Confused about state residency...

Published

So I'm a little confused about what state I'd be considered a resident of. I was born in Texas, lived there until I was 18 when I moved with my family to Colorado. I took a year off and lived there for a year before returning to Texas to attend Baylor University, where I've been for the past 2 years. When I graduate from Baylor, I intend to do an Accelerated BSN program. The problem is, money is obviously a factor and I'd really prefer to go to a school in my "home" state so that I can pay in-state tuition. I'm technically still a dependent, so I assume that normally my residence would be whatever my dad's is (Colorado, since he's lived there for 3 years now).

BUT, what if I decide I want to do my BSN in Texas. Can I argue the point that I've lived there my whole life except one year between high school and college, and that I intend to go to school there and eventually stay there permanently?

Or if I decide I want to go to school in Colorado. Could I say that because I am financially a dependent of my father, that my residence should be in the same state as his?

Does anyone have any information about all this, or know where I can find some? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS~ ALS.../...Bartending ~ Psych :).

Not sure if I know the answer to your question, but I will tell you my experience. I have a daughter that is a Senior in HS, we live in Indiana, She can attend college here as a Indiana resident fall of 09. Her father lives in NC, and if he claims her on his income tax this year (08) she can also attend NC schools as a resident in the fall of 09.

That being said, I would think that if your father is claiming you on his taxes this year, that you would qualify as a CO resident for school. However, I am not sure, but I would think that you could call the admissions at the school of your choice and find out.

Good Luck to you

J.Q.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi! I'm in Texas too, and I know that Texas requires a residency oath in order to enroll in a college or university.

Here is a quote from my Course Catalog (Lonestar-CyFair) on determining residency-

"Residency is determined by the student's current address or by the address of the parent or legal guardian if the student is eligible to be claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes."

Sounds like you would be considered a resident of Colorado in your case, but I'd reccommend calling around to the different colleges and/or universities you might consider attending in Texas. I THINK that this is pretty universal, but it's always worth a shot. You never know.

I can't blame you for thinking of staying in Texas:wink2:, since I'm partial myself. Good luck!

Laura

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some states allow you to pay resident tuition rates if you are a university employee. You might check and see if that is the way it is in Texas. If that is correct you might be able to get a part time job at the university. hat was very common when I was in college back in the 80's.

Good Luck,

Sandy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think in most cases in order to be a resident of a state you must live there for anywhere between 6-12 months for a reason other than education. In your case, you would be a resident of Colorado and not Texas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for everyone's input!

I think y'all are right - I'm pretty sure I'm considered a resident of whatever state my dad resides in (Colorado).

One more question though.. If I want to do my BSN in Colorado, but I also want to start filing as an independent after I graduate from Baylor in TX, I should wait to do that until after I've been accepted to a school in CO right? That way, my residency for admission is based on my dad's location, and then when I file as independent, I can choose CO as my residence? Does that make sense?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think if you want to file for independence, I would call the schools you are thinking of applying to and ask Financial Aid how it would possibly affect your residency status. I would think if you lived with your Dad in CO for the yr you had off then you would be considered a CO resident regardless of when you filed independence.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Hi, I have residency issues as well. I grew up in one state, and moved out of state to attend school. I would look at things such as state you have a driver's lisence in, where you file taxes, if you have a job or lease. I know you have to live in a state for one year before you can claim residency for school purposes, so you have been in TX for one year. However if you are a CO dependent, you may be able to claim residency there too. I would contact the schools you are interested in attending. (btw, I'm currentally able to prove dual residency, OH driver's lisence, PA taxes, lease and job)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi, I have residency issues as well. I grew up in one state, and moved out of state to attend school. I would look at things such as state you have a driver's license in, where you file taxes, if you have a job or lease. I know you have to live in a state for one year before you can claim residency for school purposes, so you have been in TX for one year. However if you are a CO dependent, you may be able to claim residency there too. I would contact the schools you are interested in attending. (btw, I'm currently able to prove dual residency, OH driver's lisence, PA taxes, lease and job)

It depends on the state. I know here in IL you can not claim residency if you live here for a yr because you are going to school. School is not one of the things that they count when you spend time here. I think that goes for most other states as well, you keep your original state residency if you go to an out-of-state school. The OP should check with the Financial Aid or Registrars office of the schools she is applying to as they would be able to inform her of the specific state requirements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Homes.

http://www.utsa.edu/graduate/Admission/texasResidency.html according to the site

To qualify as a Texas resident, and individual must reside in Texas for 12 continuous months and establish domicile in Texas the 12 months prior to census date. Applicant or student who is claimed as a dependent on a parent's most recent federal tax return will be classified based on the parent's qualification for residency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you guys again for all the helpful information.

Does anyone know how you establish residency when you file as an "independent"? Is it automatically based on where you are a resident at the time you file, or do you get to choose a state at that time?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you pay taxes in tx you should be able to claim residency there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion