The following guidelines outline eligibility information for obtaining in-state tuition rates in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The information is not comprehensive and should only be used as a general reference.
Domicile
To be eligible for in-state tuition rates, students must be domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year preceding the first official day of classes. Domicile is defined as the student’s “present, fixed home to where the student returns following temporary absences and to where he or she intends to stay indefinitely.” In order to qualify for Virginia in-state tuition, therefore, the student must meet two criteria: he or she must currently reside in Virginia and intend to reside in Virginia indefinitely.
As a minor, a student carries his or her parents’ domiciliary status. Once the student reaches the age of 24, he or she is eligible to establish his or her own domicile. However, if a student is over 24 years of age and is financially dependent on his or her parents, normally the parents must be domiciled in Virginia before the student becomes eligible for in-state tuition benefits.
Factors Used to Determine Domicile
The University reviews several factors when determining domicile, including:
- Residence during the past year prior to the first official day of classes
- State to which income taxes are filed or paid
- Employment
- Valid Driver's license
- Voter registration
- Motor Vehicle Registration
- Property ownership
- Location of checking or savings account
- Other social or economic ties with Virginia and other states
- Military personnel or dependents should refer to the application for change of domicile.
The presence of any or all of these factors does not unquestionably determine Virginia domicile. These factors, used to support a case for in-state tuition benefits, must have been present for one year prior to the first official day of classes.
Residence or physical presence in Virginia attained primarily to attend a college or university does not entitle a student to in-state tuition rates. If a student is classified as an out-of-state student, that student will be required to provide clear and convincing evidence to refute the presumption that he or she is residing in the state primarily to attend an institution and does not intend to stay indefinitely. Applications for change of domicile are available through the Office of Admissions.
All applications and supporting documents must be received in the Office of Admissions prior to the start of the semester for which a change of domicile is sought. Domicile review and appeal procedures may take up to six weeks. If a student’s application is pending a decision, the student will be expected to pay out-of-state charges until written approval has been granted by the Domicile Committee.
Copies of pertinent Virginia statute and guidelines issued by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia are on reserve in the University Library. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at (757) 823-8396 or 1-800-274-1821.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are established annually by the University’s governing board, the Board of Visitors. Considerable effort is made to keep increases at a minimum. For fee information, students should obtain a current “Schedule of Tuition and Fees” and “Registration Information and Schedule of Classes” booklet online. This information is available on the Student Accounts' website and the Registrar's website and include the current tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and any special instructional fees. Students who register during late registration will be assessed a late registration fee.
Uniforms, supplies, professional dues, and examination expenses are paid separately from University charges. Students should consult their academic department for an estimate of these costs.
Financial Aid for Students
Financial aid programs provide monetary assistance to students who would not otherwise be able to pursue or continue their educational objectives. Financial aid awards may be based on merit or need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine a student’s eligibility for need and non-need based financial aid. The FAFSA may be accessed and completed online at (studentaid.gov). For additional information on FAFSA, students may call 1-800-433-3243.
The information on financial aid contained herein is subject to change or deletion as circumstances warrant.
Application Requirement
The Financial Aid application priority deadline is March 15. Applications and required documentation are accepted after this date. Financial Aid awards are made on a first come, first served basis. All documentation must be received and completed prior to a student obtaining a financial aid award offer.
To receive and to continue to be eligible for financial aid, a student must be admitted to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student, in good academic standing, making satisfactory academic progress toward his/her degree. In addition, the following information is required:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA information helps the University and other awarding agencies to determine eligibility for financial assistance. The NSU Federal School Code is 003765. To complete the FAFSA visit studentaid.gov. Failure to complete the FASFA form in its entirety may delay the processing of financial aid applications.
Verification of Taxable and Non-taxable Income
Upon request, students may be required to submit a copy of their 1040. In addition, students may be required to submit a copy of non-taxable income such as social security benefits, veteran’s benefits, pension and annuity, and any other documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office.
Federal Ford Direct Loans
The University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. This loan program consists of the Federal Ford Subsidized Loan, the Federal Ford Unsubsidized Loan and the Graduate PLUS Loan. Graduate Students can borrow from Unsubsidized only. Students borrowing from loan programs borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. The Ford Direct Unsubsidized Loan is a non-need-based Loan. The maximum award is $20,500 per academic year.