of the US Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves for purposes other than training, or have children are dependent students and domicile is based on parents’ primary domicile. Turning 18 in itself does not provide that a student is independent for tuition purposes.
    • Students over the age of 24, married students, students who are veterans of the US Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves for purposes other than training, or have children are considered independent students. The student must provide documentation showing the student did not move to the State for educational purposes (intent to remain in the state after attending school does not provide documentable proof). It is difficult to show that a move to Tennessee is incidental to attending the University if you move to the state and enroll in a higher educational institution within a short period of time.

    What if I am under the age 24 and my parents are no longer claiming me for income tax purposes? Will my domicile be determined independent of my parents’ domicile?

    A person may be financially dependent on his/her parents for purposes of determining domicile even if parents are not claiming the student for income tax purposes. A student, whether or not living with his or her parent, who is eligible to be claimed under the federal income tax code shall be considered as a dependent student regardless of whether the student is claimed or not. Failure to claim a qualifying dependent does not, in and of itself, establish that the student is in fact financially independent. The student needs to document he/she has income independent of parents sufficient to support themselves. Income obtained from parent financed, guaranteed or co-signed loans, gifts from parents, loans, grants or scholarships received by a student who is classified as a dependent for FAFSA purposes, property purchased by parents, and college funds, 529 plans, trust funds or savings plans set up for a student are not considered independent financial support. If eligible for independent classification, the student would still need to show that reason for moving to and residing in Tennessee is not for educational purposes.

    My parents are divorced, legally separated or never married and one parent lives in Tennessee, do I qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes?

    • A student can qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes even if the parent that lives in Tennessee does not have primary custody of the student.
    • A student who falls into this category must complete an Undergraduate Application for in-state classification and submit this along with supporting documentation to the residency classifier.

    What if my parents are not divorced, legally separated or never married and only one parent is living in Tennessee, do I qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes?

    No, if only one parent lives in Tennessee and they are not divorced, legally separated, or never married you do not qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes. To be eligible both parents must be primarily and currently domiciled in the state.

    When I applied to UTK my parents did not live in Tennessee but have now moved to the state. Am I eligible for reclassification?

    • It is possible for a dependent student who is classified as out-of-state to gain in-state classification when parents move to Tennessee permanently.
    • Parents would need to show that Tennessee is the primary domicile, reason for move to Tennessee is not to obtain in-state classification for a student but parents would have moved even if student was not attending UTK and intent is to remain after student no longer attends UTK.
    • In order to determine if a student is eligible for in-state classification, the student will need to complete and return the Undergraduate application for in-state classification along with all documentation to support their claim. Documentation needs to include items that show both parents and student have done all the things a resident of the state would do and domicile in prior state has been relinquished.

    What if parents or student own property in Tennessee?

    • Property ownership in itself does not provide in-state classification for tuition purposes. It is possible to own more than one home but only one would be considered a primary domicile. Indicating dual state residency or a percentage of time is spent in one state and a percentage of time in another does not automatically provide that Tennessee is the primary domicile.
    • Owning a vacation home, 2nd home, or a condo or other property for a student to use while attending a higher education facility in Tennessee is not sufficient evidence of domicile. The home in Tennessee must be the primary legal domicile of the student’s supporting parents.
    • Purchasing a home for a student to live in while attending UTK in itself would not show that domicile in Tennessee is incidental to educational purposes.

    What if my parents have a business in Tennessee?

    In-state classification is determined based on domicile. Therefore, owning a business or having a franchise that also has locations in Tennessee, or working in Tennessee while maintaining a primary domicile outside of the state would not provide eligibility for in-state classification.

    What if I have other relatives or friends living in Tennessee?

    Relatives or friends living in Tennessee that are not parents will not provide criteria for changing out-of-state classification for tuition purposes.

    What if I obtain a Tennessee driver’s license, register my car in Tennessee, register to vote in Tennessee, and rent/own property in Tennessee?

    Residency guidelines for tuition purposes are independent of other state rules or regulations governing residency for other purposes, including property tax liability, eligibility to vote, obtaining a driver license or registering a car. Therefore, obtaining these items in itself does not guarantee a student would be eligible for in-state classification.

    What if I or my parents lived in Tennessee in the past?

    • Past domicile in the state by a student or parents does not provide current in-state classification to a student, regardless of the length of time domicile was maintained in Tennessee.
    • Dependent students whose parents currently maintain domicile in Tennessee while the student has been attending a higher educational facility out-side the state can be eligible for consideration for in-state classification. The student would need to complete the Undergraduate application for in-state classification and provide documentation to show continued parent domicile.

    What if I am currently attending the University as an in-state student and my parents move out-of-state while I am enrolled?

    As long as you remain continuously enrolled at a higher educational facility in Tennessee you will not lose your in-state classification (continuous enrollment is defined as Fall and Spring semesters, not attending for Summer semester is not included for continuous enrollment).

