If you want to join a college out of state, can you just move there and get the "in state" discount?

Question

Lets say I get accepted into a college somewhere in California and live on the East Cost. Can I just move to California after being accepted, and still get the much lower price?

Answer 1

What you are proposing is the oldest trick in the book and it doesn't work. If you got accepted to the California school, and then moved there and even waited a full year before actually matriculating, you would still pay the out-of-state rates because your move was for the sole purpose of attending school. Your out-of-state high school records will send up the red flag.

If you move to California, get a job, register your car, change your driver's license, register to vote, have utilities in your name, etc., and live there for at least one year, you can then apply to school and ask for in-state consideration.

Much of this depends on your age and your status visavis income tax filings.

You can get detailed residency requirement information from any school you're interested in.

Answer 2

I think you have to be a resident of the state for a certain time period.  

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure in California you have to live there for a year before getting the in state school discount.  And you can't go to school one year and then get it the next year, cause going to school there doesn't mean you are a resident, unless you change your drivers license and get a job...

It's so frustrating! I went through this too when I was starting college.

Good luck

Answer 4

No because you are still considered as an out-of-state resident. But sure you can move out of state just you have to live in that state for up to a year or so to be considered as that state's resident.

Answer 5

You have to have been living in that state for (and this time varies by state) a year or more, without going to college or university, in order to qualify as a state resident.

So if you didn't apply to college in Cali, and moved there for X time and worked, registered to vote, changed your driver's license, paid taxes, and did not go to college during that time, then once X time had passed, you'd be considered a Cali resident. Then you could apply to schools and pay the in-state rate. And during that time, your parents can *not* claim you as a dependant on their tax forms.

But if you got accepted and then moved there - no.

Answer 6

No.  Residency in all states is determined after one year.  You will have to provide proof to show you are indeed a resident.  In some states: driver's license, plus: utility bills, tax statements, etc.  Living with a relative will not work.  (college prof)

Answer 7

No. Most states and or counties require that you live there at least one year.  

Answer 8

yes, because you live in the state

If you have a family member who lives in the state ur trying to go to school you can use the address. I don't know if it's illegal but many people do it.