HB 1079 and SB 5194 In-State Tuition

Residency and Senate Bill 5194 (formerly HB 1079)

Effective July 25, 2021, Senate Bill 5194 significantly changes Washington’s tuition equity law. Section nine of the bill amends RCW 28B.15.012(2)(e), making it easier for all Washingtonians, including and especially undocumented students, to meet residency requirements for tuition and state financial aid. Since 2003, this part of residency law has been known informally as “HB 1079” for the bill that created it. This law may be met by any student, regardless of citizenship or legal immigration status. It is one of the many ways that students can meet residency requirements. The other ways to meet residency requirements still exist.

Requirements for SB 5194

To be a resident student under this law, students must:

Earn a high school diploma, GED, or diploma equivalent before their first term at the college determining residency,
Maintain a primary residence in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before their first term at the college determining residency, and
Sign the affidavit linked below saying they meet the above requirements and that one of the following is true:
- They will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States (green card) as soon as they are eligible to apply. And that they are willing to engage in activities designed to prepare them for citizenship, including citizenship or civics review courses or
- They are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.

I’m eligible! What comes next?

After you fill out the admission application for the college, you can sign the Washington Higher Education Residency Affidavit. Note: If you are still in high school, you will need to wait until you graduate in order to turn the affidavit in.
You can find the affidavit in the admissions office, on this website and it should also be available to you at any high school, college, or university in the state.
Lastly, submit the HB1079 affidavit to our college admissions office.

Edition 03/05/2025