Admission

In-State Out-of-State Status of Enrolled Students

Non-Academic Criteria

Admission Requirements

As a division of Student Affairs, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment is the contact office for all prospective undergraduate and post baccalaureate students, high school counselors, and community college counselors. The department provides information on the application and admission processes, academic programs, scholarships, and other aspects of the university.

With a full-time staff of undergraduate representatives, Admissions and Recruitment visits and recruits concurrent high school students, first-time freshmen, adult students, and transfer students from community colleges and universities. Visits by representatives to high schools and community colleges may be scheduled through Admissions and Recruitment.  Admissions and Recruitment also facilitates campus tours. Tours of all campuses are available daily by RiverHawk Ambassadors and should be scheduled one week in advance of a planned visit. Campus tours are scheduled online at https://www.nsuok.edu/AboutUs/CampusTours.aspx. Students may also view a virtual tour from the Future Students web page: http://www.nsuok.edu/FutureStudents.aspx.

Students interested in attending Northeastern State University begin the process by applying for admission. The online application may be found at http://apply.nsuok.edu. Students applying to Northeastern must submit a $25 non-refundable application fee by cash, check, or by credit card via the online pay process at the end of the application form. All students, including returning students not previously enrolled the immediately preceding semester, excluding summer, must submit an application for admission.

It is to the student’s advantage to apply for admission as early in the year as possible. All academic advisement, processing of financial aid, scholarship applications, etc., hinge on the admission of the student. Applications for admission should be received by Northeastern before:

August 1 for Fall Semester
December 1 for the Spring Semester
May 1 for the Summer Semester

Credentials: Students may be offered admission based on non-final (in-progress) official transcripts. All final, official transcripts of credits, both high school and college, MUST BE TRANSMITTED directly from each school to the Admissions office. Only official mailed or electronic transcripts sent directly from the school will be accepted.  Proper transcripts showing eligibility for admission must be on file before students are permitted to enroll.

Students who have previously attended another college or university must have official transcripts transmitted or mailed directly from each school previously attended. Students are not at liberty to disregard any part of their previous academic records in order to apply for admission. Withholding information requested or giving false information may make a student ineligible for admission to, or continuation in, Northeastern State University. For information about acceptance of transfer credit, see the Transfer of Credit from Other Colleges and Universities section in Academic Information.

Transcripts and credentials filed in the admissions process become the property of the university, are placed on file in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, and cannot be returned or released.

First-Time Entering Freshmen

All applicants seeking admission must complete an application for admission, submit an official high school transcript (six semesters minimum) containing most current class rank and unweighted grade point average.  Students must also submit ACT/SAT scores.  The final, official transcript must include date of graduation and be mailed or electronically transmitted directly from the school to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.  Students must meet the criteria for both the high school curricular requirements and the high school performance criteria as defined in the following sections.  Students meeting both are eligible for admission.

Academic Performance Requirements

Any individual who (a) is a graduate of a high school accredited by the appropriate regional association or by an appropriate accrediting agency of his/her home state, or has achieved a high school equivalency certificate based on the General Education Development Tests (GED), (b) has met the curricular requirements, (c) has participated in the American College Testing (ACT), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or a similar acceptable battery of tests, and (d) meets the following performance criteria is eligible for admission:

1. Maintained a four year high school grade point average of 2.70 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale (unweighted), and ranked scholastically among the upper 50% of their graduating class, or

2. Have a 2.70 GPA on a 4.00 grading scale (unweighted), in the 15 high school courses required for college entry, or

3. Attained a composite score of 20 or higher on the ACT, a total score of 1030 or higher on the SAT, or a similar acceptable battery of tests.

NOTE:  One residual ACT is allowed per year (from November 1 to October 31), which is only valid at the institution at which it was administered.

Performance requirements are subject to annual change by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The exact standardized test scores and GPA will vary over time.  The ACT/SAT score equivalent to these percentages will be determined based on the average of the preceding three years’ ACT/SAT scores of graduating seniors, if available. Oklahoma test data will be used. The concordance tables are updated as necessary.  The GPA will be defined annually to correspond to the rank in class.

Class Rank-The class rank is one more than the number of students in the high school graduating class who have a grade-point average greater than the student in question.

Grade-Point Average-The grade-point average is the average of all grades (A equating to 4.00 and D equating to 1.00) taken in the 9th through 12th grade. While the State Regents strongly support the initiation of honors courses, honors weighting will not be used in the calculation of the GPA because there is no equitable mechanism to include the honors premium.

Additional weighting (1.0) will be added to GPA of students who take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and higher-level International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. 

GED recipient’s high school class must have graduated for the recipient to be eligible for admission.

Curricular Requirements

Students must have completed the following fifteen high school units to be eligible for admission:

Students must meet all curricular requirements to be admitted.  (The only exceptions are noted in Special Admissions, below.) 

Students pursuing admission to baccalaureate degree programs may not count remedial courses used to make up high school curricular deficiencies toward satisfaction of degree program requirements.  Students admitted with one or more curricular deficiencies in the alternative admission category will be provided the means to satisfy those deficiencies; the student must successfully remove course requirements within 24 hours attempted.  Students must complete zero level courses with a grade of C or better in order to remove the deficiency. 

Students lacking curricular requirements are admissible into associate degree programs in area community colleges but must remove the deficiencies at the earliest possible time within the first 24 hours attempted.  In addition, students must remove curricular deficiencies in a discipline area before taking collegiate level work in that discipline.

*”Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses” are those traditional fields of study in the humanities; social and behavioral sciences; communication, natural and life sciences; mathematics; and the history, literature and theory of the fine arts (music, art, drama, dance). Courses in these fields whose primary purpose is directed toward specific occupational or professional objectives, or courses in the arts which rely substantially on studio or performance work are not considered to be liberal arts and sciences for the purpose of this policy. (OSRHE, Undergraduate Degree Requirements, 3.15.2) 

Former Students Seeking Readmission

Students who have attended NSU, but did not enroll in the immediate past semester (summer sessions are not included), must complete an application for admission. Students who have enrolled in another college since attending NSU must also submit official transcripts of all work attempted. If the student’s grade point average meets retention standards and his/her disciplinary record is satisfactory, s/he will be admitted.

Returning students who previously transferred credit to NSU and have not attended NSU for five or more years may be required to resubmit transfer transcripts. During the admission review process, students will be notified of any required transcripts.

International undergraduate students are required to meet equivalent academic performance requirements as outlined above for admission to NSU. Admission deadlines are listed below:

• Summer (June start): April 1
• Fall (August start): July 1
• Spring (January start): November 1

Applications cannot be accepted from third parties, agents, or agencies acting for the student. The student must correspond directly with the University. Transcripts must be received directly from the registrars of institutions. Test scores must be received directly from the testing company.

Required Admission Documents for Regular Undergraduate Admission

1. Application & Fee: Undergraduate application with $25 non-refundable application fee
2. Official Transcripts & Tests (First-Time Entering Students):

• Official high school transcripts indicating at least 3 years of study
• Transcripts accompanied by English translation if not in English (including GPA and date of graduation)

3. Aptitude Tests

• ACT or SAT scores or similar acceptable battery of tests

4. Official Transcripts (Transfer Students)

• WES or ECE Credential Evaluation (course by course) for transfer students who have earned college credit outside the U.S.
• Official college transcripts for all college credit earned in the U.S.

5. English Proficiency:

• TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based) or (61 internet-based), or
• IELTS of 5.5
• Contact International Program Office for information regarding Duolingo or PTE Academy scores.
• Those not meeting these standards must have a minimum score on TOEFL or IELTS and must successfully complete a minimum of 12 weeks of study at an approved intensive English program (IEP).

6. Proof of Finances:

Written proof on the appropriate certification form (provided in the admission packet) of the student’s ability to finance at least one year’s education-related expenses in any one of the following forms:

• Bank document with a minimum balance of $25,655 (USD), or
• Official confirmation by an educational or other organization or agency of adequate funds made available for the specific purpose of the student’s study; or
• Official confirmation by the student’s government, through a central bank, for permission to transfer adequate funds to the United States for the specific purpose of education.

Northeastern State University may require further certification of finances or advance payment of tuition and fees from students whose funds originate in countries where severe currency restrictions exist.

