George Mason University

Tuition Equity Provision for High School Completers

Students who are not eligible for in-state tuition by having established domicile in Virginia may qualify through the Tuition Equity Provision for High School Completers.

To qualify you must:

Have attended high school (public or private high school, or program of home instruction) for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Graduated on or after July 1, 2008 (or passed on or after July 1, 2008, a high school equivalency examination approved by the Secretary of Education) in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
Submit evidence that you, or, in the case of a dependent student, at least one parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis has filed, unless exempted by state law, Virginia income tax returns for at least two years prior to the date of registration or enrollment; and
Register as an entering student or enrolled in a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
All students who meet the criteria are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of citizenship or immigration status (with the exception of F, H3, J, or M visas). This provision also applies to U.S. Citizens.

How to Apply

If you are a prospective student complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates when applying to Mason. See the Admissions website for more information.
I you have already indicated your intent to enroll and been classified as out-of-state complete theRequest for Tuition Reclassification Form. See Domicile Appealsfor more information on how to appeal.
Make sure to answer questions regarding high school attendance.

FAQ

High school refers to the freshmen (grade 9), sophomore (grade 10), junior (grade 11) and senior (grade 12) years. School attendance during lower grade levels does not count toward the requirement. These years need not be successive.
Attendance and graduation do not need to be immediately prior year to enrollment in an institution of higher education.
In loco parentis means “in place of a parent,” or “instead of a parent,” and refers to situations in which someone other than a biological parent takes on the role of parent to a dependent child without formally adopting the child.
The person acting “in loco parentis” must be acting in place of (not on behalf) a parent.
Individuals with taxable earnings in another state cannot claim an exemption based on the income not having been earned in the Commonwealth.
Information gathered under this provision may only be used for determining eligibility for in-state tuition under this provision.
This provision is effective Fall 2020. It does not apply to any term beginning prior to July 1, 2020.

Disclaimer

This web site and accompanying materials have been prepared by the George Mason University Office of the University Registrar for informational purposes only, and may not be construed as "Legal Advice" or an official determination of eligibility for in-state tuition by the Office of the University Registrar.

Because this web site is not intended to be a determination of eligibility for in-state tuition, the reader should not rely on any information provided in this website as such.

It is incumbent on the student to apply for change in domiciliary status on becoming eligible for such change. Changes in domiciliary status shall only be granted prospectively from the date such application is received.

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