Office of the Registrar
Residency General Information
At the time of admission, a student’s initial residence classification is based on information provided on the admissions application. This determines the student’s tuition rate.
Please help us process residency applications in a timely manner by reviewing the residency information and requirements.
- To be considered a resident for tuition purposes, a student must be a U.S Citizen, U.S Permanent Resident card holder (for at least one year), approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) immigration status, have a qualifying visa, or qualify via RCW 28B.15.012(e).
- To be classified/reclassified as residents, for tuition purposes, students must establish bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for purposes other than education for the period of one year immediately prior to classification as residents.
- Non-resident students who are enrolled for more than 6 credits per quarter, shortly after arriving in Washington State, are presumed to be in Washington for primarily educational purposes.
These students are not eligible for the in-state tuition rate until proven that they have established bona fide domicile and can provide all supporting domicile documentation, demonstrating establishment of at least one year prior to the quarter of the residence questionnaire application.
For specific information on bona fide domicile, please reference the Residency FAQs.
Know Before You Go! - Your Washington State Community and Technical Colleges (CTCs) and University Residency Status Does Not Transfer to other CTCs and Washington State Universities When You Apply for Admission and Are Admitted
When getting ready to transfer to a four-year public university in Washington State or to attend a different Community and Technical College, it's important to look closely at the school you want to transfer to and understand their requirements for resident tuition. Your residency status at any educational institution in Washington doesn’t carry over to other schools. Make sure you understand both the requirements and how to apply for residency before you apply for admission.
Have questions? Please email the Residency Coordinator.
- Top 5 Residency Questions
-
Residency Forms
Residence Questionnaire Application (pdf)
Resident Tuition for American Indian Students (pdf)
Resident Tuition for Active Duty Military Personnel (pdf)
Resident Tuition for Washington National Guard Members (pdf)
Resident Tuition for Veterans (pdf)
Resident Tuition for Non-resident Refugees and Asylees (pdf)
-
Residency Guideline Sources
Residency policies are set by the Washington State Legislature. For more Residency classification and details, please reference the following links to read the relevant Revised Code of Washington and Washington Administrative Code:
- State Statute – RCW 28B.15.011-RCW 28B.15.015
- State Rules and Regulations – WAC 250-18-010 – WAC 250-18-06
CWU News
CWU celebrates Women’s History Month with events, exhibits
March 4, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
CWU primatology faculty prominent in the news
March 4, 2026 by Rune Torgersen