Understanding UTD In-State Tuition Requirements
For students aspiring to attend The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), understanding the requirements for in-state tuition is crucial for financial planning. As a state-supported institution, UT Dallas adheres to Texas state laws and the UT System Board of Regents' regulations regarding tuition, fees, and deposits. It is important to note that these costs are subject to change based on legislative or regental actions.
Residency Classification
Residency classification for tuition purposes at Texas colleges and universities, including UT Dallas, follows Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter B of the Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's rules. The responsibility of establishing the correct residency classification prior to registration lies with the student, through the Office of the Registrar.
How to Establish Texas Residency
To claim Texas residency for tuition purposes, students must complete a residency questionnaire and provide supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar. Detailed rules and regulations are available on the Registrarâs website.
Non-Residents and Resident Tuition
Even if classified as a non-resident, it is possible to qualify for resident tuition rates under specific exceptions. Students should consult the Registrar's office for information on obtaining a waiver. For Oklahoma residents, tuition is the Texas resident rate plus $30 per semester credit hour.
Tuition Rate Plans
UT Dallas offers two tuition rate plans for new incoming students: the guaranteed tuition plan and the variable tuition plan.
Read also: CCU In-State Requirements
Guaranteed Tuition Plan
The guaranteed tuition plan locks in the tuition rate for 4 years (12 consecutive semesters), providing predictability in educational costs. The rates under this plan are initially higher as they are based on the projected average of tuition rates over the subsequent four years.
Variable Tuition Plan
The variable tuition plan has lower initial rates compared to the guaranteed plan but is subject to annual rate changes. New incoming students are defaulted into this plan but have the option to enroll in the guaranteed tuition rate plan. The variable tuition rate plan is based on a traditional plan that locks tuition rates one academic year at a time. The rates on the variable tuition plan are subject to increase each academic year. The 2025 - 2026 variable tuition plan rates are valid for fall 2025, spring 2026 and summer 2026.
Tuition and Fees Structure
UT Dallas utilizes a consolidated tuition rate, which is capped at 12 semester credit hours for all students. This rate covers academic program costs, including tuition, mandatory fees, and most college and course incidental fees. Additional fees that will be charged separately are: field trip fees, supplemental designated tuition fees, laboratory fees, and distance education fees.
Payment Options and Deadlines
Students can elect an installment plan to pay tuition and fees for the fall, spring, and eleven-week summer semesters. A $25 fee per semester is assessed for this plan, and a $30 late payment fee is charged for each delinquent installment. Students must pay by the published deadline to avoid late fees and potential class cancellation, as classes are not automatically dropped for nonpayment. Reinstatement of registration after cancellation due to nonpayment incurs a reinstatement fee in addition to other outstanding charges.
Exemptions and Waivers
As a state-sponsored institution, UT Dallas offers tuition and fee exemptions and/or waivers to eligible students based on statutory criteria.
Read also: Comprehensive Tuition Guide
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain eligibility for many exemptions or waivers, undergraduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at UT Dallas and comply with the state's excessive hours rule as defined in Section 54.014 of the Texas Education Code.
Competitive Scholarship Waiver
Applicants and enrolled students classified as non-resident/out-of-state who receive a UT Dallas competitive scholarship may be eligible for a "competitive scholarship waiver." This waiver allows them to pay tuition at the resident/in-state rate during the semester or term covered by the scholarship, not exceeding a 12-month period. Note that the State of Texas limits how many competitive scholarship waivers may be offered, and the awarding of such waivers is at the sole discretion of the University. Eligible students include nonresident or international students who receive a qualifying competitive institutional scholarship of at least $1,000 and who can confirm Selective Service registration or exemption from the requirement. Any course for which an institution receives formula funding is eligible (TEC, Title 3, Section 54.2002 (pdf)), even if the course is not included in the studentâs program of study.
Other Exemptions
The highest-ranking graduate of any accredited high school in Texas is entitled to a tuition exemption for two long semesters of academic work.
Tuition Rebates
Section 54.0065 of the Texas Education Code authorizes a tuition rebate of up to $1,000 for certain students receiving their first bachelor's degree from a public institution in Texas. Eligibility requires students to have enrolled for the first time in an institution of higher education in the fall 1997 semester or later, be Texas residents, have been eligible for resident tuition in Texas at all times while pursuing their bachelor's degree, and have attempted no more than three semester credit hours in excess of the minimum required to complete the degree.
Additional Financial Considerations
Cost of Attendance
The University of Texas--Dallas' tuition is $14,664 for in-state and $40,164 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, The University of Texas--Dallas is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. The total cost, including tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses, is $34,188 for in-state students and $59,688 for out-of-state students.
Read also: Florida Residency for Tuition
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UT Dallas offers various scholarships for both incoming freshmen and transfer students, based on academic achievement, leadership experience, and community involvement.
International Students
International students must provide proof of funding for one academic year to receive their Form I-20 or DS-2019. The pre-arrival deposit allows the ISSO to leave a special remark on your Form I-20 indicating you have made a deposit to UT Dallas prior to starting your program. If you intend to submit a deposit for visa application purposes, we recommend a minimum amount of $500 USD or more.
Important Forms and Processes
UT Dallas provides numerous forms and processes to manage various aspects of enrollment, residency, and financial aid.
Residency Reclassification
If classified as a nonresident but meeting residency requirements, students can petition for reclassification by completing the Core Residency Questionnaire.
Address Changes
Prior students can update their address for official transcript processing using the Address Change Request Form. Current students use Orion for updating addresses.
Other Forms
Other available forms include: Application to Audit Course, Change of Birth Date Request Form, Class Schedule Worksheet, Concurrent Enrollment Form, Cooperative Agreement Form, Cover Form for Admissions Documents, Credit/No Credit Request, FERPA-related forms, Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Requirement Form, Name Change Request Form, Pass/Fail Request, and various petitions related to admission deferment, military credit, and transfer credit.
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