<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I am a 22 years old American citizen who grew up abroad. I have applied to some state school and I was wondering if there is any way to get residency quickly to be able to pay In state tuition?</p>
<p>For example, if I have family in a state could they claim me as their dependent and then I will be able to pay in state tuition? Or can I get in state tuition when I become an independent student next year (when I will be 23 and considered independent)? Is there any way to expedite the process of becoming a resident (other than my family moving to the state)?</p>
<p>Also, I wanted to know, if I stay at a state university for one year, am I able to become a resident (usually takes a year) and then become a in state student the following year?</p>
<p>Right now I am wondering about the states of Indiana and Illinois.</p>
<p>If it matters, I am not moving to the US just to study in a university for 4 years and move back, I intend to stay and live in the United States.</p>
<p>At most state universities you cannot establish residency by moving there and enrolling in college. You need to look at the requirements for each state – if you go to the universities you are interested in, the admissions or financial sections of the website will usually have a link that tells you what the residency requirements are. Think about it… the reason they have in-state and out-of-state tuition levels is because the tax payers in that state are paying to support the public university for the residents of that state. Why should someone who didn’t live in the state until they were ready to attend college get the benefit of in-state tuition? In some cases you may be able to move to a state for a year and establish residency, THEN enroll in college. You may not want to wait… but it could be choice. You have to read the rules carefully to see.</p>
<p>Being claimed as a dependent on someone’s taxes does not matter in residency. The residence of your actual legal parents or guardian does matter. Even if you are able to declare yourself independent, you still have to fulfill the residency requirements (which as I said, vary by state).</p>
<p>One state university that I think allows a fairly easy transition to in-state is University of Missouri (at least I think they did a few years ago). </p>
<p>You might get a better answer on the FA boards. Short answer is no there are no short cuts.</p>
<p>As I understand it, your parents state of residency will be determine where you can receive in state tuition. I believe you are not considered independent until you are 24 (there are some other exceptions). Are your parents considered residents of any US state? They might be if they are in the US military. Do they file any US taxes?</p>
<p>The only way will I know of to qualify for in state tuition in your case would be to move to the state and get a job that will cover 100% of your living expenses. Then after working long enough to be considered a resident (by the schools requirements which might be different than the states) then start school. In other words, be 100% independent and self supporting. They will not consider you a resident just because you are a student for a year or living with a relative.</p>
<p>Another option is apply to a state school that gives in state tuition for high stats students.</p>
<p>Actually, the one thing you mention that might work is if your parent is an in state resident who has been paying taxes there. IF they pay more than half of your upkeep the year before. But you have to check the residency requirements by the school and state you are applying to, to find out.</p>