Do grad students ever get reciprocity/ wavied/reduced out of state tution fees (I live in ca)?

Question

I live in california but will probally go to grad school in a dif state, where ever they accept me... How often do students get reciprosity or out of state tuition fees wavied or even reduced? If I plan on staying in that state for 4-5 years how long unitl I become a resident of that state because it's almost cheaper to go to a private school in ca than a state school out of state! I don't even make enough money to legally have to pay taxes and nearly everything thing I do make has gone to college costs. I got a grant for about half my tution costs at the university of california.

Answer 1

the residency issue is a big deal to schools and almost darn near impossible to get around. I have heard of reciprocity for tuition, but only in relation to degree programs not being available in the state you currently live in.  (You want to be a marine biologist and you live in Kansas for example)  

Also,  realize that just because you live in a state (even 4 or 5 years) doesn't make you a legal resident.  If you go to grad school out of state you will be charged out of state tuition.  Period.  Read all residency requirements VERY carefully when you go to grad school and be darn sure you understand every single line. As a general rule you have to live in that state 1 or 2 years (without going to college).

My friend moved here from out of state to go to grad school, and assumed she could have her tuition rate switched after her and hubby had lived here a year..  that assumption cost her a fortune I never had to mess with bc I was in state.