<p>Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts to this thread! This family is not trying to do anything illegal or unethical, but they have wondered if the child can attend state school with in-state tuition if mom pays taxes, has a home, is married to someone employed in that state and various papers (driver’s license etc) in the state that is not where the child lives. If the university won’t go for it, so be it - nobody is going to try to pull any scams - the consequences are too steep, and they just aren’t those kind of people, anyway.</p>
<p>Good point re: making the child so attractive that they might waive OOs fees - this might be just the ticket, depending on what she wants to major in (undecided at this point, but she is still just a sophomore, and has eclectic interests). </p>
<p>Will continue to pass all this along - thanks again!</p>
<p>The student is currently living with dad and stepmom. will be considered an in-state resident where she is currently attending school and where her dad lives.</p>
<p>While mom may have an apartment in the same state, that does not make her a resident of the same state where her daughter lives because it is not her primary home. based on what you posted, her primary home is where her husband lives (in another state). If student were to use the mom’s information, it would have to include the stepdad’s income. A hugh red flag would go up as to how can student live with mom in one state and attend school in another state (unless you can walk across the state border to school). </p>
<p>This is just a train wreck waiting to happen. What can happen to the student? She can be dismissed from college, parents can be charged with fraud, face jail time and huge fines and will have to repay all monies given on student’s behalf.</p>
<p>Easiest solution- file FAFSA truthfully, student living with dad and stepmom. have mom and stepdad work out with custodial parents what they can afford to help pay. make sure student applies to school that is a financially feasible option and maybe even where she would be in line to receive merit money. If she is really as smart as you say, she could possibly be a candidate for the honors program at home state u, which will provide her with a lot of perks.</p>
<p>sk8rmom quoted the rule right out of the FAFSA documentation. It doesn’t matter what we might think is right, we have to fill out the forms according to the rules, which in this case sounds like the father and stepmother.</p>
<p>This is not necessarily true…there are at least six states that grant instate tuition to students if EITHER parent is a resident. I know this is true as my kids have dual residency through this clause…there is no fraud or schemes involved, FAFSA and permanent address is listed with me, their dad’s permanent residence in another state is only required to document eligibility for instate tuition (which generally goes through the a separate office). They are not eligible for any state grants for residents in their dad’s state though. College Board has all the state residency requirements listed on their website and most of the colleges do as well. Pay careful attention to the clauses for children of divorced parents.</p>
<p>I didn’t realize College Board had a link. Here it is. I wonder why California, Oklahoma and NJ are n/a? Does that mean it’s up to each college? </p>
<p>Not available at the time of update, maybe? I know NJ has a more flexible state residency policy than many states - even OOS dependent students can petition for residency after 12 months.</p>