7. Copy of passport

International students should access the Office of International Programs website for applications and detailed information. http://offices.nsuok.edu/international/default.aspx

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Special Admissions

Students who are 21 years of age or older or on active military duty who do not meet the regular admission requirements may be admitted through this special category for adults.  Students must have graduated from high school or completed a GED program before they will be considered.  Factors such as standardized test scores, maturity of the individual, job skills and life experiences, motivation, ability to benefit, and access to educational programs will be considered in determining the probability of academic success.  The ACT or other entry level assessment will be required for placement in classes.  For more information on the adult admission program please contact the Department of Admissions and Recruitment.

Northeastern State University is authorized to admit a limited number of freshman students not to exceed eight percent* of its previous year’s first-time entering fall freshman class, who do not meet the established regular freshman admission criteria. The student may be admitted provided that they meet the criteria set forth below:

1. The individual must meet all criteria contained in the regular admissions policy with the exception of the prescribed academic criteria and high school curricular requirements.
2. The individual must demonstrate unusual talent or ability in an area such as art, drama, music, and the like, or
3. The individual must be an educationally or economically handicapped student who shows promise of being able to succeed.

The Alternative Admission process will begin when the student applies for admission, submits credentials, and it is determined by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment that the Alternative Admission category may be used. The applicant will be asked to complete the Supplement to the Application for Admission. The Supplement to the Application for Admission will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. The decision of the Undergraduate Admissions Committee is final. If the decision is made to grant admission, the applicant must complete any deficiencies within the first 24 semester hours. Students admitted with one or more curricular deficiencies in the alternative admission category will be provided the means to satisfy those deficiencies and the student must successfully remove course requirements within 24 hours attempted.

*Alternative Admission Percentage: The percentage of the previous year’s first-time freshmen not required in that same year to meet the State Regents curricular or high school performance criteria for admission. Percentages are subject to annual change. The alternative admission level is 8% in 1995-96 and beyond.

Concurrent High School Enrollment

Eleventh and twelfth grade students enrolled in an accredited high school may be admitted as a concurrent student by meeting the requirements set forth below:

1. The student must have maintained a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.00 grading scale (unweighted), and ranked scholastically among the upper 50% of the senior class and have participated in the ACT or SAT test, or
2. The student must achieve a minimum composite ACT score of 20 or a minimum SAT total score of 1030.
3. Additionally, students must have a signed concurrent permission form from the high school principal or counselor stating that they are eligible to satisfy requirements for graduation from high school (including curricular requirements for college admission) no later than the spring of the current year.  Students provide written permission from their parents or legal guardian on this form.

NOTE: One residual ACT is allowed per year (from November 1 to October 31), which is only valid at the institution at which it was administered.  Please contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment for information concerning other accepted exams for admission.

A student receiving high-school-level instruction at home or from an unaccredited high school shall have completed enough high school coursework to be equivalent to an individual who is classified as a junior or senior at an accredited high school.

A high school student may enroll in a combined number of high school and college courses per semester not to exceed a full-time college workload of 19 semester credit hours.  For purposes of calculating workload, one-half high school credit course shall be equivalent to three semester credit hours of college work. Non-academic high school units are excluded from the workload calculation. Students wishing to exceed this limit may petition the Executive Director of the University Advising Center.  The collegiate portion of the student’s workload must be taken from regular faculty members of the institution and may be provided off campus if approved by the State Regents, and may use alternative delivery systems if approved by the State Regents.  Concurrent enrollment must include opportunities for high school students to achieve college credit through a collegiate experience.  The collegiate experience is evidenced by the rigor of the course, the qualifications of faculty and the student’s readiness for college.

