Residency

Iowa Tuition Residency Classification

If nonresident students wish to become resident students for admission and tuition purposes, it is their obligation to prove that they have come to the state of Iowa for reasons other than education.

Students enrolling at the University of Iowa who are not residents of Iowa are presumed to be in Iowa for educational purposes and therefore classified as nonresident students for admission and tuition purposes.

A determinant of residency status is the students' domicile, or home. Students who come to the University of Iowa from another state and enroll for a full program, or substantially a full program of study, shall be presumed to have come to the state of Iowa primarily for educational purposes rather than to establish a home, or domicile, in Iowa.

Classification of Residents for Tuition Purposes

Regulations and administrative guidelines governing the classification of residents and nonresidents for admission and tuition purposes.

Applying for Residency Classification

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents (“Green Card” holders) to successfully establish Iowa residency at the University of Iowa, the individual can demonstrate reliance on financial resources earned in Iowa through either of the following:

Employment in Iowa for 1,560+ hours worked over 12 consecutive months, with Iowa tax withheld by the employer(s) and demonstrated by regular pay statements provided by the employer.
OR earn $20,001 (gross wages) over 12 consecutive months with Iowa tax withheld and regular pay statements from the employer(s).
- This figure is taken from the University of Iowa’s estimated cost of attendance, includes prorated costs for summer, and may increase annually.

And all the following:

Enroll no more than a combined maximum of 6 s.h. during the fall semester, 6 s.h. during the spring semester, and a combined limit of 4 s.h. during the summer session at the undergraduate level.
Within 45 days, obtain an Iowa driver’s license/D.O.T.-issued ID, register to vote in Iowa (U.S. citizens only), and, if the student’s name is on the title of any vehicle, obtain Iowa license plates.
Not rely on financial resources from outside Iowa.
Begin filing annual Iowa resident income tax returns.
Not be claimed as a dependent by your parents nor anyone else on their future tax returns.

The following circumstances, although not necessarily conclusive, have probative value in support of a claim for resident classification:

Reside in Iowa for 12 consecutive months and be primarily engaged in activities other than those of a full-time student, immediately prior to the beginning of the term for which resident classification is sought.
Reliance upon Iowa resources for financial support.
Domicile in Iowa of persons legally responsible for the student.
Former domicile in the state and maintenance of significant connections therein while absent.
Acceptance of an offer of permanent employment in Iowa.
Military orders, if for other than educational purposes.
Other facts indicating the student's domicile will be considered by the universities in classifying the student.

The following circumstances, standing alone, do not constitute sufficient evidence of domicile to effect classification of a student as a resident under these regulations:

Voting or registration for voting.
Employment in any position normally filled by a student.
The lease of living quarters.
Admission to a licensed practicing profession in Iowa.
Automobile registration.
Public records (e.g., birth and marriage records, Iowa driver's license).
Continuous presence in Iowa during periods when not enrolled in school.
Ownership of property in Iowa, or the payment of Iowa taxes.

Students who are veterans or dependents of veterans should contact the G.I. Bill Services Office to discuss the correct admission and tuition classification.

Residency

319-335-0223

registrar-residency@uiowa.edu

Assists with residency classification and the residency application process.

Residency Application

Students interested in applying to become residents of Iowa for the purpose of tuition and fees assessment must apply using the residency application in MyUI.

Applications for the current semester will not be accepted after the 15th day of class.

Application Timelines

Application timelines vary by semester and session.

Summer Session

Students applying for residency for summer should submit their complete application shortly after April 1.

Summer 2026: The qualifying year is May 18, 2025, to May 16, 2026.

Summer 2027: The qualifying year is May 17, 2026, to May 15, 2027. Applicants will be held to 1,560 hours worked and the qualified earnings have not yet been determined.

Fall Semester

Students applying to be new residents for fall should submit their complete application shortly after July 1.

Fall 2025: The qualifying year is August 25, 2024, to August 23, 2025.

Fall 2026: The qualifying year is August 25, 2025, to August 22, 2026. Applicants will be held to 1,560 hours worked and the qualified earnings have not yet been determined.

Spring Semester

Students applying for residency for spring should submit their complete application shortly after November 1.

Spring 2026: The qualifying year is January 19, 2025 to January 17, 2026. Applicants will be held to 1,560 hours worked and the qualified earnings have not yet been determined.

Spring 2027: The qualifying year is January 18, 2026 to January 16, 2027. Applicants will be held to 1,560 hours worked and the qualified earnings have not yet been determined.

Residency Application FAQs

Please review the application reasons and the documentation you may be required to submit with your residency application.

If your reason is Applicant 12-month Qualifying Year

This application type is for individuals who are completing the 12 qualifying months of living and working in Iowa, undertaking all the requirements specified on the Office of the Registrar website. Individuals normally use the 12 consecutive months of work with limited (or no) enrollment immediately prior to the semester they plan to enroll as a resident.