Residency FAQs

This change comes from a new federal court ruling that impacts how Texas colleges and universities determine who qualifies for in-state tuition and Texas (TASFA) financial aid. 

On June 4, 2025, the state of Texas and the federal government agreed that some parts of the Texas Education Code — specifically those that allow in-state tuition for individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S. — conflict with federal law. Because of this, a U.S. District Court issued a permanent order preventing colleges and universities in Texas from offering in-state tuition to students who do not meet certain legal residency requirements.

These changes do not affect your eligibility to attend the University of Houston and earn a degree.
This change does not impact your admissions decision.
The TASFA application is only available for Texas Residents who are not eligible to submit the FAFSA.

To submit your documentation:

  1. Log in to AccessUH.
  2. Select myUH Self-Service.
  3. Click on the Academic Records tile, select Add a Lawful Presence eForm.

You will need a completed and notarized Residency Affidavit and one of the accepted documents to attach to the eForm.

Acceptable documents:

  • Unexpired Texas Driver's License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Valid I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
  • I-485 Receipt Notice (Application for Adjustment of Status) 
All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. The 2025-26 UH General Scholarship Application is available at www.uh.edu/scholarships.
Cougar Promise eligibility requires students to be Texas Residents to qualify for Cougar Promise.

Yes, students in most academic programs are eligible for a reduced course load.

Yes, students who are selected for competitive scholarships may still receive the competitive scholarship if available.
To be considered for the Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver (AKA Out-of-State Waiver) you must receive a qualifying competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 and be lawfully present in the United States to qualify for the waiver.

The University has several payment arrangements available to students. You can review these at: https://www.uh.edu/financial/payment/plans/ 

Please contact Student Business Services for more information and guidance regarding your situation at 713-743-1010, option 6.

Yes, enrolled students are eligible for University housing.
Yes, you can take a leave of absence. Undergraduates who sit out for four or more semesters will need to reapply to the University. Graduate and Professional students should seek guidance from their academic program.