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In-State Tuition Rate

Change of Classification in regards to Tuition Rate

Students are classified, at the time of admission, as either an in-state resident or a non-resident for tuition and fee purposes by the Office of Admissions. After enrollment, students who believe their initial residency status is no longer accurate may submit a reclassification application for consideration. Students are responsible for registering under the proper tuition classification

The application must be completed by anyone who is not a resident but believes they should be awarded the in-state rate. Before completing the change of classification application, you should be familiar with the resident requirements and what supporting documents are needed to prove residency. In general, classification of in-state status for tuition purposes require an individual to have established domicile in the State of Delaware for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the beginning of the term for which he or she is applying.

student Status

1. International Students and Non-Citizens

Any student enrolled as an international student does NOT meet eligibility for in-state tuition. Eligible non-citizens are those lawfully admitted as permanent residents and so are currently eligible to apply for in-state tuition.

2. Military

Delaware State University will comply with Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”) which states: VA requires to disapprove programs of education for payment of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD) at public institutions of higher learning if the schools charge qualifying individuals GI Bill tuition and fees more than the resident rate for terms beginning after July 1, 2015.

Note: Change of Classification application must be completed and approved prior to change of tuition rate.

Delaware State University will comply with Title 14, Chapter 34, Subchapter XI, of the Delaware code which states: Any active member of a federally recognized unit of the Delaware National Guard who meets the requirements for satisfactory membership as defined by the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard shall be eligible for funding support by the Delaware National Guard for certain postsecondary education tuition and fees. As a State-supported institution we will charge members the in-state rate for tuition and fees and treat members as an in-state applicant or student regardless of the members’ state of residence.

Note: Change of classification application must be completed and approved prior to change of tuition rate.

3. Veterans and Dependents

If you are a dependent or a military member using a Veteran Approved benefit program such as:

  • 911/ Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 33
  • Vocational Rehabilitation CH31
  • Dependent Education Assistance Program, Chapter 35
  • Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30

You are eligible for the in-state rate but you must first apply for the benefit through the VA.

When you receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please complete the Change of Classification application. The application must be approved prior to change of tuition rate.

4. INDEPENDENT STUDENTS

Students who are in any one of the following categories are considered Independent:

  • Is 24 years of age or older
  • Is enrolled in a graduate level program of study
  • Is married
  • Has children or dependents who receive more than half of support from them
  • Is an orphan
  • Is or was a ward of the court until age 18

Independent students must provide documentation proving their independent status.

5. Dependent Students

Students who do not meet at least one of the Independent criteria are automatically considered Dependent.  

6. Qualifications to be considered for the in-state tuition rate

In general, classification of in-state status for tuition purposes requires an individual to have established domicile in the State of Delaware for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the beginning of the term for which he or she is applying.

7. How to retrieve application

Below are the links for the Dependent In-State Tuition Application Form and the Independent In-State Tuition Application Form.  Complete the appropriate form and submit ALL supporting documentation.  If you experience difficulty uploading or submitting documentation, please contact us at registrardocs [at] desu.edu.

8. Supporting Documents

Classification of in-state status for tuition purposes requires an individual to have established domicile in the State of Delaware for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the beginning of the term for which he or she is applying. You may be asked for some, all or additional Supporting Documentation. Supplying all documents requested in no way guarantees approval of the petition. For purposes of clarification, you may be contacted for more information. All application documents must be submitted along with a completed application.  **Incomplete applications will be denied along with Applications with no supporting documents.  

  • Complete, signed classification for tuition application*
  • A filed Delaware resident income tax return
  • A federal tax return showing Delaware as the state of domicile of the applicant or the person on whom the classification depends*
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Proof of ownership of or leasehold interest in a bona fide permanent home in Delaware that is occupied as the primary*
  • Photocopy of visa, permanent resident card or other immigration documents for petitioners who are not U.S. citizens
  • Pay Stub
  • DD214
  • Military Orders*
  • Military ID card (Sponsor and dependent, if applicable).
  • Certificate of Eligibility*

*For yearly income amounting to less than $5,500.00, verification of employment must be documented and reviewed.

9. Application Process

Please complete the application through your banner account and send supporting documents right after completing application. The In-State tuition review committee will review application and forward a decision to your DESU email. If you have been approved, you should see the change of rate in your student account. If you were disapproved, you may put in an appeal for reconsideration. Applications can be submitted for review 60 days prior to the start of the Semester.  All applications to be considered for a specific semester must be submitted prior to the first day of the semester.

10. Application Appeal process

All appeals to a denial of the review process will be reviewed by the Registrar.  Students can submit an appeal in writing to the committee via registrardocs [at] desu.edu. Once the appeal is received by the committee, the committee will submit to the Registrar for review.  All appeal decisions are final. If a student does not receive a favorable decision through the appeal process, the student may not submit another request for change in tuition rate for the same semester.