Texas Residency Rules for State Aid

State law requires that students meet Texas Residency Rules to be considered for state financial aid programs. Please note these rules are separate from U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements for Federal Aid.

More information may be found at the College for All Texans' Residency Information webpage and the Texas Administrative Code Rule §21.24 regarding determination of resident status. However, the information below explains the general criteria for claiming and documenting Texas residency status. 

Claiming Texas Residency

  • The following persons shall be classified as Texas residents:
    • A person who:
      • Graduated from a public or accredited private high school in Texas or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas, including the successful completion of a nontraditional secondary education (i.e., the GED), and
      • Maintained a residence continuously in Texas for -
        • The 36 months immediately preceding the date of graduation or receipt of the diploma equivalent, as applicable; and
        • The 12 months preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution.
    • A person who:
      • Established a home in Texas not less than 12 months before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution; and
      • Maintained the home continuously in Texas for the 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution.
    • A dependent student whose parent:
      • Established a home in Texas not less than 12 months before the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution; and
      • Maintained the home continuously in Texas for the 12 months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolls in an institution.

Documenting Texas Residency

  • The following is a list of documents that may provide support to a claim of physical residence in Texas:
    • Utility bills for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date;
    • Cancelled checks that reflect a Texas residence for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date;
    • A current credit report that documents the length and place of residence of the person or the dependent's parent to be in Texas and the length of residence to be at least 12 consecutive months preceding the census date;
    • Texas voter registration card that was issued at least 12 months prior to the census date;
    • Lease or rental of residential real property in the name of the person or the dependent's parent for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the census date; and/or
    • Texas high school transcript for full senior year immediately preceding the census date or a transcript from a Texas institution of higher education showing presence in the state for the 12 consecutive months preceding the census date.

US CITIZENS OR ELIGIBLE NON-CITIZENS

  1. High School/GED Pathway- Graduated from a Texas high school OR completed a GED at least 12 months prior to attending SMU AND resided in Texas at least 36 months prior to high school graduation/GED completion.

     

  2. Texas Public College/University Pathway– enrolled and paid resident (in-state) tuition at a Texas Public College/University, due to being classified as a Texas resident (without a waiver), at least 12 months prior to attending SMU.

     

  3. Supporting Documentation Pathway– Provide at least two items of supporting documentation to prove that applicant, or applicant’s parent (if a dependent as defined by TX Coordinating Board) has established residence AND continuously maintained a domicile in Texas at least 12 months prior to attending SMU. (FA office will request this documentation if necessary and explain which documents are acceptable).

 

NON-CITIZENS OR NON-IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AS DEFINED BY TEXAS HOUSE BILL 1403:

  1. High School/GED Pathway- Graduated from a Texas high school OR completed a GED at least 12 months prior to attending SMU AND resided in Texas at least 36 months prior to high school graduation/GED completion.

     

  2. Texas Public College/University Pathway– enrolled and paid resident (in-state) tuition at a Texas Public College/University, due to being classified as a Texas resident (without a waiver), at least 12 months prior to attending SMU.

     

  3. Supporting Documentation Pathway– Provide at least two items of supporting documentation to prove that applicant, or applicant’s parent (if a dependent as defined by TX Coordinating Board) has established residence AND continuously maintained a domicile in Texas at least 12 months prior to attending SMU. (FA office will request this documentation if necessary and explain which documents are acceptable).

 

 

  • Applicants in this category must submit a signed and notarized TX Residency Affidavit each year they are enrolled in and receive state aid at SMU.

     

  • If applicant is living in the US with a Visa, applicant must have an approved Visa as defined by the TX Coordinating Board. Click here for a full list of allowed and not allowed Visas for state residency.

 

REQUIRED RESIDENCY ITEMS FOR US CITIZENS OR ELIGIBLE NON-CITIZENS:

  • Complete Texas Residency Core Questionnaire (TXCORE) via smu.verifymyfafsa.edu to determine residency status
  • If requested by FA office, submit additional documentation (such as driver’s license, deed to property, etc.) to support claim to residency

REQUIRED RESIDENCY ITEMS FOR NON-CITIZENS OR NON-IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AS DEFINED BY TEXAS HOUSE BILL 1403:

  • If applying for TEG or TX College Work Study, submit the TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) to determine financial need (Expected Family Contribution, or EFC)
  • Complete paper or .pdf versions of Texas Residency Core Questionnaire (TXCORE) AND the TX Residency Affidavit
    • TX Residency Affidavit must be completed each year student is enrolled and receiving state aid at SMU
  • If requested by FA office, submit additional documentation (such as driver’s license, deed to property, etc.) to support claim to residency

STATE AID INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:

  • Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
    • Need based grant determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)
  • Texas College Work Study
    • Need based program for students to work and earn wages on campus or through SMU-sponsored employment off-campus
  • College Access Loan (CAL )
    • Credit-based loan administered by the state of Texas
    • If applicant is not a citizen, co-signer must be US Citizen or permanent US Resident
    • Because this is not need-based aid, FAFSA and TASFA are not required