    I understand that Tennessee does not have a durational component to their residency requirements. Does that mean if I move to Tennessee prior to the start of classes I will be considered in-state for tuition purposes?

    • Although the State of Tennessee does not have a durational requirement of 6 months or a year or more this does not mean that moving into your room, renting an apartment prior to attending, moving into a relative’s home, or any other place to live prior to the first day of school will automatically grant in-state classification.
    • A dependent student would need to show that reason for parents move to Tennessee is not for educational purposes.
    • An independent student would need to show that move to the state was not for educational purposes. This can be difficult to do if the person moves and be begins to attend the University within a short period of time.

    Stating intent to remain in the state after attending school does not provide the documentable proof needed to show that reason for current residence in Tennessee is not for educational purposes.

    What if I am considered independent and my parents live in Tennessee?

    As an independent student, having parent(s) living in the State will not automatically change your out-of-state status for tuition purposes. If you are an independent student who has established a primary domicile in another state or have not primarily lived with parent(s) prior to applying, having parent(s) living in Tennessee will have very limited value in determining your classification for tuition purposes.

    Will I gain in-state classification after I have attended the University for 6 months or 1 year?

    • Attending an educational institution as a student does not provide in-state classification after 6 months, a year, or more.
    • Out-of-state students do not acquire domicile in Tennessee while attending a higher educational facility regardless of the length of time a student is enrolled. A presence in the state of Tennessee to attend a higher educational institution does not provide permanent domicile but is considered a temporary residence for educational purposes. The presumption is the student is residing in the state primarily for educational benefits regardless of how long the length of stay.

    Will I gain in-state classification once I turn 24 or otherwise become an independent student while I am attending the University?

    Turning 24 or otherwise being classified as an independent student while attending the University does not automatically provide a student with in-state classification. Student would still need to show that presence in Tennessee is not for educational pursuits.

    I am currently classified as in-state or am receiving a waiver or discounted tuition at another higher educational facility in Tennessee. Will these automatically transfer to UTK?

    Receiving in-state classification at another higher educational institution in the state of Tennessee does not automatically grant in-state classification at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Guidelines and documentation required for being granted in-state classification at UTK can be different than other schools. While in-state classification at the other school will be taken into consideration, the decision to grant in-state at another school does not automatically provide in-state classification at a UT system school. Also, waivers in out-of-state tuition or reductions to tuition that are offered at other higher educational facilities in Tennessee would not transfer to UTK.

    What if I live in a state or county that borders Tennessee?

    While some Tennessee higher educational institutions do offer border waivers UTK does not provide waivers in out-of-state tuition to students residing in bordering states. Any waiver in out-of-state tuition received at another Tennessee higher educational institution would only apply while the student attends that institution and would not transfer. 

    What if I am a military affiliated individual who is classified as: active duty military, veteran military, Reservist, National Guard, or ROTC cadet?

    • Full-time active duty military stationed in Tennessee or Fort Campbell, KY.
      • Full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are currently stationed in the state of Tennessee or at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. Current active duty military orders need to be provided to receive this waiver. This waiver does not apply to out-of-state students who are inactive Reservists or in the National Guard for training purposes and are not full-time active duty.
    • Full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee.
    • Full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is Tennessee and is currently stationed out-of-state or abroad, qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes. Current active duty military orders and documentation to show Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence will need to be provided. This waiver does not apply to inactive Reservists or National Guard for training purposes and are not full-time active duty.
    • Full-time active duty military or veteran military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee.
      • Full-time active duty military or veteran military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not have to pay out-of-state tuition under the Tennessee Vets Act.  Current active duty military orders or DD-214 showing discharge will need to be provided to the residency classifier.
    • This Act was effective for the fall 2022 semester and does not replace prior acts of July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2015, and will not be retroactive to prior semesters.
    • Inactive/veteran reservists or national guard.
      • Inactive/veteran reservists or national guard are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not have to pay out-of-state tuition under the Tennessee Vets Act. Current enlistment orders or DD-214 will need to be provided to the residency classifier.
      • This Act was effective for the fall 2022 semester and does not replace prior acts of July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2015, and will not be retroactive to prior semesters.
    • Currently participating reserve officer training corps (ROTC) cadet students.
      • ROTC cadet students enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the ROTC program and are eligible for and are currently and actively participating in the ROTC program are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not have to pay out-of-state tuition under the Tennessee Vets Act. This waiver is provided on a per-semester basis and is only available while eligible for and currently and actively participating as an ROTC student. The student will need to contact the ROTC department at The University of Tennessee and ask that verification be provided to the residency office each semester.
      • ROTC cadet students also using Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs while attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville will be required to receive this waiver in out-of-state tuition as the Federal Choice Act requires this.
      • This Act was effective for the fall 2022 semester and does not replace prior acts of July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2015, and will not be retroactive to prior semesters.

