Weddingbee boards

Has anyone managed to get in-state tuition after 1 year?

Husband will be begining a grad program in another state next fall.  We will be relocating next summer.  We've been told unofficially that if you have a spouse that works there and you claim you moved into the state for their job (not his school)... that after 1 year you can be eligible for in-state tuition. 

I know a lot of bees relocate and themselves or SO are in grad school.  Anyone had a good or bad experience with this?  heard rumors? theories on how to do it?

specifically for us this will be Virginia: VCU. Is a 2.25 year program so the cheaper rate would help after 12 months!

We are doing the same thing.  We just started the process in August, so we are anticipating it will go smoothly when I apply for in-state tuition next school year.  Each state has their own requirements, but FL requires you to get a drivers license, register to vote, and establish a permanent address in the state a minimum of 1 calendar year prior to asking for in-state tuition.  We did all those things: DL, registered to vote, signed a 12 month lease. They also require your car tag to be in-state at the time of application.

You can also claim in-state if you have another state ID, car tag, etc if your spouse is working in-state and has met all those requirements.  In that case you have to also provide your marriage certificate. 

I was told it takes a minimum of 4 weeks to process the paperwork, so make sure you start the actual application a month before tuition payment is due. 

@soonerpsych: one thing that Virginia requires (that I worry about) is that you have to be paying state taxes for 1 year.  DH will not be allowed to work during his program.  Attending school alone will not provide tax money towards the state and thus not count.   I've heard that even if your spouse works and pays taxes for 12 months the university can still deny your in-state claim.  Even if you do all the things you mentioned - get a ID, register your car, sign a lease etc. 
If they think you just moved for school and plan to leave afterwards they can deny you.. so I've heard.

maybe we should buy a house.. ha!  Glad Florida is easier!  Good luck!

I've heard that they can deny your application if they believe you're not staying here too (but we don't have state income tax, so we're saved there).  But I'd think if one of you is working and paying taxes, and you do all the other things they wouldn't really have a reason to deny you.  If you're worried maybe you could sign a multi-year lease to show you'll be around after the graduation date as well?  I think you can also get a letter from your employer.

@soonerpsych: the multi year lease is a good idea! thanks!

Most states make it really difficult to get residency because they know a lot of people move their for school and want in-state tuition! I know in AZ you had to have a residence for a year, have an AZ driver's license, and I believe have a job/pay AZ state taxes for a year before you could attempt to apply for in-state tuition. It was such a hassle I just paid out of state tuition while I was there

However, I did have a floor-mate who was able to get in-state tuition because her mom had an established residence and job in AZ even though they had moved their from Michigan. Because she was a dependent of her mother on state taxes she was able to claim residency, too.