A student who is otherwise eligible under this policy may enroll in a maximum of nine semester credit hours during a summer session or term, without the necessity of being concurrently enrolled in high school classes during the summer term.  Students wishing to exceed this limit may petition the Executive Director of the University Advising Center.  Institutional officials will evaluate the student’s academic performance and potential for success in determining the student’s load, which may not exceed the number of semester credit hours 50 percent greater than the number of weeks in the applicable semester/term.  The completion of the high school curricular requirements shall not be required of concurrently enrolled high school students for purposes of admission.  However, students may only enroll in curricular areas where the student has met assessment requirements for college placement:

An ACT subject score of 19 in Reading is required for enrollment in any subject area other than English, Mathematics, and Science Reasoning. Concurrently admitted high school students will not be allowed to enroll in any zero-level courses offered by colleges and universities designed to remove high school deficiencies.  High school students wishing to enroll concurrently in college courses must meet the admission standards and the assessment requirements.  The college will provide appropriate academic advising prior to and continuing throughout the student’s enrollment.

High school students concurrently enrolled in college courses may continue concurrent enrollment in subsequent semesters if they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Following high school graduation, the student may continue enrollment provided they have earned at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and meet the entrance requirements, including high school curricular requirements.

Students who wish to enroll in courses without intending to pursue a degree may be permitted to enroll in up to nine credit hours without submitting academic credentials or meeting the curricular or performance requirements.  Retention standards will be enforced.  Once a student has successfully completed the designated number of hours, should s/he wish to enroll in additional coursework, s/he is required to meet the formal admission or transfer criteria.

Students who have not graduated from high school whose composite standard score on the ACT without the writing component places them in the 99th percentile (32) of all students using Oklahoma norms, or whose combined critical reading and mathematical score on the SAT without the writing component places them at the 99th percentile of all students using national norms may apply for full enrollment. Admissibility will depend on test scores, evaluation of the student’s level of maturity and ability to function in the college environment, and whether the experience will be in the student’s best interests.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to this program:

1. Be a first-time-entering student, and
2. Graduate from an accredited high school or achieve a high school equivalency certificate based on the GED (student’s high school class or his/her peers must have graduated), and
3. Meet the curricular requirements, and
4. Have a minimum ACT of 17 or a minimum high school grade-point-average of 2.50 on a 4.00 grading scale, and
5. Participate in assessment for placement purposes and, if needed, must successfully complete the developmental courses prior to entering this provisional program.

Enrollment is restricted to the summer semester immediately following the student’s high school graduation. Students may take a minimum of two approved core academic courses (6 hours) in the summer term prior to the regular semester of desired entry. If the courses are successfully completed with at least a C or equivalent, the student will be admitted as a regular university student.

An individual who is a graduate of a private, parochial, or other nonpublic high school which is not accredited by a recognized accrediting agency is eligible for admission as follows:

1. The student attains a composite score of 20 or higher on the ACT, a total score of 1030 or higher on the SAT or similar acceptable battery of tests, and
2. The student’s high school class of his or her peers must have graduated.
3. The student must satisfy the high school curricular requirements as certified by the school or for home study, the parent.

A transfer student is any undergraduate student with greater than six attempted credit hours, excluding developmental education or pre-college work and excluding credit hours accumulated by concurrently enrolled high school students. 

Admission of Transfer Students transferring from Degree-Granting Institutions

A. Admission by Transfer within the State System

1. Students transferring from State System institutions must meet the following requirements:  

2. Students who have not met the required high school curricular requirements for college admission must complete the curricular requirements before transferring. Additionally, students who do not meet the criteria above and have not been suspended from an institution may be admitted as transfer probation students based on institutionally-developed policies. 

B. Admission by Transfer from Non-State System, Degree-granting Institutions

Students transferring from an out-of-state college or university must

1. be in good standing at the sending institution and

2. meet the admission standards of NSU or have an average grade of C or better (whichever is higher).

All courses in which a student has a recorded grade will be counted in the calculation of the GPA for retention purposes excluding any courses repeated, reprieved, or renewed as detailed in the State Regents’ Grading policy, developmental education, and physical education courses.

Transfer students must also meet the following:

1. Transcripts of record from colleges and universities accredited by the HLC will be given full value.

a. Each applicant must meet the conditions of B.1. and B.2. above. 

2. Transcripts of record from degree-granting institutions accredited by organizations other than the HLC and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of accrediting institutions of higher education will be evaluated for transfer on a course-by-course basis. Students should consult with their academic advisors to determine if any of this previous coursework may be applicable to their degree.

a. Each applicant must meet the conditions of B.1. and B.2. above. 

