The UAMS Residency Policy outlines requirements for initial residency classification and provides a pathway for reclassification on non-residents to establish themselves as Arkansas residents for fee purposes in order to participate in and contribute to the professional, economic, and socio-cultural enterprise of the state. This pathway cannot be extended to non-residents whose sole or primary purpose for being in the state is to enroll in one of UAMS’ educational programs and who are likely to exit the state after graduation/completion. This category of student/applicant will be classified as a non-resident and will be charged the non-resident tuition rates of the respective program.
Initial Residency
Initial residency classification is made based on the applicant’s responses to questions on the application for admissions. The address (legal state of residence) at the time of application is the key determinant, provided that the individual is a U.S. Citizen or has been granted permanent resident status through the U.S. State Department. The questions and data elements on the application for admission used for residency classification will be based upon the residency standards outlined in UAMS Policy 3.2.1 Standards and Processes for Determining Student Residency Status for Tuition. Visit https://academicaffairs.uams.edu/academic-affairs-policies/ to view this and other Academic Affairs policies.
Reclassification
An applicant or continuing student may request a change in residency classification by completing an UAMS Application for Change in Residency Status. Completing an application for reclassification is not a guarantee that a change in residency status will be granted. Any change in the status of an applicant applying through a national application service requires that the applicant also change the state of residency in the application service database. Applicants should contact their respective academic college’s admissions officer for additional information
The burden of proof of reclassification is on the student seeking a change in status. The be eligible for reclassification consideration, all documentation in support of the request must be submitted to the appropriate office no less than four weeks prior to the start of the student’s term. The Student Residency Classification Committee (SRTCC) and/or the Residency Classification Officer (RCO) may waive documentation requirements and/or request additional documentation from the student as needed.
Residency Classification Standards
A student/applicant who is financially independent will be evaluated on his/her own circumstances. A student who is a dependent of a parent or guardian will be evaluated based on the parent(s)/guardian(s) circumstances. One parent or guardian must qualify as an Arkansas resident in order for a dependent student/applicant to claim state residency.
Each of the following standards must be met in order for in-state residency state to be granted.
1. The applicant/student is a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.
Sample Documentation:
Permanent resident (green) card, certificate of naturalization.
2. The applicant/student has physically resided in Arkansas for at least six consecutive months in the permanent home (a bona fide domicile) and was not a student (full or part-time) at any Arkansas higher education institution during those six months.
Sample Documentation:
House agreement (deed, lease, etc.) with the applicant’s name listed. A university/college residence hall or a P.O. Box does not qualify as a bona fide domicile for residency purposes.
3. The applicant/student maintains a permanent connection to the state and has an expectation of remaining in the state beyond graduation (reclassifications only).
Same Documentation:
a. A written justification supporting his/her assertion of a permanent connection (e.g., family, social or professional ties, job opportunities), and post-graduation plans
b. Arkansas Driver’s License, if applicable
c. Arkansas Voter Registration Card
d. Arkansas Vehicle Registration, if applicable
4. The applicant/student has earned a minimum of $2,000 gross taxable income in the state during the six consecutive months prior to application (reclassifications only).
Same Documentation:
Pay stubs or other verification of Arkansas wages or salary earned.
For more information, please contact the UAMS Office of the University Registrar at 1-501-526-5600 or via email at registrar@uams.edu .