Prop 308 Tuition Classification
To be eligible for Prop 308 tuition classification, which is among the least expensive, the following must apply:
- Notwithstanding any other law, a student, other than a nonimmigrant alien as described in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15), who meets both of the following requirements is eligible for in-state tuition:
- Attended any public or private high school option or homeschool equivalent pursuant to A.R.S. 15-802 while physically present in this state for at least two years.
- Graduated from any public or private high school option or homeschool equivalent pursuant to A.R.S. 15-802 while physically present in this state or obtained a high school equivalency diploma in this state.
- All individuals, including persons without lawful immigration status, are eligible for in-state tuition pursuant to Prop 308 if they meet the above requirements.
In-State Student Tuition Classification
To be eligible for in-state student tuition status, which is among the least expensive, a student must:
- Be a United States citizen or in an eligible status, and
- Live in Maricopa County and in the State of Arizona for at least one year prior (365 days) to the first day of the semester (as published in the approved Maricopa Community Colleges academic calendar)
In-state residency must be established prior to county residency for those moving from other states.
Tuition classification is determined in accordance with state law (A.R.S. 15-1801 et seq.) and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board. All of the Maricopa Community Colleges are subject to statutes and regulations.
A new-to-Maricopa Community Colleges student who enrolls is considered out-of-state until they either demonstrate proof that they meet Prop 308 tuition classification eligibility or in-state tuition classification eligibility and such eligibility is established with the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services at the college they plan to attend.
Students who have questions about their tuition classification should contact the Admissions, Records, and Registration office or Office of Student Enrollment Services of their respective college for clarification.
A full list of tuition classifications can be found at www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees.
Acceptable Documents to Establish Lawful Presence
Arizona law requires that students who do not qualify for Prop 308 tuition classification and are seeking consideration for in-state tuition status, or students seeking aid that is funded in part or in whole by state money to provide verification of citizenship, permanent residency, or other lawful immigration status. Students must provide evidence of lawful presence in the U.S. by providing one of the documents listed below.
Documents may be mailed, or submitted in person to the Admissions and Records office/Office of Student Enrollment Services at each college of attendance. All documentation must be current, valid and legible. Maricopa reserves the right to request additional documentation.
Final tuition classification will be made in accordance with ARS 15-1801, 15-1802, 15-1802.01, 15-1803 and regulations of the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board (AR 2.2.2).
- An Arizona driver's license issued after 1996 or an Arizona non-operating identification license or an Arizona Instruction Permit
- A birth certificate or delayed birth certificate issued in any state, territory or possession of the United States (a hospital record/certificate and certified Abstract of Birth are not acceptable)
- A United States certificate of birth abroad
- A United States passport
- A foreign passport with a United States visa
- An I-94 form with photograph
- A United States citizenship and immigration services employment authorization document or refugee travel document
- A United States Permanent Resident Card
- A United States certificate of naturalization
- A United States certificate of citizenship
- A tribal certificate of Indian blood
- A tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth. Tribal members*, the elderly and "persons with disabilities or incapacity of the mind or body," may submit certain types of documentation under Section 1903 of the federal Social Security Act. (42 United States Code §1396b, as amended by Section 6036 of the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005)**
*A document issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe evidencing membership or enrollment in, or affiliation with, such tribe.
**If you think that this might apply, please contact the Legal Services Department for assistance at 480-731-8877.