Can I avoid out-of-state tuition by using my friend's address?

Question

I was told by a manager at work that I could avoid paying the outrageous out-of-state tuition by using someone's address that lived in that state. Supposedly he used this method and it workerd flawlessly. I have very close family friends that live in the state where I wish to attend graduate school. He said the only thing is that all your mail is sent to that address. Has anyone tried this? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well you can certainly try it.

It's not like they check behind you. You just fill out the application and put the address in. It's not like they check up behind you. They just give you 'in-state' status.

You can claim residency for tuition purposes although  I  think that you have to provide a driver's license number or voter's registration, in addition to an address on the application.

So it can be done...

Answer 2

My suggestion is to be honest. Somehow, somewhere this will come back to bite you in the ***. Karma, baby.

Answer 3

I wish. I just resigned myself to moving there, working for a year, and using the money to pay off my inevitable student loans.

Answer 4

It won't work.  Sorry.

There are lots of other ways to determine where you have been living before school starts besides the address on  your application.... you aren't the first one who tried this.  The admissions office is a bit smarter than this.

Answer 5

you do realize that de frauding the govt don't you. that won't work.. they require things like a current lease, DL, utility bill, etc.. Too many  people have tried what you want you try.. Why do you think Out of state tuition is so high.. Anyone  could drive across the state line and get a PO box.. sorry. I live in AR but I could get mail in AR, MO, or TN.

Answer 6

I would not suggest this - it's illegal to misrepresent yourself in this manner for financial gain.  Not a good way to start out your adult life!  Just because it worked for someone else doesn't mean it will be great for you.  We are living in the post 9-11 Homeland Security world after all.  Also... could you personally feel good about doing this?  Think about what your integrity is... and what it should be.