Student Residency

The Office of Admissions (for undergraduate and non-degree applicants) and the Graduate School (for graduate applicants) determines an applicant's residence classification as part of the admittance process. This classification is determined by rules established for all Purdue Fort Wayne students by the trustees of Purdue University. The Purdue policy may be reviewed here: residence classification of students for tuition purposes.

The University’s definition of the term Resident is different from the definitions developed by other non-University agencies. Purdue University does not recognize declarations of resident status made by other agencies. Thus, a person who is an Indiana resident for tax or voting purposes, for example, may not qualify as a Resident for Purdue University tuition and fee purposes.

If you think you are classified incorrectly, you may apply for resident student status. Review the residence classifications guidelines to make sure you are eligible before completing and submitting the Residence Classification form and supporting documents to the Purdue Fort Wayne Office of the Registrar.

• Residency Application Deadlines

  A Student’s Residence Classification Form may be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than 15 business days after the first day of classes of the academic semester or session for which reclassification is sought.

• How do I apply for Residence Status?

  1. Start by reading the residence classification policies and guidelines on the Purdue website and the associated FAQ’s, which will help you understand what qualifies as in-state status for Purdue tuition and fee purposes and what documents you will need to provide.

  2. Complete and sign the Residence Classification form and make copies of the supporting documents.
  3. Submit the signed application and the required documentation through one of the three options below:
  1. Mail it to:
     Purdue Fort Wayne Office of the Registrar
     2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
     Fort Wayne, IN 46805
  2. Deliver in person to the Enrollment Service Center in Kettler Hall.
  3. Contact our office for a secure link to upload your documentation. You can request the secure link by calling 260-481-6815 or email [email protected].
  4. Unsigned forms and documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until signed.
  5. An email containing a decision or request for more information will be sent to the applicant’s PFW email address within 30 business days from time of application.
• Definitions and Helpful Information

  Resident: For the purposes of this policy, a Resident is a Student who meets one the following criteria:

  1. A Student who is dependent upon his or her Parent(s) or Legal Guardian and whose Parent’s or Legal Guardian’s Domicile is in Indiana:
  1. for a Predominant Purpose and
  2. prior to the first day of classes of the academic semester or session for which residence classification is sought.
  2. An Independent Student whose Domicile is in Indiana for:
  1. a Predominant Purpose and
  2. at least 12 continuous months directly preceding the first day of classes of the academic semester or session for which residence classification is sought.

  Independent: A status whereby a Student is responsible for his or her own financial needs, has not been dependent upon his or her Parent or Legal Guardian for financial support for at least 12 months and cannot be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s personal income taxes.

  Domicile: A person's permanent home. A person has only one Domicile at a given time, although that person may maintain more than one residence at a time. Establishment of a new Domicile requires demonstration that the former Domicile has been abandoned with no intent to return. Regardless of age, a Student's Domicile is assumed to be that of his or her Parent(s) or Legal Guardian until such time as the Student becomes Independent.

  Predominant Purpose: Residence in the state of Indiana for a primary purpose other than attending an institution of higher education.

  Please note: Per the Office of Legal Counsel, University Regulations states that “half time academic status” or more shows that the primary purpose of domicile in Indiana is education. Therefore, an independent student coming to Indiana for the purpose of attending school is not considered to have a primary purpose of becoming an Indiana resident, but rather, is domiciled in Indiana to get an education.  An independent student living in Indiana while attending school in half-time academic status or more would not be considered for in-state residency. The academic load amount of half time or more is defined by the Department of Education and would be determined by a student’s classification as an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Professional Student. The breakdown of the status is located here: Academic Status
  
  

  • Additional policy information and definitions can be found here: Residence Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes
  • If you are an international student and your citizenship status has changed and needs updated on your student record, please contact the Office of International Education for assistance.