Residency - In-State High School Graduates

The tuition waivers and residency classifications document contains information on tuition waivers, residency classifications and the Running Start Program that may be applicable to students enrolling in Washington state's community and technical colleges.

Resident Category

This category is for high school graduates who have spent a qualifying amount of time in the state.

This residency classification is mandatory and colleges must charge resident tuition rates for students meeting the residency requirements.

Fee pay status: 36

High school graduates meeting the following requirements meet the definition of "resident student" for tuition and fee purposes.

  • The student has spent at least 75 percent of their junior and senior years in high schools in the state.
  • Parents or legal guardians of the student have been domiciled in the state at least one year within the five year period before the student graduates from high school.
  • Student must enroll in college within six months of high school graduation and remain continuously enrolled for three quarters in any calendar year. 

RCW 28B.15.012(2)(d) — Classification as resident or nonresident student — Definitions.