<p>I was in a conversation recently with a man (a pretty savvy lawyer, by the way) who is convinced that he can purchase a home in the state where daughter will be a student (vacation home, for example) and be qualified to pay in-state tuition. I'm aware that vehicle and voter registration, federal tax address, as well as location of daughter's high school are all factors used to determine residency. But, he was pretty convincing and kept repeating that his plan was perfectly legal. Seems to me, at best, his plan would be highly unethical. Anybody have any knowledge of those who have successfully done this kind of thing?</p>
<p>it wont work. you have to actually live in the state, i.e. file income tax reports and such. also, even if thats the case, it takes at least a year to get your residency.</p>
<p>the funny part is - this guy obviously isn't short on money if he's going to buy a house...why wouldn't he just pay the tuition and not buy the house. seems like a lot of hassle for marginal savings.</p>
<p>couldnt have been that savvy of a lawyer :rolleyes:</p>
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<blockquote> <p>vehicle and voter registration, federal tax address>></p> </blockquote>
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<p>Yes...and these are for the PARENTS. If the parents file their taxes in state #1, and they are registered voters in state #1, and they work and live in state #1, then STATE #1 is the state of residency for their offspring. Student state of residency is always the same as for the parents unless they are independent students and it is very hard to become an independent student (see criteria on FAFSA form). This is called gaming the system. It's not worth doing because if caught you would risk the possibility of losing your credits due to fraud.</p>
<p>Maybe I'll give him a call and ask him a couple of quick "legal" questions without wanting to come to his office and pay for his time. (As a CPA people call all the time just to ask a few "quick" questions and can't understand why we won't answer these "quick questions" over the phone for free.) Everyone wants something for nothing. He is no different.</p>
<p>My next door neighbors somehow were able to have their daughter be considered an Oregon resident after her first year at U of O. It had something to do with her living there year 'round, owning her car and registering it there. She essentially moved to Oregon. One thing is for sure, you certainly wouldn't need to purchase a house to establish residency. He doesn't seem all that clever to me.</p>
<p>In virtually all states, unless you are independent and have moved 1 year prior to college application, you are going to be considered a resident of the state in which your parents reside, and from which you graduated high school</p>
<p>*What are the key considerations for determining my residency classification?</p>
<p>Establishment of a domicile and predominant physical presence in Oregon for a period of 12 months or more prior to the beginning of the term for which residency is sought
Financial dependence on an Oregon resident or financial independence
Primary purpose for being in Oregon other than to obtain an education
Nature and source of financial resources
Various other indicia of residency (e.g., ownership of Oregon living quarters, permanent Oregon employment, payment of Oregon income taxes*</p>
<p>Hope he's got a back-up profession in case someone finds out and files a complaint with his state board of ethics and gets him disbarred.</p>
<p>This man's ideas sound distasteful and unethical to my layperson's mind. I know that the University of Vermont, for example, has very stringent regulations regarding who qualifies as in state and even a longtime taxpaying landowner does not qualify if the property is not the primary residence.</p>
<p>ALL states have very stringent regulations regarding who qualifies for in state tuition.</p>
<p>I assume they would, but the only one I have personal recent knowledge of is UVM.</p>
<p>In response to your post, EK, I never could figure out how they "worked the system". It seemed shifty somehow. It was 10 years ago so maybe the rules weren't quite as stringent then, or enforcement was more lax. Anyway, my neighbor (the husband) is a nutcase who shot his BB gun over the fence one day at my dog so anything is possible when it comes to his behavior.</p>
<p>Of course it is unethical. But then, he is a lawyer.</p>
<p>I think a lot of states have tightened up rules
It used to be, that you could get instate tuition after a year, possibly if you intended on residing there after graduation?</p>
<p>Geez sorry about your nutcase of a neighbor-* our neighbor* told me a story about when he was a boy and his neighbor shot at his dog ( not a BB gun) because he came into his yard- ( this was the burbs)</p>
<p>Thanks for confirming my thought process, everyone. Don't know this guy very well at all, but was sure that I'd get straight and accurate answers from this board. Wouldn't want to imply that all lawyers are not totally and completely ethical, but my guess it that this particular one's not at all concerned with taking the 'high road'! Yes, he has the means to pay full freight, but seemingly takes great pride in trying to beat the system. I'll silently watch over the next year to see where his kid ends up AND where mom and dad stay when they go for a visit!!</p>