    What if I am a military affiliated individual who is classified as a dependent of: active duty military, veteran military, reservist, or national guard?

    • Dependent of full-time active duty military stationed in Tennessee or Fort Campbell, KY.
      • Dependent of full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are currently stationed in the state of Tennessee or at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not have to pay out-of-state tuition. Current active duty military orders need to be provided to the residency classifier to receive this waiver. This waiver does not apply to out-of-state students who are dependents of inactive Reservists or National Guard for training purposes and are not full-time active duty.
    • Dependent of full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee.
    • Dependent of full-time active duty military whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is Tennessee and currently stationed outside of Tennessee qualify for in-state classification for tuition purposes. Current active duty military orders and documentation to show Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence will need to be provided. This waiver does not apply to dependents of inactive Reservists or National Guard for training purposes and are not full-time active duty.
    • Dependent of full-time active duty military, veteran military, reservists, or national guard whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee.
    • Dependent of full-time active duty military or veteran military, reservists, or national guard whose Home of Record or Home of Legal Residence is not Tennessee and are stationed outside of Tennessee are eligible to be out-of-state students who do not pay out-of-state tuition under the Tennessee Vets Act.
    • The Tennessee Vets Act provides that dependents of current full-time active duty/veteran members of the U.S. Armed Forces, reservists, and national guard who are eligible to receive educational benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, through any provision of the United States Code, shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition or any out-of-state fee when the dependent student is:
    • Enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
    • Utilizing such benefits at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
    • Living in the state of Tennessee, regardless of the individual’s formal state of residency.

    A current Certificate of Eligibility or document showing VA educational benefits eligibility that are administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs will need to be provided to the residency classifier to receive this benefit. If not eligible for and using such benefits for the first semester the dependent student attends, out-of-state fees will be applied and due until benefits are used and will not be refunded for prior semesters benefits were not used.  If benefits being used expire while the dependent student is enrolled at UTK the out-of-state waiver will remain as-long-as the student remains continuously enrolled.  Dependent students who receive such benefits but are attending an online program and living outside of Tennessee are not eligible for the waiver in out-of-state tuition and residency classification would be determined in the same way as any other student. Benefits must be administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits administered by the state are not eligible.

    The Tennessee Vets Act amended April 2022 expands in-state rates to military-affiliated and veteran students.  This amendment does not provide in-state rates to dependents of military-affiliated or veteran students who are not using Education Benefits administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs attending an on-campus program.  The amendment does not replace prior acts of July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2015, for dependent eligibility to pay in-state rates.

    What if I am an International Student or a non-United States Citizen?

    • Non US citizens who have current status of lawful permanent resident, Asylee, and certain non-immigrants who hold visas from particular categories (A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, H1b, H4 (only if a dependent of an H1B visa), I, K1, K2, K3, K4, L1, L1a, L1b, L2, NATO1, NATO2, NATO3, NATO4, NATO5, NATO6, NATO7, O1, O3 (only dependents of an O1 visa), P1, P2, P3, P4, R1, R2, T1, or V visa) who can provide proof that they have initiated the process to become either a permanent resident or naturalized, may be eligible to be classified in-state if they meet all other requirements for in-state classification as a dependent or independent person and meet Eligibility Verification for Entitlements (EVEA) regulations set forth by the State. Students, non-citizen parents of dependent students, spouses or legal guardians are expected to provide a copy of their unexpired Permanent Resident card, proof of current Asylee status, visa from category listed above along with proof that they have initiated the process to become a either a permanent resident or naturalized along with other documentation to determine residency classification.
    • International students holding a temporary or non-immigrant visa not listed above are not eligible for in-state classification.
    • Students holding an F or J visa are not eligible for in-state classification even if parents, spouse or legal guardians are US citizens, legal permanent residents or hold a visa category listed above. Holding an F or J visa indicates the student is primarily in the country for educational purposes and cannot establish domicile in the United States or in Tennessee for reasons other than educational pursuits.
    • Students who have applied for or obtained Deferred Action are ineligible for in-state tuition rates based on domicile, regardless of whether parents/legal guardian are living in Tennessee. Unfortunately, the deferral does not confer lawful immigration status to the student.

    Will I gain in-state status as a member of the Chancellor’s Honors Program and/or other UTK honors programs?

    While some state schools do offer this benefit to nonresident honors students, UTK does not currently grant in-state status to students based upon membership in the Chancellor’s Honors Program or its other honors programs. ONLY nonresident recipients of UT Chancellor’s Scholarships, who are also enrolled in Chancellor’s Honors, Haslam Scholars, Honors Leadership, or 1794 Scholars Programs may be eligible for consideration as out-of-state students who are not required to pay out-of-state tuition.