Texas Resident Tuition Eligibility – Lawful Presence

A federal court order issued on June 4, 2025, requires all public universities in Texas to change how in-state tuition eligibility is determined. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued guidance to ensure universities apply the court’s ruling consistently.

Students who previously qualified for in-state tuition under Texas law but cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. will now be classified as non-residents for tuition purposes. 

Students who may be impacted will receive direct communication via email and/or their student portal with instructions on how to submit documentation. 

Documents accepted are those used to establish lawful presence for a Texas Real ID driver’s license. 

If you do not submit proof of lawful presence by the deadline, your tuition classification will change to non-resident, and you will be charged with a higher out-of-state tuition rate.

Lawful presence refers to a person’s legal authorization to be in the United States. This may include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), refugees, asylees, and others with valid immigration documentation.

Acceptable documentation is documents used to establish lawful presence for the purpose of receiving a Texas Real ID driver’s license as promulgated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The attached document from the DPS lists documentation that students may provide to demonstrate lawful presence.

DACA recipients who can provide current and valid documentation may continue to qualify for in-state tuition under the updated policy.

Your tuition & fees will increase based on several factors, including:

● The number of credit hours you are enrolled in

● Your cohort group (the term you were admitted to the University)

● Your academic level (undergraduate or graduate)

● Whether you’re a campus-based or online student.

To estimate the difference, visit the Tuition and Fee Rate Chart and select “Non-Resident” from the “Residency” drop-down menu. Also, be sure to choose your correct student level and tuition rate plan (fixed for guaranteed rates and Variable for variable rates) to see the applicable non-resident rates.

Click the tuition and fee rate chart for more information.

You will receive an updated tuition & fee statement via your PV e-mail showing any changes.  You can also monitor your account balance at any time by logging into Panthertracks.  For assistance, contact Treasury Services at stuar@pvamu.edu or at 936-261-1890.

Yes.  Any increase in your tuition and fees must be paid by the University’s established payment deadline dates.

Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services to discuss competitive scholarships and financial aid options that remain available to non-resident students.
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For more information or to speak with an advisor, contact Student Financial Services at 936-261-1000. 

Students must submit their documentation by August 18, 2025, for Fall 2025. All students who have not submitted by this date will have their residency changed to non-resident until appropriate documentation has been received and approved.

Students should submit documentation through the designated admissions office. For questions, contact the Office of Admissions or email tuitionclassification@pvamu.edu.