Claiming In-state residency?

Question

I was wondering what you would do the claim residency in the states of NC, SC, or Florida? I'm looking at some graduate schools in those states and I know its a lot cheaper in-state tuition-wise... I was just wondering what the process would be because it would save lots of money, even if I had to take a year and work.

Is it you just need to live for a year and pay tax in that state or is it longer?

Help me out I'm curious?

Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

Regardless of the state, let me offer you one very important piece of advice:

Some states will not allow you to establish residency if, in their judgment, your only purpose is attempting to establish such residency is to qualify as an in-state resident for educational purposes.

In fact - if you are registered for school in some states, you will almost always have to overcome the presumption that that is EXACTLY why you are attempting to establish residency.

Some states are sticklers about residency qualifcations, others are notoriously lenient. Florida is an example of a lenient state, where you must have established a legal residence in that state for at least 12 months immediately prior to your qualification for residency. Further, you must make a "statement"  as to the length of your residency, and establish that your presence in the state is not a mere temporary residency "incident to an enrollment in an institution of higher education". (See Chapter 1009.21 of the 2007 Florida Statutes).

South Carolina is a little trickier - in that state you must have the "intention of making a permanent home" The appropriate state statute here is 112.10.

Each state has its own list of "acceptable" indicia that demonstrate your residency - driver's license, voting registration, utility bills, etc. You should definitely do your homework before you make a commitment to any school.

Do keep in mind that the admissions department of every graduate school is "expert" on these matters - they're a far better resource than trying to wade through state statutes. Most won't mind at all  if a potential student calls to ask about state residency requirements, as they understand that this a major consideration for most program applicants.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Here's some info on Florida (click on the intro, it's a PDF):

http://www.facts.org/html_sw/residencyGu...

Info on NC:

http://regweb.unc.edu/residency/manual.p...

http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/future-students...

Info on SC:

http://www.tctc.edu/residency/reslaw.htm...

http://www.che.sc.gov/StudentServices/Re...

http://www.che.sc.gov/studentservices/re...