Residency in Tennessee

Paying for College
1

<p>I hope this is the right forum... </p>

<p>Anyway, hello. I'm a junior in high school, and a couple of weeks ago, my mom told me that it was time for me to at least start gathering information about colleges I would like to attend. </p>

<p>Here's the thing, though. My parents are divorced and have joint custody of my sister and me. My mom's boyfriend, whom she is planning to marry in the next few months, lives in another state, Tennessee. Without getting into personal issues, I'll just say that I may not be able to join her in TN for my senior year, but it's not set in stone yet and I may still go. (This may influence whether or not I go.)</p>

<p>When my mom marries her boyfriend, can I get in-state tuition at, for example, University of Tennessee, even if I don't spend my senior year in TN? And is there a set length of time one must live in TN to be considered a resident, or will my mom automatically be one if she marries him? I know a lot of states have a length requirement, and it's usually around a year or so. Also, will me turning 18 affect this, even though I'll still be financially dependent on my parents? My birthday is in early November, so I'll be 18 for the majority of my senior year. </p>

<p>Any answers would be appreciated! Thank you!</p>

2

<p>First, before you mom marries, is she aware that her new husband’s income will be a factor in your Expected Family Contribution and can have a significant impact on your financial aid packages?</p>

<p>As regards residency, students typically derive residency from their parent(s) residency status. So, if your mom is a TN resident when you apply for college it’s likely that you will be considered a resident as well. Tennessee is one of those state where either parent can be a resident and the student will gain residency for tuition purposes, whether or not the student physically resides there…ie, the child can be considered a resident even if a non-custodial parent lives there. You can search the UT website for specific residency questions.</p>

3

<p>Yes, I believe she’s aware.</p>

<p>Thank you for your help! I will have a look at their website.</p>

4

<p>If you are able to complete senior year in TN, you would be eligible for the Lottery Scholarships that are very generous, covering tuition plus (6K). Additionally, if your GPA/SAT are particularly high, you might receive the General Assembly Merit Scholarship (1.5K). </p>

<p>See: [College</a> Pays - We Can Get You There.](<a href=“http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/mon_college/lottery_scholars.htm#form]College”>http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/mon_college/lottery_scholars.htm#form)</p>

<p>Also, see UTK’s Web site:</p>

<p>[UT</a> Knoxville |Residency Classification Guide](<a href=“http://registrar.tennessee.edu/residency/resguide1.shtml]UT”>Student Residency Classification | Office of the University Registrar)</p>

<p>You would be considered in state if as an unemancipated person, your parent is “domiciled” in TN.</p>