Residency Information
Residency status is determined by the Admissions Office at the time of application. This determination is made based on information provided by the applicant in the application. Factors influential to the residency determination include current and permanent place of residence, place of most recent employment, and duration of both residence and employment.
Applicants are encouraged to view the Residency FAQ’s and the Ohio Board of Regents residency criteria which will further explain residency guidelines and procedures.
Please feel free to contact the Admissions Office with questions regarding residency.
Residency FAQ's
How do I establish Ohio residency for tuition purposes?
To be classified as an Ohio resident for tuition purposes, you must present evidence that you qualify as an Ohio resident under the criteria set forth by the Ohio Board of Regents, or that you meet one of the specific exceptions. Ohio In-State Residency for tuition purposes are dictated by the Ohio Board of Regents. After 12 consecutive months of residing in Ohio and meeting all other requirements a student may petition for reclassification of their status. Those who are living in Ohio for the sole purpose of obtaining higher education are generally not eligible for classification as Ohio residents. To help in determining which Ohio in-state residency rule may apply to you, see the Residency Predictor.
I have been an Ohio resident for my entire life excepting the past 12 months. Am I still considered to be an Ohio resident?
Probably not. In general, you must have lived in Ohio for the 12 months immediately preceding entrance into Toledo Law to be considered an Ohio resident. Absence from the state, excepting standard vacation time, can affect Ohio residency.
My spouse moved to Ohio for a job 6 months ago. Am I considered to be an Ohio resident?
Maybe. If your spouse is employed full-time and has established domicile in Ohio for reasons other than securing in-state tuition rates, you may be considered an Ohio resident for tuition purposes even if you haven’t resided in Ohio for 12 consecution months preceding your law school enrollment. Please note that specific documentation is required to demonstrate self-sustaining, full-time employment and domicile.
Are there any other exceptions that might grant Ohio residency immediately?
Yes. Please see the Ohio Board of Regents residency criteria (Section E) for further details.
I am a veteran receiving educational benefits. Are there any special considerations I should be aware of?
Yes. Ohio is one of a few states that offers the GI Promise, which extends in-state tuition rates to qualified veterans.
I went to high school in Ohio and want to return to Ohio for college. Am I considered to be an Ohio resident?
Yes. Effective spring semester 2012, The University of Toledo is implementing the “Forever Buckeye” provision recently established by the Ohio Board of Regents and the State of Ohio. The new “Forever Buckeye” residency rule offers immediate in-state resident tuition rates to any Ohio high school graduate who leaves the state but returns to enroll in an Ohio college and also establishes residency in Ohio. See the C5 (Forever Buckeye) page for additional information.Once I have been admitted as an out-of-state resident, am I automatically given in-state tuition after living in Ohio for 12 consecutive months?
No. You must complete the application for Ohio residency and submit it to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. Students who do not meet the Ohio residency requirements at the time of application are encouraged to apply for Ohio residency status any time during their tenure at Toledo Law. Should a student’s residency status change, the appropriate adjustments will be made to the student’s financial aid, tuition and fees in the succeeding term. For additional information, see the Office of the Registrar.
Applications are due prior to the beginning of the term in which the reclassification is requested, preferably 30 calendar days or more prior to the beginning of the term. Applications submitted once the term begins will not be considered for that term. No retroactive reclassification will be granted.
I live in Michigan. Do I qualify for in-state tuition?
Maybe. Residents of Monroe County, Michigan are treated as Ohio residents for tuition purposes. This is known as Michigan Reciprocity, and Monroe County is the only county included in this agreement between Ohio and Michigan.
All remaining non-Ohio residents are charged an out-of-state surcharge to attend The University of Toledo. However, Toledo Law will cover this surcharge with an out-of-state tuition award for qualified residents of the following six Michigan counties: Hillsdale, Lenawee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne.*
- Please note that residency determinations are made by Toledo Law at the time of application to the College of Law and are based on information provided by the applicant in the College of Law application for admission. Residency determinations are made in accordance with criteria identified by the College of Law for this purpose. Not all students applying will be determined to be residents of Monroe County or one of the other 6 Michigan counties. For more information on the criteria used to determine Michigan county residency or about this program in general, please contact the Law Admissions Office.