As a public institution funded in part by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the University of Virginia grants certain privileges to Virginia domiciles. These in-state educational privileges are based upon Virginia law. The law governing the determination process is found in the Code of Virginia, Section 23.1-500 through 23.1-510. An applicant may apply for in-state privileges based upon their own domicile or the domicile of a parent, spouse, legal guardian, or individual acting in loco parentis. “Domicile” and “resident” are defined differently under Virginia law. Note that mere residency in Virginia does not qualify under the statute.

Applicants who meet the requirements of Virginia domicile as set forth in the Code are entitled to in-state educational privileges. In addition to domiciles of Virginia, other categories of applicants that may qualify are members of the military, retired or honorably discharged members of the military, members of the Foreign Service, individuals who are employed in Virginia but live outside the state and graduates of high school in Virginia.

In most instances, a grant of in-state status permits two privileges: one for admission review purposes, the other for tuition. These two privileges are often, but not always, linked.

The determination process for entitlement is dictated by the Code of Virginia, the guidelines set forth by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and Virginia case law. The following links provide useful information regarding the establishment of Virginia domicile and entitlement for in-state educational privileges.

• Virginia Domicile Law - Code of Virginia Section 23.1-500 through 23.1-510
• Domicile Resources - State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
• Financial Benefits for Military Veterans and their Families
• Domicile Determinations for Students Under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (PDF)

The University of Virginia’s Honor Code applies to all applicants for in-state educational privileges. The applicant must attest that all forms and supplemental documentation whether provided by the applicant or their parent, spouse, legal guardian, or person acting in loco parentis submitted to support a claim of entitlement, are correct, complete, and true in full accord with the requirements of the Honor Code. Information provided by the applicant or on the applicant’s behalf, that is false or deliberately misleading may result in the rescission of an offer of admission, the retroactive reclassification of an enrolled student for tuition purposes and the referral to the Honor Committee.