Establishing residency in Missouri means you are going through the process of becoming a citizen of the state of Missouri for tuition and fee assessment . There are two different ways for students to gain residency while attending Mizzou, which are being reclassified as a resident or petitioning for residency. These pathways will be explained in further detail below and in the subsequent pages.
It’s important to note that these requirements are not unique to Mizzou. The requirements are based upon a State of Missouri statute.
Not every student who is eligible to apply for residency chooses to do so. There are factors each student and their family should consider. Office of the University Registrar staff are available to help you through this process, should you decide to proceed.
Why you might want to establish residency
- Missouri residents pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students at state universities
- Establishing residency documents your presence and allows you to obtain a driver’s license.
- Establishing residency means that you’ve met the qualifications to vote in Missouri elections.
Why you might not want to petition to establish residency
- Establishing Missouri residency may require some sacrifice when it comes to time, documentation, and travel. You’re officially changing your state of residence.
- During your petitioning period, the time you can spend outside the state is limited. May through August, you are only allowed a maximum of 14 days outside of Missouri. More than 14 days outside of Missouri during this time will disqualify you from gaining residency.
- Establishing residency could change your financial aid and scholarship awards. Some aid is based on your current residency status, and a change in residency could reduce or cancel the amount of aid you receive. You’ll want to check with Student Financial Aid to make sure that residency is financially worthwhile for you. Learn more about scholarships and aid on the Student Financial Aid website.
Residency Upon Admission
If you graduated from a Missouri high school and have a Missouri permanent address at the time of your application to Mizzou, it is likely that you will be admitted as a resident automatically. Please be aware that any out-of-state information on your application might result in follow-up questions from our office verifying your residency.
Reclassification of Residency Status
There are some circumstances where you may already be considered a resident of Missouri and don’t need to petition for residency, or the application process is different due to your situation. Most of the following cases relate your residency to your parents or spouse and their ties to Missouri. Fitting into one of these categories will allow you to waive the 12-month petitioning period and be reclassified as a resident upon receipt of appropriate documentation qualifying you for reclassification. (See the Reclassification Process page.)
Grace Period for Loss of Residency
Individuals who leave Missouri for more than a summer and apply for admission or readmission to post-secondary work, including medical school, graduate school, etc., will be reviewed for residency status. Per State statute, if you have been gone from the state for 12 months or more and can no longer prove that you live in Missouri, then you may be classified as a non-resident for tuition and fee purposes.
For any questions or assistance, contact the Office of the University Registrar
Petitioning for Change in Residency Status
Many students are eligible to petition for Missouri residency after residing in the state for 12 months and meeting certain standards as demonstrated by providing specific documentation, which will be outlined on this page. For example, if you are an incoming or transferring student for the fall semester, you would be able to petition for residency for the following fall after meeting the standards listed on the “Petitioning for Residency” page