3. Transcripts of record from degree-granting institutions not accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of accrediting institutions of higher education may be accepted in transfer when appropriate to the student’s degree program pending evaluation on a course-by-course basis. 

a. Each applicant must meet the conditions of B.1. and B.2. above.  

b. Each undergraduate applicant who meets B.1. and B.2. above will also be required to validate the transferred credit by successful completion (an average of “C” or better) of 12 or more semester credit hours at NSU.

1. In addition to academic requirements for admission, students must be in good standing and eligible to re-enroll at any college attended and,

• not expelled, suspended, denied admission or readmission,
• not convicted of a felony or lesser crime or moral turpitude,
• not acted in a manner that would be grounds for expulsion, suspension, dismissal or denial of readmission.

And, if the institution finds that an applicant falls into a category above, then the institution shall deny admission if it decides that any of the events described above indicates unfitness. If an applicant is denied admission on any of the foregoing grounds, there must be substantial evidence supporting the basis for denial.  In addition, the applicant must be afforded adequate procedural safeguards, including the following:

• be advised of the grounds of the denial;
• be informed of the facts which form a basis of the denial, and
• be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

2. Physical, emotional and mental status of the student must be such that no danger is presented to himself or others while attending the university.  If there is any question of the status of the student, the university may require a diagnostic examination.

The In-State/Out-of-State Status of Enrolled Students policy (OSRHE Policy Manual 3.18) establishes definitions, principles, criteria, and guidelines to assist institutional officials in the classification of students as in-state or out-of-state students for fee and tuition payment purposes.  Also, the policy statement should be helpful to prospective students in the determination of their in-state/out-of-state status prior to enrollment or for those out-of-state students seeking to be reclassified as in-state. Determination of in-state status for purposes of attendance at an institution in the state is based primarily on domicile, “a person’s true, fixed, permanent home or habitation.”  Students are urged to contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment for forms, assistance, and clarification of policy.

Since 1890, it has been public policy in Oklahoma to provide comprehensive, public higher education opportunities for citizens.  Therefore, residents of Oklahoma are afforded subsidies covering a portion of their educational costs at state colleges and universities.  Out-of-state students are also provided educational subsidies, although at lower levels than those provided for permanent in-state students.

Out-of-state tuition waivers provide Oklahoma institutions the ability to attract and graduate out-of-state students with academic abilities and talents who contribute to the economic development, vitality and diversity of the state’s campuses. Additionally, Oklahoma institutions located near the state’s borders are especially sensitive to serving demographic areas where population, tax dollars, property ownership, etc., cross state borders frequently. Out-of-state tuition waivers allow institutions to serve the community and surrounding area to the benefit of the institution and its students without detriment to Oklahoma residents.

The following words and terms shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Dependent person” is one who is under the care, custody and support of a parent or legal guardian.

“Domicile” is a person’s true, fixed, permanent home or habitation. It is the place where he or she intends to remain and to which he or she expects to return. A person can have more than one residence, but only one domicile. Domicile has two components – residence and the intent to remain. When these two occur, there is domicile.

“Documented foreign national” is a person who was born outside the jurisdiction of the United States (U.S.), is a citizen of a foreign country, and has not become a naturalized U.S. citizen under U.S. law, but has entered the U.S. by way of legal documentation such as a visa.

“Full-Time Professional Practitioner or Worker” is a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who has come to Oklahoma to practice a profession on a full-time basis, conduct a business full-time, or work on a full-time basis.

“Full-Time Student” is an undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester in an academic year or a minimum of six credit hours in a summer session. A full-time graduate student is one enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per semester or as required by the institution.

“Home of Record” is the location where the reservist enlisted, reenlisted, or was commissioned into the military.

“Independent person” is one who is responsible for his or her own care, custody, and support.

“In-state” status is a classification for a postsecondary student who has lived continuously in Oklahoma for at least 12 months, not primarily as a postsecondary student, and has established domicile in Oklahoma or meets requirements associated with in-state status including sections 3.18.4, 3.18.7 and 3.18.9 of OSRHE Policy. Students classified upon admission as in-state are eligible to apply for state scholarship and financial aid programs.

