Iowa Tuition Classification

Students enrolling at the University of Iowa (UI) full-time in a program of study 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 UI from another state and enroll for a full program, or substantially a full program, 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.

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 must submit an Application for Resident Classification along with the following documentation to demonstrate that they are in Iowa for reasons other than education:

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 $18,441 (gross wages) over 12 consecutive months (increasing to $20,001 beginning with the spring 2025 qualifying year), 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 of the following:

  • Enroll no more than a combined maximum of 6 s.h. during Fall, the same during Spring and a combined limit of 4 s.h. during Summer at the undergraduate level; and
  • 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; and
  • Not rely on financial resources from outside Iowa;
  • Begin filing annual Iowa resident income tax returns; and
  • 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:

  1. 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
  2. Reliance upon Iowa resources for financial support
  3. Domicile in Iowa of persons legally responsible for the student
  4. Former domicile in the state and maintenance of significant connections therein while absent
  5. Acceptance of an offer of permanent employment in Iowa
  6. Military orders, if for other educational purposes
  7. 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:

  1. Voting or registration for voting
  2. Employment in any position normally filled by a student
  3. The lease of living quarters
  4. Admission to a licensed practicing profession in Iowa
  5. Automobile registration
  6. Public records, e.g. birth and marriage records, Iowa driver's license
  7. Continuous presence in Iowa during periods when not enrolled in school
  8. 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.