Has any been successful in establishing residency status at an out of state college?

Question

I'm moving out of state next summer and i will be starting Pharmacy school the fall after that. So I have a little over a year to try to establish residency. I know it's tough, but i'm willing to get it a try.

During this moveout, i will, at most, be taking 5-6 credits per semester to finish up for pharm pre-requisites.

If anyone has been successful, please do tell me the steps in getting this done.

Note: LIke i said i know this is tough and i may not get approved. So if you're trying to tell me how tough and hard it is, don't bother. I know already. Also, i've done a lot of research already, but i still want to know from someone who has actually done it rather than clips and pieces i find on the internet.

Specifically, should i begin filling my tax as independent this year and as far as health care, and is getting health care via university or college is the best idea?

Answer 1

If you know someone who lives in the state where you will be moving to, you should discuss with them the possibility of establishing a "home address" with them, as though you're living there.  You should mail letters to yourself at that address and ask the recipient to hold them for you, so that you have proof that you received letters for at least a year at that address.  You can also start up a telephone service at that address, in other words, pay a telephone company to install a phone number at that address and pay the bill for that number for a year. You might also have your auto insurance bills sent to your friend at that address.  Anything that will make it look as though you are actually living there.  You could file your tax return showing that address as yours. None of it is as good as being there, but it's better than nothing and it will all depend on whether you have a friend in the state where you're going to go to school.

Answer 2

If any of your parents (if a Dependent) live in that state, you graduated high school or attended school for 2 or more years in that state, or are registered to vote in that state, or file taxes in that state, that you should succeed. Also, if not, try it anyway. Also, I don't know about your school but 5 units at my school is below half-time. Once you drop below half-time, you generally cannot recieve federal financial aid (unless you are a disability student).

Answer 3

Be sure you understand the difference between being a resident of a state, and being a resident for tuition purposes. There is a difference. Also, filing your taxes an independent will not necessarily classify you as a dependent for tuition purposes, there is additional criteria to be met. When I had to establish residency for tuition purposes for my son in Florida (and mind you, he graduated from a Miami High School) I had a very difficult time doing so because I didn't own any real estate. My name does not appear on any tax rolls, and I'm not married. I had to provide my voter's registration card, my car title/registration, a letter from my employer that I had been working in the state for X number of years, a rental agreement with my name on it and utilities in my name like electric or water. All of the documentation (except for the letter from my employer) had to be dated one year prior to the first date of admission my son was applying for. What they wouldn't accept was credit card information, bank statements, having a PO Box or street mailing address indicating he received mail here. Good luck.

Answer 4

We would need to know what state to help you, some are not too difficult and others are impossible. Your parents need to not claim you as a dependent for 2 years to have any chance anywhere. You also in most states need to not go to any school in the state before attempting this as one of the key tests is whether you moved to the state to go to school. You need to work full time to be able to prove you fully support yourself.

Answer 5

You'll have to move to that state now.  If you were to move now, you'll be considered in-state upon starting pharmacy.  

If you don't do that, the rules would depend on the state/school.

My state doesn't consider you to be a resident if you come here for academic reasons.  At my school, you must live off campus in Illinois for one year, file IL taxes, have IL driver's license, and the kicker, earn independently 50% of your expenses and tuition.