International Students: In-State Tuition Eligibility Explained

The United States is a top choice for many international students seeking higher education. However, the cost of a US college education can be significant, with international students paying much higher tuition and fees than domestic students. While in-state tuition rates are generally reserved for students with permanent residence in a particular state, there are ways that international students can qualify for these reduced rates. This includes options like scholarships, grants, and establishing residency in the state where their university is located.

Can an international student apply for in-state tuition?

F1 visa students and in-state tuition

International students on an F-1 visa are generally not eligible for in-state tuition fees and are required to pay the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of education. This is because F-1 visa holders are not considered permanent residents, and in-state tuition fees are usually reserved for students who can prove state residency or dependent status.

However, there may be some exceptions. Some states, like California, New York, Texas, and Florida, have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families. Additionally, if an F-1 visa student works full-time in a state for 12 months and then obtains an H-1B visa, they may be eligible for in-state tuition.

It's important to note that the requirements for in-state tuition can vary from state to state and institution to institution. Therefore, it's always best to check with the specific university or college to understand their guidelines for in-state tuition eligibility.

Furthermore, one option for international students to obtain in-state tuition is through the EB-5 visa program. The EB-5 visa program offers a path to obtaining conditional green card status, which can make a student eligible for in-state tuition rates. However, this process can be complex, and it is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or professional to understand the specific requirements and eligibility.

Establishing residency for in-state tuition

International students on F1 visas are considered full-time international students and do not qualify for in-state fees. However, there are some ways to get in-state tuition as an international student. Firstly, if you have worked in the US on H1B, L1, or other visas for some time, you may be eligible for in-state tuition fees. Secondly, some state-funded scholarships and grants provide in-state tuition, so it is worth checking with the financial aid office of your chosen school.

To establish residency for in-state tuition, you must demonstrate that you have a permanent domicile in the state, and that you did not move there for educational purposes. Each college will have its own specific requirements, and these vary from state to state, so it is important to check with the school. For example, in Arkansas, you need to have lived in the state for six months, whereas in Alaska, you need 24 months. However, Tennessee does not have a durational component to its residency requirements.

To prove residency, you will need at least two government-issued documents, and at least one of these must be dated at least twelve months before the first day of classes. These documents could include:

• Voter registration card
• Selective Service registration
• Declaration of Domicile form filed with the county clerk at the start of residency
• State and federal income tax returns with an in-state residential address
• State driver's license or state-issued photo ID
• Attendance and graduation from a secondary school in the state

Other activities that demonstrate an intent to establish residency include:

• Belonging to local civic groups
• Membership of business/professional organizations, social organizations, clubs, and fraternal organizations
• Obtaining a license to conduct business in the state
• Acquiring commercial real estate in the state

Scholarships and grants for international students

International students can apply for scholarships and grants to help fund their education. While studying in the US can be expensive, with private colleges charging an average of $38,070 in tuition fees in 2021, there are ways to reduce the financial burden.

Public colleges are cheaper, and international students may be able to get in-state tuition fees through scholarships or grants. These are often state-funded and can be found by checking with the financial aid office of the school. Websites like InternationalStudent.com provide free, up-to-date, comprehensive lists of scholarships, grants, and other awards available to international students. Students can search by location, subject of study, origin, or award name, and then apply directly to the school or organization offering the award.

Other websites like IEFA.org and edupass.org also provide databases of scholarships and grants for international students. IEFA has partnered with leading providers of international student loans, while edupass.org provides a list of scholarships for international students, including:

• The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial aid for graduate studies. The scholarship is 50% grant and 50% loan.
• The American Association of University Women: offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA. Priority is given to women committed to the advancement of women and girls.
• The Civil Society Leadership Awards: offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
• MPOWER Financing: offers scholarships for international and DACA students through its Global Citizen Scholarship Program.

Additionally, international students can also look for scholarships and grants specific to their country or region. For example, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 towards international education for students from Central America. Similarly, Conacyt provides scholarships for Mexican students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, while ColFuturo does the same for Colombian students.

Finally, international students can also look for scholarships and grants specific to their field of study or area of interest. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA who can demonstrate financial need. The Indian Alumni Scholarship is another option for new graduate students with a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA and at least two semesters remaining before graduation. This scholarship encourages recipients to volunteer in the community or with the Indian student association and offers a minimum award of $1000 per year.

EB-5 investors and in-state tuition

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain permanent residency status in the United States by investing in a new commercial enterprise or a real estate development project. The standard minimum investment amount is $1.8 million, but investments in high-unemployment areas, known as Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), have a reduced minimum of $900,000.

One of the significant advantages of the EB-5 visa for investors with children is the potential eligibility for in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges in the United States. In-state tuition rates are significantly lower than the rates charged to out-of-state or international students. By obtaining permanent residency status through the EB-5 program, investors can benefit from reduced tuition rates for their children, making higher education in the United States more affordable.

The eligibility criteria for in-state tuition rates vary by state and university. In general, EB-5 investors must meet certain criteria, such as residing in the state for a specific period, providing proof of a residential address, or filing tax returns. Additionally, many states require EB-5 investors to make their investments in a TEA, which is defined as an area with high unemployment or a rural area.

It is important to note that the EB-5 program is complex, and the eligibility requirements for in-state tuition can be intricate. Investors should consult with experienced immigration attorneys and financial advisors to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria and make a well-informed investment decision.

While the EB-5 program offers advantages for investors seeking reduced tuition rates for their children, it is not the only option for international students to obtain in-state tuition rates. International students on F1 visas, for example, may qualify for in-state tuition fees through scholarships, grants, or certain types of assistantships that come with in-state funding options. Additionally, some states and universities offer in-state tuition adjustments or waivers for international students who meet specific criteria, such as financial need or academic merit. Therefore, it is essential for international students to explore the specific requirements and opportunities offered by their desired educational institutions.

International students and out-of-state tuition

International students often face much higher tuition fees than domestic students when studying in the United States. International students on F1 visas are considered full-time international students and do not qualify for in-state fees unless they have some sort of funding, such as a Teaching Assistantship or Research Assistantship, that includes an in-state funding option.

However, there are ways for international students to reduce their tuition fees to in-state levels. One way is through scholarships or grants, such as the Mahatma Gandhi scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum of 3.3 cumulative GPA. Another way is by establishing residency in the state in which their university is located. While the requirements to establish residency vary by state, this can be done by obtaining a conditional green card or by holding L or E visas in states that have passed immigrant-friendly legislation. Additionally, international students with dependents who are EB-5 investors can file the I-526E and I-485 to change their status from international students to pending status, which will allow them to qualify for out-of-state tuition.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for in-state tuition rates vary by state and school, so it is always best to check with the specific institution to understand their requirements.

Frequently asked questions