In State Tuition?

Paying for College
1

<p>So, here's the deal: I am currently a freshman at University of Pittsburgh, and I am currently considered out-of-state, from Georgia. For next year I will be moving off-campus (effectively becoming a commuter student) to an apartment where my name will be on the lease, along with two other, out-of-college friends.</p>

<p>I have a car, and plan to register it in PA. I also plan to get a driver's license here, and register to vote. I currently have a PA PNC account (my first and only bank account). I have a job through work-study. I plan to stay in PA for the rest of my foreseeable future, and have strong ties in both PA (through my boyfriend of 2+ years, not any blood-related family) and the north (father's side of the family). My ties in the south only include my mother and brother, as my mother's side of the family doesn't talk unless it's at a funeral. I do not, however, have any job offers, seeing as how I am only a freshman. </p>

<p>The only problems that I can forsee are as follows:
This year, I paid for my own tuition from a college fund of $20k that I had. Next year and the years after, my parents will be paying it...however, if they give the money to me, and then I pay it to the university, would that technically count as me paying it? When my parents divorced in New Jersey a long time ago, I believe the court ruled that he had to finance my college tuition - would this have an impact on anything? Also, would my mom have to drop me as a dependent? She receives child support and alimony for me still (as an agreement between her and my father in court - he has to pay as long as I'm in college, I think) - would dropping me have an effect on this? My father also considers an apartment to be "part of my tuition" and will be paying for it. Does that matter as well?</p>

<p>Also, I came to Pittsburgh for many reasons - college, yes, but also as equally to be closer to family and loved ones, and to get out of the South. I've always preferred the north. Also, teaching jobs (as far as I know) pay better in PA than in GA :X Either way, I do NOT plan to move after school, unless something terrible happens and I have to go home - IE, take care of a parent, family goes broke, etc.</p>

<p>After 12 months, will I have a strong enough case to be considered for in-state tuition?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading all this, and for any advice that you can give.</p>

2

<p>Probably not, but in a few states it’s possible. There should be a full description on your school website of what it takes to be considered in state.</p>

<p>For the vast majority of states/schools, here’s why you would not qualify:</p>

<p>–You are considered a resident of the state your parents live in until age 24
–Your parents can not have claimed you on their taxes for 2 years
–You need to fully support yourself (not through gifts) and be able to prove it
–At most schools, if you enroll as an OOS student you always remain one</p>

3

<p>It is extremely unlikely you will qualify for instate tuition. First, as hmom said, your residency for instate tuition is based on your parents state of residence. Even States with easier rules for gaining instate residency require that you be completely self sufficient and paying your own way for the required period of 1 or 2 years that you are establishing residency. You will not be self sufficient at all as your parents are still paying for you. Them giving you the money and you using it to pay will not count as you paying it yourself. They will want to see where the money is coming from and it would be expected that it is a source you are generating, such as a job. Also most States will not let you establish residency for instate tuition while you are attending school.</p>

<p>Here is the link to the rules on the University’s web site:
<a href=“http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html[/url]”>http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The requirements you do not meet with your plan are</p>

<p><a href=“1”>quote</a> **Continuous residence in this Commonwealth for a period of 12 months prior to registration as a student at an institution of higher education in this Commonwealth creates a presumption of domicile. A student is presumed not to be a domiciliary if the student has resided for a shorter period before attending an institution of higher education, but the student may rebut this presumption by clear and convincing evidence.

[/quote]

You have already started school there. You don’t meet the “prior” requirement.</p>

<p><a href=“3”>quote</a> A minor is presumed to have the domicile of his parents or guardian. The age of majority for establishing a domicile for tuition purposes is 22. A minor may prove financial emancipation and thereby prove Pennsylvania domicile through clear and convincing evidence.

[/quote]

Your parents will still be paying your tuition and your rent. You will not have clear and convincing evidence to prove financial emancipation because you will not be financially emancipated at all.</p>

<p><a href=“J”>quote</a> A sworn statement from the parents or guardian of a minor setting forth facts to establish the minor’s financial independence and separate residence.

[/quote]
You will not be financially independent.</p>

<p>

</p>

4

<p>Ok, thank you both very much. I see I was confused about several things then. Mainly I was just hoping, but deep down I figured I wouldn’t qualify. Oh well!</p>