It depends on the circumstances and criteria set by each state, but generally, a college student is not automatically considered a resident of the state where their college is located.
Now let’s take a closer look
Generally speaking, the question of whether or not a college student is considered a resident of the state where their college is located is not a straightforward one. Instead, it depends on a variety of factors, including the specific criteria set by each state for determining residency, as well as the circumstances of the student in question.
Some states have relatively lax requirements for establishing residency, while others have much stricter standards. In some cases, students may need to live in the state for a certain period of time, establish a permanent residence (including a physical address) within the state, or provide documentation such as a driver’s license or voter registration card that indicates they are a resident.
However, even if a student meets these requirements, they may not necessarily be considered a resident for all purposes. For example, they may still be considered a non-resident for tax purposes, or may not qualify for in-state tuition rates.
As the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, the specific rules for establishing residency vary widely from state to state:
“The criteria to establish residency varies from state to state. Some states require an individual to live within the state for a full year and to sever all ties to their former state of residence before they can be considered a legal resident, while others may have less stringent requirements. Additionally, the types of documents that an individual must provide also varies widely between states.”
One famous quote on the topic of residency comes from author and activist Angela Davis, who said:
“I’m no longer interested in being a resident anywhere. Humans should be able to live anywhere on the face of the earth by right.”
While this sentiment may be admirable, the reality is that residency requirements are a crucial part of determining who is eligible for certain benefits, and who is responsible for paying certain taxes and fees. As such, understanding the rules around residency is an important part of navigating life as a college student.
To help illustrate some of the variations in residency requirements between states, here is a table showing some of the key differences:
| State | Residency Requirements |
|---|---|
| California | Live in the state for at least one year, or meet certain exceptions such as being a dependent of a California resident |
| New York | Live in the state for at least one year, have no intention of leaving, and maintain a permanent residence |
| Texas | Live in the state for at least 12 consecutive months and demonstrate intent to make Texas their permanent home |
| Florida | Live in the state for at least 12 consecutive months and have established a physical presence |
| Massachusetts | Live in the state for at least 12 consecutive months, have a physical presence in the state, and intend to remain in the state permanently |
These are just a few examples of how residency requirements can vary between states, and why it is important for college students (and anyone else living in a new state) to do their research and understand the rules for establishing residency.
See the answer to your question in this video
In this video, Jason Anderson from Grad Metrics shares tips on understanding and gaining residency for in-state tuition rates. Requirements for residency vary by state and school, and research using Google and Wikipedia can be helpful. Public institutions offer in-state and out-of-state tuition rates and favor resident students, but there are also other ways to qualify for in-state tuition, such as merit or affiliation with a program or school. However, in-state tuition waivers may not always be the most financially beneficial option, considering additional financial aid and scholarships for in-state residents.
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If you attend school full-time or part-time in another state, you remain a permanent resident of your home state. Some exceptions may apply. You may be considered a resident of that state.