Domicile Information

The following is a summary of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia domicile guidelines, based on the Code of Virginia, 23-7.4, as they relate to active duty military personnel and their dependents who may not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition privileges. These guidelines are subject to annual legislative review and change; normally changes take effect on July 1 of each year. In addition, the reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) in 2009 extended some in-state tuition benefits to individuals not previously covered under Virginia law. Contact a campus Student Services Center with any questions.

Active Duty Military Personnel (Servicemember)

Any active duty servicemembers, activated guard or reserve members, or guard or reserve members mobilized or on temporary active orders for six months or more, who are either stationed or assigned by their military service to a work location in Virginia, and reside in Virginia, are eligible to pay tuition at the in-state rate. Under the provisions of the HEOA, a military member assigned to a permanent duty station in Virginia may be eligible for in-state tuition regardless of residence.

Complete the In-State Tuition Form for Active Duty Military and Dependents Living in Virginia (NVCC 125-115) and take it, along with the documents specified on the form, to a campus Student Services Center to claim this benefit.

An active duty military servicemember who voluntarily elects to change his/her domicile to Virginia may qualify for a waiver of the one-year residency requirement. The one-year residency requirement will be waived if all other conditions for establishing domicile are met, including, but not limited to, Virginia resident income taxes on all income (Leave/Earnings Statement showing Virginia tax withheld), Virginia State of Legal Residence Certificate (DD 2058), Virginia driver's license, and Virginia vehicle registration. Copies of these documents must be provided by the student to claim eligibility for this waiver prior to the beginning of the semester/term for which in-state charges are requested.