The residency for tuition purposes of a student who is not independent is based upon that of the parent or court-appointed legal guardian who claims that student as a dependent for federal income tax purposes or provides more than half that student's financial support, regardless of the length of time the student has resided in Texas. If the parent or court-appointed legal guardian of a dependent student meets the criteria of having established residency for tuition purposes, the dependent student is eligible to pay resident tuition. Parents and legal guardians qualify for Texas Residency by following the same criteria as independent individuals listed above.
Students are not able to obtain residency through family members, sponsors, or individuals who are not their biological or adoptive parent, or court-appointed legal guardian, even if that person claims them on taxes or provides the majority of their financial need.