“Lawful permanent resident” is a naturalized alien who has been granted official immigration status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. This is evidenced by a lawful permanent resident card (also called a “green card”).

“Out-of-state” status means an individual does not meet in-state requirements defined in this policy unless otherwise allowed by exceptions or provisions in policy.

“Out-of-state tuition waiver” is the portion of tuition that is waived in excess of that paid by students classified as in-state. This is referred to as “Nonresident Tuition Waiver” in State Regents’ Fiscal Policy.

“Undocumented student” is a person who was born outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., is a citizen of a foreign country, and has not become a naturalized U.S. Citizen under U.S. Law and has entered the U.S. without documentation. Refer to 3.18.6 of OSRHE policy.

“Uniformed services” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service.

“U.S. Citizen” is a person born in the United States, a U.S. Territory or former U.S. Territory or who has been granted citizenship by the U.S. Government.

As part of the admissions process, institutions are responsible for determining students’ in-state/out-of-state status consistent with this policy. Administrators interview students, review documentation and are in the best position to determine whether the student may be classified as in-state. Each institution must designate an appropriate administrative official (most often the Admissions Officer) as responsible for administration of this policy.  At NSU, students should contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

The burden of proof to establish in-state status shall be upon the student.  Since residence or domicile is a matter of intent, each case will be judged on its own merit by the appropriate administrative officials consistent with this policy.  Mere assertion by a student such as checking “In-State” on the application for admission is insufficient. The appropriate administrative official must review relevant documents, consider the policy principles and procedures, circumstances, and documentation to determine in-state status.  While no set criteria, documentation, or set of circumstances can be used for this purpose, the principles outlined below guide the process.

A. Attendance at a postsecondary educational institution, albeit a continuous and long-term experience, does not establish in-state status. Therefore, a student neither gains nor loses in-state status solely by such attendance.

B. Students attending an Oklahoma college or university may perform many objective acts, some of which are required by law (i.e. payment of taxes), and all of which are customarily done by some out-of-state students who do not intend to remain in Oklahoma after graduation, but are situational and necessary and/or voluntary (i.e. registering to vote, obtaining a driver’s license). Such acts and/or declarations alone are insufficient evidence of intent to remain in Oklahoma beyond the college experience.

C. An out-of-state student attending an Oklahoma college or university on more than a half-time basis is presumed to be in the state primarily for educational purposes.

D. An individual is not deemed to have acquired in-state status until he or she has been in the state for at least a year primarily as a permanent resident and not primarily as a student and has established domicile. Likewise, an individual classified as in-state shall not be reclassified as out-of-state until 12 months after leaving Oklahoma to live in another state.

E. Unless residency has been established in another state, an individual who resided in Oklahoma at the time of graduation from an Oklahoma high school and has resided in the state with a parent or legal guardian for two years prior to graduation from high school will be eligible for in-state status and as allowed in 3.18.7, and 3.18.8 of OSRHE policy.

F. Each spouse in a family shall establish his or her own status on a separate basis. Exceptions include the following: when an out-of-state status individual marries a person with in-state status, the out-of-state individual may be considered in-state after documentation of the marriage and proof of domicile are satisfied without the 12 month domiciliary waiting period, and as provided in sections 3.18.7 or 3.18.8 of OSRHE policy.

G. Initial classification as out-of-state shall not prejudice the right of a person to be reclassified thereafter for following semesters or terms of enrollment as in-state provided that he or she establish domicile as defined in this policy. Institutions must establish procedures for students to appeal out-of-state status classification.

H. Institutions may, but are not required, to waive out-of-state tuition (also known as Nonresident Tuition Waiver) in accordance with current State Regents’ Tuition and Fees Policy 4.18.5.B that allows any institution in the State System to waive a portion of the out-of-state tuition which amount shall not exceed the difference between out-of-state tuition and the amount paid by in-state students.

I.  When a student transfers from one institution to another, the institution to which the student transfers is not bound by the in-state/out-of-state classification previously determined and may request documentation to determine the student’s in-state/out-of-state status.

A. The legal residence of a dependent person is the postsecondary student’s parents or the residence of the parent who has legal custody or the parent with whom the student habitually resides. If the student is under the care of those other than the parents, the legal residence is that of the student’s legal guardian.

