Age: 22
So I came to CA in the fall of 2016 and went to a private 4 year university. Attended for 2 years and then decided to stop enrolling in 2018 since it was way too expensive. Decided to just stay in CA since I like it here.
I’m from Texas and my parent’s still live there and pay taxes there. I’m listed as a dependent still.
Going to go back to school in the Fall of 2020 but I’ll enroll at a community college for now. So when I was applying to this California Community College, it just asked me how long have I been living in CA. Obviously I answered 2016 since that is the turth. Apprently that’s all they ask to determine residency because I’ll be paying In-State tuition. I feel like I shouldn’t though because I know how extremly strict CA is with residency for school purposes. I don’t want to get in trouble or anything.
It’s possible you have met the bar for instate tuition for the community college.
The in state residency requirements will be on your school’s website.
@student342321: Based on your post, you did not attend college in California for approximately 2 years?
For California community colleges:
[quote]
An individual who is 19 years of age or over, and who can provide sufficient evidence that he or she has maintained a home in California continuously for the two years prior to the residence determination date, and has not been a student during the two years, is presumed to have met the presence and intent criteria, unless the individual has taken any action inconsistent with the claim of intent as described below
Maybe you shouldn’t be listed as a dependent on your parents’ taxes any more. If you are over 19, not a full time student, and earn more that $4k (I don’t know the exact number), you may not qualify as a qualifying relative any more.
The UC’s in particular are strict for residency purposes, but the judo’s (and some Cal States) can be a lot more lax in enforcement. In any event, it looks like you qualify for instate tuition based on post #3.
The CC’s have different instate requirements. The UC’s will thoroughly check your residency. You will be paying OOS tuition at the UC’s/CSU’s based on your age (under 24) and where your parents reside.
[quote=“Gumbymom, post:4, topic:2082505”]
@student342321: Based on your post, you did not attend college in California for approximately 2 years?
For California community colleges:
Correct I didn’t attend a college in CA for 2 years.
But I actually took one online class from a Texas Community College last year.
Also I actually just been living at my uncles place for the past 2 years also. Not paying anything. How can I provide proof I’ve been in CA then? But then again they haven’t really asked for any proof though. Can I just leave it be or will they find out?
Did you work in CA, and file taxes there?
Community colleges often have more lenient residency rules
I did not work in CA or file taxes here.
Are you saying you lived in California for free for two years, and never worked there?
Did you register to vote in CA? How about a drivers license?
How many days each year did you spend outside of CA…like in TX with your parents?
@Gumbymom is it possible that this poster actually didn’t reside in CA per the definition, and should have indicated that on their application.
Community colleges do have more lenient residency rules as stated by aunt bea but based on the further information posted by OP, their situation does not meet the residency requirement I quoted for even the CC’s. If proof will be required prior to starting classes in the fall, then they will not be met.
@student3423231: I would contact your CC and find out for sure.
I lived with my uncle for the past 2 years. He own’s a family business so I “worked” there and in return he let me stay for free. Didn’t really actually pay me but with the rent in CA it definitely was worth it.
But when I was in college I lived in the dorms for 2 years as well. So that’s proof I lived in CA?
I did not register to vote in CA, I don’t even think I even registered to vote in Texas. I still have a Texas drivers license.
I only went home during the holidays like Xmas, new years ect…
But anyways, on the application it literally only asked “How long have you stayed in CA?”. It then told me to put the date when I moved into my current residence. Submitted my application and they approved it a couple days later. On the email it lists me as a California resident and will be paying In-State tuition.
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Living in the dorms is not proof of residency since you came to California for education purposes from out of state.
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Living with your uncle and working for him is not proof of residency.
You need a utility bill, a rent statement, CA drivers license and proof you are not getting any financial assistance from your Uncle or Parents in living here in California, which it seems you do not have so you should not be considered a resident and receive in-state tuition.
I would contact your Comminity college directly to find out their rules which could be more lenient than the rest of the California public universities. Most of the community colleges will ask for a Statement of Legal Residence before registering for classes so if you cannot prove Residency, you will pay OOS rates. It is better to get this resolved before starting classes and then find out later you owe back tuition due to the wrong classification.
I agree with @Gumbymom that you need to find out from the community college how they ascertained your in-state status.
I would hate to see them retroactively bill you for OOS fees because you didn’t clarify your status.
When you get to the UC’s you can bet the residency determination officer is going to check your background.