Graduate Residency/Domicile

This page provides information about residency and reclassification for all graduate students but also contains a specific section for active-duty military and their dependents.   

State Domicile Requirements

James Madison University is a public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Domicile Guidelines established by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) are used to determine eligibility for in-state tuition. Residency for tuition purposes is determined based on the information provided on the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates form. This application is included in our online graduate application for admission based on information provided on your application. If admitted, The Graduate School will notify you of your residency determination in your acceptance letter. If you do not complete the in-state residency section of the application, you will be assessed the out-of-state tuition rate.   

Students who are in Virginia for educational reasons are typically not eligible to claim Virginia domicile because the presumption is students are here for educational reasons and are not a “bona fide” Virginia resident. If you have not been a student, and you live and work in Virginia for one year prior to the start of your academic program you may qualify for in-state tuition, If you are a dependent of your parents, and your parent(s) move to Virginia and establish domicile for a period of one full year prior to the start of your academic program, you may qualify for in-state tuition.  Active-duty military and their dependents and Veterans may also qualify for in-state tuition rates (see below).  

We cannot advise a student prior to applying whether they will qualify for in-state tuition. You may review the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Guidelines for Residency Determination by visiting the SCHEV guidelines website. 

Active-Duty Military and Dependent Applicants (at application submission)

Active duty and military dependents may qualify with in-state tuition even if you do not currently live in VA. To apply for this special benefit, choose the form needed below and complete it in detail. (Please include supporting documentation such as orders, copy of DEERS, etc.)  To submit these forms, please reach out to gradadmission@jmu.edu to request a secure link, as the documents you are providing likely contain personal information that should not be sent via email. These forms are to be used for residency purposes only.  

• Military Dependent Tuition Benefit Form (Dependent/Spouse) 
• Active-Duty Military Tuition Benefit Form (Active-Duty personnel) 

If you answered “yes” to being a dependent of or are an active-duty personnel member on the application, you will need to submit one of the above forms as requested on the application along with supporting documentation.  Your residency will be assigned as out-of-state until we receive, review and determine you meet the qualifications.    

Veteran Applicants 

Veterans may also be able to qualify for in-state tuition or other benefits. If you are using military benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 35, or other military benefits) contact the veteran’s office for assistance at veteran@jmu.edu. 

Domicile Appeals

Appealing Domicile Status (before graduate coursework has begun): 

Students who want to appeal their initial domicile determination as stated in their acceptance letter should contact gradadmission@jmu.edu to begin the process prior to classes beginning for the term you applied.  Applicants appealing their initial domicile decision will be provided with a reclassification appeal form to be submitted with supporting documentation and a secure FTP link for submission. 

Supporting Documentation (included, but not limited to): 

• Copies of most current state and federal income tax returns 
• Documentation of physical domicile for the past 12 months, i.e. house closing, lease, license, registration 
• Immigration documentation (if appropriate) 

Application and supporting documents must be submitted prior to classes beginning and can be hand delivered or mailed to: 

James Madison University 
The Graduate School 
100 East Grace Street, MSC 6702 
Harrisonburg, VA 22807 

While we will accept the forms/documentation emailed to gradadmission@jmu.edu, email is not the most secure, so it is best if you reach out to request a secure link.   

Deadline 

The documents must be received during business hours, the day before classes begin to be reviewed for that term. Follow the “Currently Enrolled Students” procedure below once classes begin.  

For additional questions please contact: grad@jmu.edu. 

Currently Enrolled Students: Updating Domicile Status

If you have begun your graduate coursework and believe you qualify for in-state tuition based on the Code of Virginia, you must initiate a review of your domicile by completing the Domicile Reclassification Application for a future term and delivering it to the University Business Office prior to the first day of classes for that term. Delivery of the completed application can be made in person during business hours, or by postal services.  

Deadline to Apply – Prior to the first day of class for the semester which you claim eligibility. 

• Must be received (NOT postmarked) by UBO by the deadline. 
• Must be delivered during business hours if delivered in person 

For more information about domicile after your graduate classes have begun, please click on this link to the University Business Office Domicile page.   

If you have additional questions, please contact Brandon Cline-Taskey, Director University Business Office, at clinebm@jmu.edu.