Non-Resident Tuition Exemptions

There are several populations that may be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at Southern Oregon University under Tuition Equity (HB2787), Nonresident Tuition Exemptions (SB 553 and SB 1552), tribal enrollment, or reciprocity agreements.

Although students who qualify for these programs will be assessed resident tuition rates at Southern Oregon University University, a student’s formal residency classification does not change.

Tuition Equity

Tuition Equity (HB 2787) is a law providing students attending Oregon high schools greater access to higher education. It allows Southern Oregon University to grant undocumented Oregon students the resident (in-state) tuition rate, if they meet specific criteria.

For more information about Tuition Equity, visit sou.edu/tuitionequity.

Resident Tuition Under SB 553 and SB 1522

Oregon Senate Bills 553 and 1522 are laws that grant eligible students resident (in-state) tuition rates. For information on how to apply, email residency@sou.edu

Eligibility Under SB 553 and SB 1522

• Have not established residence in another U.S. state or territory before arriving in Oregon, AND
• Hold one of these statuses:
  • COFA Islanders: An individual who entered the United States under a Compact of Free Association treaty between the United States and the following countries:
    • The Republic of Palau;
    • The Republic of the Marshall Islands; or
    • The Federated States of Micronesia
  • Refugees: An individual granted refugee status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • Special Immigrant Visa Holders: An individual who meets one of the following criteria:
    • An individual from Iraq or Afghanistan who was provided with the status of special immigrant by the United States Department of Homeland Security under:
      • Section 1059(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, P.L. 109-163, 119 Stat. 3444;
      • Section 1244(b) of the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007, P.L. 110-181, 122 Stat. 397; or
      • Section 602(b) of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, P.L. 111-8, 123 Stat. 807.
    • An individual who is granted humanitarian parole, asylum, conditional permanent residency or temporary protected status by the United States Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency.

Tribal Enrollment

As of September 2022, SOU students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe shall receive the equivalent of resident tuition rates, regardless of where they live. This includes 574 Federally Recognized Native American Tribes.

If you are a member of one of Oregon’s tribes or a tribe with traditional ties to Oregon you may qualify for Oregon residency. Please review the residency standards on our website sou.edu/residency . For more information, email residency@sou.edu

For more information, visit Aboriginal Rights .

California to Oregon Exchange

In partnership with Shasta College, College of the Redwoods, and College of the Siskiyous, Southern Oregon University has reciprocity agreements which grant qualifying students to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition.

For more information, visit Reciprocity Agreement.

North State Promise

In partnership with select Northern California counties, students who graduated from high school in 2013 or later may qualify to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition.

For more information, visit North State Promise.

Military-Connected Students

Military personnel, veterans, and/or their dependents may qualify for either residency or the ability to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition depending on their military status.

For more information, email vabenefits@sou.edu .