Residency Classification
HCC determines tuition fees based on residency classification, which is established through information provided in the admissions application. Texas state law classifies students as residents, non-residents, or international students (http://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/residency-information/).
Key Facts
- Residency Classification: The amount of tuition charged by HCC is based on residency classification, which is determined according to the information provided on the admissions application.
- Texas Residency: Under Texas state law, students are classified as residents of Texas, non-residents, or international students.
- In-District Residency: In addition to state residency, students are classified as in-district or out-of-district based on their address within the HCC taxing district.
- HCC Taxing District: HCC’s taxing district includes Alief ISD, Houston ISD, Stafford MSD, and part of Missouri City.
- In-District Residency Requirements: To be considered an in-district resident, students must meet the basic Texas residency requirements and live at a street address within HCC’s taxing district.
- Residency Classification Display: Students can view their residency classification (in-district, out-of-district, or out-of-state) on their My Eagle Student Account under the Financial Account Tile.
- Change of Residency Petition: If a student wishes to request a change to their residency classification, they need to complete a Change of Residency Petition and provide specific documentation to prove domicile and 12 months physical presence in Texas for the 12 months prior to the Official Date of Record for the enrolled semester.
- Residency Updates: All requests to update residency status, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted before the census date of the semester. Changes to residency after the census date will not be applied until the next semester.
In-District Residency
In addition to state residency, HCC categorizes students as in-district or out-of-district based on their address within the college’s taxing district (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138).
HCC Taxing District
HCC’s taxing district encompasses Alief ISD, Houston ISD, Stafford MSD, and a portion of Missouri City (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138).
In-District Residency Requirements
To qualify as an in-district resident, students must meet the following criteria:
- Fulfill the basic Texas residency requirements (http://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/residency-information/)
- Maintain a street address within HCC’s taxing district (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138)
Residency Classification Display
Students can access their residency classification (in-district, out-of-district, or out-of-state) through their My Eagle Student Account under the Financial Account Tile (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138).
Change of Residency Petition
Students seeking to alter their residency classification must complete a Change of Residency Petition and provide documentation demonstrating their domicile and 12 months of physical presence in Texas during the 12 months preceding the Official Date of Record for the enrolled semester (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138).
Residency Updates
All requests for residency status updates, accompanied by supporting documentation, must be submitted before the semester’s census date (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138). Any changes made after the census date will not take effect until the following semester (https://catalog.hccs.edu/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=138).
Sources
- Residency Information | Houston Community College (HCC) | We are Houston’s Community College
- Registration – Houston Community College – Acalog ACMS™
- About HCC | Houston Community College (HCC) | We are Houston’s Community College
FAQs
What is the definition of in-district residency for HCC?
In-district residency for HCC refers to students who meet the basic Texas residency requirements and reside within HCC’s taxing district, which includes Alief ISD, Houston ISD, Stafford MSD, and part of Missouri City.
What are the basic Texas residency requirements?
To establish Texas residency for tuition purposes, students must meet one of the following criteria:
- Enrolled at a Texas public institution during a fall or spring semester within the previous twelve months and classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes
- Graduated from a public or accredited private high school in Texas or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas and maintained a residence continuously in the state for the 36 months immediately preceding graduation
- Established a domicile in Texas not less than twelve months before the census date of the academic semester in which the student enrolled in an institution and maintained a residence continuously in the state for the twelve months immediately preceding the census date
How can I prove my in-district residency?
To prove your in-district residency, you must provide documentation of your physical address within HCC’s taxing district. This can include a driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement.
What if I live in the HCC taxing district but do not meet the basic Texas residency requirements?
If you live in the HCC taxing district but do not meet the basic Texas residency requirements, you will be classified as an out-of-district resident and will be charged out-of-district tuition rates.
Can I change my residency classification from out-of-district to in-district?
Yes, you can change your residency classification from out-of-district to in-district if you meet the basic Texas residency requirements and establish a permanent address within HCC’s taxing district. You must complete a Change of Residency Petition and provide supporting documentation.
When is the deadline to change my residency classification?
All requests to change residency status, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted before the census date of the semester. Changes to residency after the census date will not be applied until the next semester.
What are the benefits of being classified as an in-district resident?
In-district residents pay lower tuition rates than out-of-district residents.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my residency classification?
If you have any questions about your residency classification, you should contact the Office of the Registrar or Enrollment Services Office at any of the HCC colleges.