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Hello,

I have been accepted to a University in the southeast as an out-of-state student. I understand that, typically, students can claim state residency for tuition purposes after the first year. Also, I have heard that it's not a guaranteed, automatic thing. Can someone please tell me if this is true and, if it is, fill me in on some details?

Thanks!

By Z00b (Z00b) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 07:20 pm: Edit

From what I've read, the policies vary from school to school. The UC system, if I remember correctly, asks that you become a California resident by obtaining the driver's license, etc. And also that you must remain in the state (don't quote me on this) during any off terms.

I would poke around on the university website, as most will try to clearly state their residency policy.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 09:30 pm: Edit

Most state schools require more than having a driver's license or renting an apartment to establish residency. Most, if not all, also require unmarried students to prove that they are financially independent from their parents and have sufficient income for their needs. They also usually have a set thime period that you must have established permanent residency for before you can claim in-state tuition. Usually you have to support that you're a permanent resident by showing you've done things like register to vote, paid state income tax, etc. The UC's, for example, require you to demonstrate financial independence for at least two years and demonstrate that you have established a permanent home in Calif. for a year. As another example, the University of North Carolina system has similiar requirements but they even state that the student can't spend a substantial part of the year (i.e. summer vacation) out of state at their parents house in order to claim residency. In general, it is very difficult to establish in-state residency once you've already enrolled as an out-of-state student. Again, each state will vary somewhat so as Z00 says, check the details.

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 09:45 pm: Edit

it just proves that establishing residency at the ucs specifically as an undergard for an avergae student is next to impossible...doesnt it?

By Peterline (Peterline) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 11:23 pm: Edit

yes, it is damn near impossible for an out of state student to gain residency status at a uc school. we spoke with several people from different us schools when we were out there. it takes two years of being fully independent from your parents, which is pretty much impossible, like carolyn stated above. it doesnt seem fair to me, someone who wants to live there for the rest of their life, that i cant become a resident more easily because some people want to come and take advantage of the uc school system. it irks me... a lot

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 11:38 pm: Edit

i dont see anything the ucs do to be fair

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 12:58 pm: Edit

I know that for grad school in CT, you only have to live there for a year, get your driver's license changed over, and register to vote. However, that is grad school, when you are presumed to be financially independent.

Look at the pages you have to fill out to claim in-state residency. Those will give you a good idea of what you need to do.

By College4u (College4u) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 04:31 pm: Edit

At Baruch College here in NYC, where I've lived all my life - born and raised - I am paying out-of-state tuition because I cannot "prove" my residency. I would need a year's worth of utilities in my name, tax returns for NYS, and a lease in my name. In my case, living with my parents, they will accept a copy of the deed to our home, which has been buried so far down it would take longer to find it than to complete my Master's degree. (I'll be done next semester.)

As previously stated, schools vary with their policies. Check with the schools you are interested in.

By Z00b (Z00b) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 10:15 pm: Edit

Hmm, I'm still trying to make out UC's legal speak here. What happens if one parent lives in state but you live out of state? Does the residency of parents have anything to do with residency of students?