Where you live determines the amount of tuition and fees that you pay to attend PVCC. Your eligibility for the in-state tuition rate is based upon the information that you provided about domicile (residency) when you applied to the college (specifically the information that you provided on the "Application for Virginia In-state Tuition Rates" which is one section of the overall college application).
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) issues the guidelines that Virginia colleges and universities use to determine a student's eligibility for in-state tuition.
Use the links below to learn additional details about establishing residency and qualifying for in-state tuition and fees. The Admissions & Advising Center at PVCC will be happy to help you if you have further questions. You may email the Admissions & Advising Center, stop by the Center in room M144 of PVCC's Main Building, or call 434.961.6551.
How to Establish Virginia Residency (Domicile)
As required by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia guidelines, you must establish by clear and convincing evidence that you were domiciled in Virginia (were a resident of the state) for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the first day of the enrollment semester/term. The following are used as clear and convincing evidence to determine your domicile (residency) status:
- Continuous residence in Virginia
- State income tax payment
- Driver's License or Identification Card
- Motor vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Military records
- Additional information if required or requested
If you are legally and financially dependent on your parents, a legal guardian or spouse, your eligibility for in-state tuition is based on their domicile (residency). You will be classified as a dependent student if you are under age 24 on the first day of classes unless you are:
- Married
- A veteran or active-duty member of the U. S. armed forces
- In graduate school
- A ward of the court or were a ward of the court until age 18
- Have no adoptive or legal guardian when both parents are deceased
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
If you are under the age of 24 and do not meet any of the independent student conditions noted above, you are considered dependent and must demonstrate through clear and convincing evidence that you are independent. Your parents will need to provide documentation that they do not claim you as a dependent on their federal or state income tax return and have ceased to provide you with substantial financial support.
If you are married, you may establish domicile (residency) like any other student. Your domicile is not automatically altered by marriage; however, if you receive substantial financial support from your spouse, you may claim domicile through that spouse. In such cases, PVCC will look at your spouse's domicile to determine if you are eligible for in-state tuition.
Active Duty Military Personnel & Dependents
The domicile (residency) guidelines issued by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) provide that all dependents of active duty military personnel assigned to a permanent duty station in Virginia and who reside in Virginia shall be deemed to be domiciled in Virginia for the purpose of eligibility for in-state tuition. Due to frequent changes to military policies, please contact the Admissions & Advising Center for additional information. You may email the Admissions & Advising Center, stop by the Center in room M144 of PVCC's Main Building, or call 434.961.6551.
Requesting a Review of an Out-of-State Tuition Classification
If you are a new student at PVCC this semester or are returning after an absence of at least one year and you have been classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes, you may request a review of the initial determination without submitting a full appeal. If you have already registered, be sure to submit the review request no later than one week before the tuition payment deadline. Complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates and provide the proper documentation as noted on the application form. Turn in your completed form and documentation to PVCC's Admissions & Advising Center (room M144 in Main Building) or fax it to the Admissions & Advising Center at 434.961.5425. You will be notified of a decision and if you desire to appeal your tuition status, you may do so until the day before the first official day of the term.
Requesting an Appeal of an Out-of-State Tuition Classification
Use the review process (see above) before proceeding with an appeal. If you want to appeal an out-of-state tuition classification, you may do so until the day before the first official day of the term. Submit a completed Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates with supporting documentation and a letter addressed to PVCC's Dean of Student Services, 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902. You may mail it or deliver the letter in person to the Admissions & Advising Center (room M144 in PVCC's Main Building). Evaluation of the appeal will be completed by the first day of classes for each enrollment term. Retroactive domicile status cannot be granted. Written notification of the college decision will be mailed within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the completed application. If you are denied in-state tuition status, you will be notified of the reasons and be given information on how to either file a request for reconsideration of the decision or how to appeal the decision further.
If you need more information or assistance, please email the Admissions & Advising Center, stop by the Center in room M144 of PVCC's Main Building, or call 434.961.6551.
