Financially Independent Students
If a parent does not live in Washington state, and the student is not eligible using one of the easier options listed below, the student must be financially independent to establish a domicile in Washington and pay resident tuition. Steps to take now to establish residency in the future.
Easier options, if you're eligible
Eligibility Requirements
- Establish a domicile, AND
- Wait 12 months, AND
- Overcome presumption, AND
- Meet the financially independent requirements.
The 12 month waiting period & last date of action
Financial independence requirement
Supporting Documents: Domicile
Required documents checklist - GET THIS!
WA Identification - REQUIRED
Citizenship status documentation
Supporting Documents: Financial Independence
Financial independence documents
Federal taxes - Parent information
Federal taxes - Student information
Links & Resources
Online Application
Students 25 years of age or older
If you were at least 25 years of age for the entire academic year prior to submitting the residency questionnaire, you do not need to prove financial independence unless there is evidence that you did not pay at least 51% of the estimated Cost of Attendance as described for students under 25 years of age or that someone else did pay 49% or more of the estimated cost of attendance.
You must meet all other residency criteria and must obtain all Washington state documents 11 months prior to the first day of term you are seeking residency.