HUGE question about In-State & Tuition Fee

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>So my father decides to make me worry one night by telling me he's thinking of moving the family from VA to Mass. for a better job opportunity...</p>

<p>Here are my questions, if anyone could take the time and answer them, I will greatly appreciate your time and energy:</p>

<p>1.) So as of right now, I AM a state resident right? Even though my family didn't buy and own house (we are renting our current residence in VA), we've lived in the rented house for 5 years.</p>

<p>2.) Since my chances are good for in-state, I could apply, get accepted (if I do), then my parents move to another state, and nothing will really be affected except tuition, correct? Which brings me to my next question.</p>

<p>3.) If they move to Mass. after I graduate (they said they'll stay in VA until I leave for college if they do move), I will no longer have the in-state tuiton rate right? HOWEVER....</p>

<p>4.) Assuming I'm not a state resident anymore because my family moved, after one year living in the dorms of UVA, could I rent an apartment my sophmore year at UVA and become a state resident again? Therefore I qualify for in state tuition fee? </p>

<p>I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but I would hate to make my parents spend so much for out of state college tuition. However, the job my dad has right now is getting worse and they're cutting people, so he may not have a choice. Of course, things might get better and we don't move at all. </p>

<p>UVA is my first choice because it's my best chance at a great undergrad business program. There aren't good public schools in Mass dealing with my field...</p>

<p>Again, I will be extremely grateful if anyone who knows this topic really well to clear things up for me.</p>

2

<ol>
<li>Yes as long as you can demonstrate stuff like parents filing taxes, registering vehicle, etc in VA.</li>
<li>Yes.</li>
<li>Correct.</li>
<li>Not really. You need to demonstrate committment to the commonwealth to get in-state status. Just renting a place while studying does not qualify. If you have been in that place for say 2 years and have maintained a steady job pertinent to what you're majoring in - then yes.</li>
</ol>

3

<p>A student does not qualify for in-state status by renting an apartment. In that case every out-of-state student would do that.</p>

<p>You would need to have a job, pay state taxes, be independent of your parents, (they should not be paying for you to go to school), and your parents should not be claiming you on their tax forms, federal or MA state.</p>

4

<p>Best thing to do would be to separate yourself from your parents as much as you can, starting now. I assume you have all VA stuff, like driver's license, car registration, voter registration (if you're not, go to fec.gov and get registered soon - plus it's good to do, in-state tuition aside). If possible, get a job that pays well, or get a couple jobs, depending on how much time you can devote. If you can show the admissions folks that you're financially independent, you are in very good standing to become a resident.</p>

<p>Most important, if/when your parents move, sever all financial ties with them. Make sure they don't claim you as a dependent, and do not do anything Massachusettsish, like change over records, licenses, and so on.</p>

<p>You did say that he is "thinking" of moving the family to Mass., so you may not have to worry about any of this after all.</p>

5

<p>Just stay a VA resident. You go to high school there, your parents file taxes there, and, if you work, you file there, too. No matter what, don't change your stuff over to VA. Would it be possible for you to, if/when your parents move, for you to move in with relatives, like an aunt or something, in VA for the purposes of maintaining residency? </p>

<p>I assume that if you start off as a VA resident (apply as one, which you clearly are now), and never move out of state (voting, license, car registration, etc), then they would just assume that you are still a resident?</p>

<p>It might be financially worthwhile for your parents (because MA public school systems just don't compare to VA) to keep an apt in Virginia, if the relative idea doesn't work out.</p>

6

<p>I think it'll be okay.. things seemed to have died down, but my father's job is still a bit unstable. I know I should still be a resident once the decision from UVA is accepted. My parents wouldn't do that to me and move out. So even if they do move, I'm pretty sure they'll pay for part of my tuition since it's the only college they ever wanted me to go to really. It's the only college I ever wanted to go to also. So anyway, my worries have subsided for now. Thanks for all your responses</p>

7

<p>Very interesting question. If you apply as a resident and enroll as one I doubt they check your residence every following year--especially if you have all mail sent to a Virginia address--even a drop box. I know Va is very strict on establishing initial resident status. But 5 years is a long time and you go to a VA high school so you should have no problem at this time.</p>

8

<p>They might not check every year, but I'm sure it's illegal and/or an honor code violation to be paying instate tuition if you no longer meet residency requirements.</p>

9

<p>Good point on the HC thing.</p>

10

<p>I think that the rule is that you have to have established Virginia domicile for an entire year before you enter UVA. Once you've satisfied that requirement, I don't think that it matters where your parents move to. </p>

<p>You aren't giving up your own Virginia domicile (which is different from being a Virignia resident); your parents are giving up theirs by moving out of state. Domicile means the place that you intend to return to after an absence. Where are you going to return to after you've visited your parents over the holiday break or summer vacation? You're going to return to Virginia, which is your domicile.</p>

<p>I do think that it's a good idea to get your own Virginia checking account, voter registration, pay Virginia taxes etc. But from my perspective, your domicile hasn't changed, so you are still an in-state student. As long as your parents don't move before you enter UVA, I think that you would be fine. That whole rule is to prevent people from moving to Virginia right before they go to UVA and getting in-state tuition. </p>

<p>If you need any additional help on this, feel free to send me a PM. I know someone who used to work in the admissions office and someone who works in the alumni office. They should know or should be able to find the right person to talk to.</p>