Washington State Residency Information

Your Washington state residency status determines whether you pay resident or non-resident tuition while attending Edmonds College. An initial determination of this is made based on how you answer residency questions on the admission application.

If your residency status changes during your time as a student at Edmonds, you may apply to change your residency status and have your tuition rates adjusted for future academic terms. If you are interested in changing your residency status, please complete the following steps.

1. Submit hard copies of your residency application and related documents to residency@edmonds.edu or the Enrollment Services Office (Lynnwood Hall, first floor). 
2. The deadline for submitting a residency application is exactly one month from the start of the quarter (e.g. to have been considered for a residency change for spring quarter 2022, which started on April 4, students must have submitted their completed Residency Application to Enrollment Services by May 4, 2022).
3. Please note that supplemental documents may be requested during the application and reviewing processes.

If you have any questions related to your Residency Application, please contact the residency officer at residency@edmonds.edu.

The guidelines below will help you determine if you are a resident or a non-resident student. 

Students Over the Age of 24

• Lived in the state of Washington for at least one year prior to the start of the quarter in which you wish to start taking classes, AND
• Lived in Washington for other than educational purposes
• Can provide a valid and official Washington state picture ID (and Permanent Resident Card if applicable)

Financially Independent Students Age 24 and Under

• Lived in the state of Washington for at least one year prior to the start of the quarter in which you wish to start taking classes.
• Lived in Washington for other than educational purposes
• Can provide a valid and official Washington state picture ID (and Permanent Resident Card if applicable)
• Provide for basic living expenses using your own resources, AND
• Not claimed, and will not be claimed as a dependent of another person for the previous tax year and can show proof of such by providing first page of parent/guardian tax return (proof needed only if submitting a Residency Application),
• Some exceptions may apply if you are married or a parent. Contact Enrollment Services for details.

Financially Dependent Students Age 24 and Under

• Claimed, and will be claimed on the tax return of a parent or legal guardian for the current and previous calendar year, AND
• Parent or legal guardian has lived in the state of Washington at least one year prior to the start of the quarter in which you wish to start taking classes.
• Parent or legal guardian can provide a valid and official Washington state picture ID (and Permanent Resident Card if applicable)

Residency Options for Undocumented Students

Students with DACA Status (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

Please note that effective July 2015, DACA students may qualify to pay resident tuition.  Students on DACA status will be asked to provide a copy of their work authorization card, their INS notice of action receipt, and proof that they have established domicile in Washington for at least 12 continuous months prior to the first day of the quarter in which they wish to apply.  Please contact Admissions at admissions@edmonds.edu for more information.

For more information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), please visit the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services webpage and the National Immigration Law Center.

SENATE BILL 5194 (formerly HB1079):

Overview

Effective July 25, 2021, Senate Bill 5194 significantly changes Washington’s tuition equity law. Section nine of the bill amends RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e), making it easier for all Washingtonians, including and especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for tuition and state financial aid.

Since 2003, this part of residency law has been known informally as “HB 1079” for the bill that created it. This law may be met by any student, regardless of citizenship or legal immigration status. It is one of the many ways that students can meet residency requirements. The other ways to meet residency requirements still exist.

Requirements

To be a resident student under this law, students must:

• Earn a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before their first term at the college determining residency,
• Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before their first term at the college determining residency, and
• Sign an affidavit saying they meet the above requirements and that one of the following is true:
  They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States as soon as they are eligible to apply. And, that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses or
  They are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.

If you feel you qualify to pay resident tuition under SB 5194, complete the Admission Application (if you haven't already) and attach the Residency Affidavit (SB 5194) form to the application. You can also submit the Residency Affidavit to the Enrollment Services Office by emailing it to residency@edmonds.edu.

Your information is kept confidential and is not reported to any government agency, except total numbers for counting purposes.