Does anyone know the rules to becoming a state resident for purposes of college tuition in California?
It ultimately depends on your schools policy. State run schools (UC & CSU system) require you to have a permanent residence continuously for a year with the intent to make California your permanent residence. Thus, if you are from out of state and move to California to attend a state run school, you do not necessarily become a resident after your first year since you were in the state for the sole purpose of attending school. How do you show intent to permanently remain? The key factor is financial independence. If your parents are paying for your living expenses, this does not demonstrate an intent to permanently remain. Of course, you don’t have to actually have money to pay expenses. You can get student loans in your name, which will indicate financial independence. Also, employment in California will help show financial independence. But note: living in dorms will normally not count as a permanent residence. Many dorms on California campuses kick you out during school breaks (with
You asked: “Would you think a regular apartment (say living with someone as a roommate even) would count as financial independence?” It would certainly count as a permanent residence. Financial independence is more about who is paying for it. When you fill out a petition for in-state tuition, you will be asked for all of your sources of income. Even if your parents give you some money, so long as you have enough independent income to cover your expenses you will qualify. However, there is not magic number or ratio that defines “financial independence.” Remember, the purpose is to show that you intend to remain in the state, and are NOT just there for school. Financial independence is most often how people prove this, but not always. For example, if you have already accepted a job offer in California that starts in the future, this could show an intent to remain. Your safest bet would be to completely pay for your first year of school with loan money, income from work, or other personal