B. In-state/out-of-state classifications of postsecondary students with extenuating circumstances (e.g., divorced parents with joint custody when one parent or legal guardian lives out-of-state and/or claimed as a dependent on a tax return, etc.) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Guidance for administrative officers charged with classifying students will be provided in the procedures manual.

C. A dependent person may establish independent person status through circumstances including: marriage, formal court action, abandonment by parents, etc. To qualify, a dependent person must have completely separated from the parental or guardian domicile and prove that such separation is complete and permanent. Additionally, the individual must provide evidence that they are responsible for their housing and living expenses. Mere absence from the parental or guardian domicile is not proof of its complete abandonment. If an applicant can provide adequate and satisfactory evidence of independent status and domicile, they may be granted in-state status.

D. If an independent person can provide evidence of coming to Oklahoma to establish domicile, the applicant may be granted in-state status at the next enrollment occurring after expiration of 12 months following establishment of domicile in Oklahoma.

Documented foreign nationals may attend as postsecondary students if they have appropriate educational visas. These individuals are eligible for in-state classification if they become lawful permanent residents, have resided in Oklahoma for at least 12 consecutive months, and meet domicile requirements as set forth in this policy.

Documented foreign nationals who are present in the U.S. with visas that allow full-time employment for extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, as an executive, manager, or specialist of a treaty nation company operating in the U.S. are eligible for out-of-state tuition waivers as long as they remain in full-time working status. Dependents of these documented foreign nationals who are lawfully present in Oklahoma based on the documented foreign national’s visa are also eligible for out-of-state tuition waivers.

Pursuant to Title 70, O.S., Section 3242 (2007) (also known as HB1804 of the First Regular Session of the 51st Legislature), an individual who cannot present to the institution valid documentation of United States nationality or an immigration status permitting study at a postsecondary institution but who:

A. Graduated from a public or private Oklahoma high school;

B. Resided in this state with a parent or legal guardian while attending classes at an Oklahoma public or private high school in this state for at least two (2) years prior to graduation; and

C. Satisfies admission standards for the institution.

Individuals who meet the above requirements are eligible for enrollment and/or out-of-state tuition waivers if that individual:

1. Provides the institution with a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to legalize the student’s immigration status, or

2. Files an affidavit with the institution stating that the student will file an application to legalize his or her immigration status at the earliest opportunity the student is eligible to do so, but in no case later than:

a. One (1) year after the date on which the student enrolls for study at the institution, or

b. If there is no formal process to permit children of parents without lawful immigration status to apply for lawful status without risk of deportation, one (1) year after the date the USCIS provides such a formal process, and

3. If the student files an affidavit pursuant to subsection B. above, presents to the institution a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with the USCIS no later than:

a. One (1) year after the date on which the student enrolls for study at the institution, or

b. If there is no formal process to permit children of parents without lawful immigration status to apply for lawful status without risk of deportation, one (1) year after the date the USCIS provides such a formal process, which copy shall be maintained in the institution’s records for that student.

4. Any student who completes and provides the institution with a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with USCIS to legalize the student’s immigration status shall not be disqualified on the basis of the student’s immigration status from any scholarships or financial aid provided by this state as long as the student meets the following:

a. Graduated from a public or private Oklahoma high school;

b.  Resided in this state with a parent or legal guardian while attending classes at an Oklahoma public or private high school in this state for at least two (2) years prior to graduation; and

c. Satisfies admission standards for the institution.

5. This policy shall not impose any additional conditions to maintain eligibility for an out-of-state tuition waiver at a postsecondary educational institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education on a student who was enrolled in a degree program and first received an out-of-state tuition waiver and/or access to state scholarships at that institution during the 2006-2007 school year or any prior year.

The following section is compliant with 38 U.S.C., Section 3679(c) and 70, O.S., Section 3247.

A. Active Uniformed Services  

The following shall be eligible for in-state status:  

1. Members of the uniformed services, along with their dependent children and spouse, who provide evidence that they are full-time active duty status of more than thirty (30) days in the uniformed services stationed in Oklahoma or temporarily present through military orders. Further, when members of the armed services are transferred out-of-state, the member, their spouse and dependent children shall continue to be classified as in-state as long as they remain continuously enrolled.

2. Regardless of the residency of the student, dependent children or spouse of a person who is currently serving as a member of the active uniformed services of the United States on full-time active duty status of more than thirty (30) days for whom Oklahoma is the home of record.

3. A person who files with the institution within the State system at which he/she intends to register a letter of intent to establish residence in the state and who

a. is entitled to educational or training assistance under Section 3319 of Title 38 of the United States Code by virtue of a relationship to a person who is currently serving on active duty; and

b. resides in the state while enrolled in the institution, regardless of the student’s formal state of residence state or the active service member’s home of record.

4. Former full-time active uniformed services personnel who remain in Oklahoma after their service may retain their in-state status without the 12 month requirement if they establish domicile as defined in this policy.

B. Discharged or Released from Active Uniformed Service (Regardless of the Home of Record).

A student who files with the institution within the State System at which the student intends to register a letter of intent to establish residence in the state and who resides in the state while enrolled in the institution shall be eligible for in-state status (i.e., in-state tuition), regardless of the residency of the student or home of record, if the student:

1. Is a person who:

a. was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than ninety (90) days of active duty uniformed service, and

b. is pursuing a course of education with educational assistance under Chapters 30 or 33 of Title 38 of the United States Code while living in Oklahoma; or

2. Is a person who:

a. is entitled to assistance under Section 3319 of Title 38 of the United States Code by virtue of a relationship to a person who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than ninety (90) days of active duty uniformed services;

3. Is a person who:

a. is entitled to assistance under Section 3111(b)(9) of Title 38 of the United States Code by virtue of a relationship to a person who died in the line of duty while serving in the active duty uniformed services; or

4. Is a person who:

a. is pursuing a course of education with educational assistance under chapter 31 of Title 38 of the United States Code. 

C. Discharged or Released from Active Uniformed Service (Oklahoma Home of Record)

Person, or dependent children or spouse of a person, who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than ninety (90) days of active uniformed service, less than five (5) years before the date of enrollment in the course(s) concerned and for whom Oklahoma is the home of record.

D. Military Reserve Member on Full-Time Active Duty

Regardless of the residency of the student, dependent children or a spouse of a person who is currently serving as a member of the military reserve on full-time active duty of more than thirty (30) days and for whom Oklahoma is the home of record shall be eligible for in-state status.

E. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

A person who is participating in or has received a partial or full scholarship from the Air Force, Army, or the Navy/Marines ROTC shall be eligible for in-state status.

F. To be eligible for in-state status as provided in 3.18.7.A, 3.18.7.B, 3.18.7.C, and 3.18.7.D, and 3.18.7.E and to maintain eligibility, the student shall:

1. Have secured admission to and enrolls full-time or part-time in a program of study; and

2. Satisfy admission and retention standards.

G. A student who meets the eligibility requirements for in-state status shall maintain in-state status if the student remains continuously enrolled at an institution within the State System after the student:

1. As described in 3.18.7.A or 3.18.7.D, is discharged or released from active duty service;

2. As described in 3.18.7.B.1,  3.18.7.B.2 or 3.18.7.C exceeds the five-year period after being discharged or released from active duty uniformed service;

3. As described in 3.18.7.B.1 has exhausted education assistance provided under Chapter 30, 31, or 33 of Title 38 of the United States Code; or

4. As described in 3.18.7.A.3 or 3.18.7.B.2 has exhausted education assistance provided under Section 3319 of Title 38 of the United States Code.

5. As described in 3.18.7.B.3 has exhausted education assistance provided under Section 3311(b)(9) of Title 38 of the United States Code.

A U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who provides evidence of having come to Oklahoma to practice a profession on a full-time basis, conduct a business full time, or work on a full-time basis shall be immediately classified as in-state status along with the individual’s spouse and dependents without the 12 month domiciliary requirement so long as they continue in such full-time employment capacity or until such time that they independently establish in-state status as described in section 3.18.3 of this policy.

A full-time professional practitioner or worker who is temporarily assigned to another location but maintains domicile in Oklahoma shall be considered to have in-state status along with the practitioner’s spouse and dependent children.