Virginia Tech
Counselor Education
How to Qualify for In-State Tuition
Welcome to the Counselor Education program at Virginia Tech. This document is intended to provide helpful
information for students who wish to qualify in-state tuition rates. Although the process is stringent, you can
qualify for in-state tuition prior to starting the program or mid-way through the program if you adhere to these
requirements. To qualify for Virginia residency, you must meet the following criteria prior to the first day of
classes for the desired term of entry. These are minimum criteria; additional proof may be required to qualify
for in-state tuition privileges.
1. Twelve months of continuous residency in the state of Virginia. Students who are living in Virginia for
educational purposes only may not qualify for in-state tuition rates.
2. Proof of participation in “activities of citizenship” in Virginia must be documented. Activities of
citizenship include vehicle registration, drivers licensing, voter registration, payment of state income
taxes, or other proof of affiliations within the state of Virginia.
3. An individual may not have residency in more than one state at a time.
4. Visas that allow the establishment of domicile within the United States may qualify.
5. Active duty military stationed in Virginia may qualify for immediate domicile through a change in the
tax status and the Leave and Earnings statement.
You must be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
1. For the twelve months prior to the term in which you will enroll, will you have filed a tax return or
paid income taxes to Virginia?
2. For the twelve months prior to the term in which you will enroll, will you been a registered voter in
Virginia?
3. For the twelve months prior to the term in which you will enroll, will you have held a valid Virginia
driver’s license?
4. For the twelve months prior to the term in which you will enroll, will you have owned or operated a
vehicle? If yes, has it been registered in Virginia?
5. If you are currently on active duty in the military
5a. Are you stationed to a permanent duty station in Virginia, Washington, D.C., or any state
contiguous to Virginia? (If yes, please attach or mail a copy of orders.)
5b. Does your Leave and Earnings Statement reflect VA as your state of residence? (If yes, please
attach or mail a copy of a Leave and Earnings statement reflecting VA withholding.)
To apply for in-state tuition you must fill out the request form which can be located at the Graduate School
Website: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/forms/academics/In-State_Tuition_Request.pdf
This information is intended to help clarify the requirements necessary to be eligible for in-state tuition rates at
Virginia Tech. It is not intended to cover all situations, but to give you a basic understanding of the question of
domicile. You are encouraged to be proactive and start the process of establishing residency before or as you
apply for the program. Moving to Virginia and adhering to the requirements outlined above will lead to
becoming a Virginia resident.
Additional information can be located at the Graduate School at Virginia Tech (http://graduateschool.vt.edu).