International Students: Getting In-State Tuition Fees

International students often face higher tuition fees than domestic students when studying abroad. In the United States, for example, the cost of tuition for international students at UCLA is $47,052, while in-state tuition is $14,478. This financial burden can be a significant obstacle for international students pursuing their educational goals. However, there may be ways for international students to access in-state tuition rates, such as establishing residency in a particular state, taking advantage of tuition waivers, or applying for scholarships and grants. The requirements for residency and tuition waivers vary by state and institution, so it is essential for prospective international students to thoroughly research the specific guidelines for their desired location and school.

Characteristics and Values Table for International Students Getting In-State Tuition

Establishing residency in the state

To qualify for in-state tuition fees, you must establish residency in the state where you're attending college. This is because public colleges and universities in the US are managed by the individual states where they are located, not the federal government.

The requirements for establishing residency vary by state, so it's important to research the specific rules for the state in which your university is located. For example, Texas requires that you live independently of your parents, reside in the state for at least 12 months, and establish legal residency by working an average of 20 hours per week or by owning or operating a business. In contrast, Arkansas only requires six months of residency, while Alaska requires 24 months. Some states, like Tennessee, do not have a durational component to their residency requirements, while others, like California, limit the amount of financial support a student can receive from their parents to qualify as an independent student.

To establish residency, you must demonstrate that you intend to live in the state for reasons beyond just attending college. This can be done by obtaining a new driver's license, registering to vote, obtaining pay stubs, and writing a letter explaining your intentions to remain in the state. You must also prove financial independence, typically by filing your own taxes. It is recommended to have at least two government-issued documents that demonstrate state residency, dated at least 12 months before the first day of classes. Examples of these include a voter registration card, state driver's license, proof of ownership of a business in the state, and proof of residence through regular bank statements.

Tuition waivers

Tuition fees for international students can be extremely expensive. In-state tuition is often much cheaper than out-of-state tuition, but international students are not usually eligible for in-state tuition rates. However, there are some ways that international students can get in-state tuition rates or tuition waivers.

Establishing Residency

In some states, establishing residency, even for a short time, can allow international students to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. The requirements for establishing residency vary by state. For example, in Texas, you need to live in the state for at least 12 months and establish legal residency by working an average of 20 hours per week or by owning or operating a business.

Some schools require students to acquire a part-time on-campus job to maintain their tuition waiver, while others set a minimum number of credit units in which students must be enrolled. Additionally, many schools require international students who receive a tuition waiver to complete a certain number of unpaid volunteer service hours each semester.

The application process for a tuition waiver also varies by school. Most schools require international students to submit a tuition waiver application form to the school's international student office, but some schools automatically consider all international students for tuition waivers after they have been accepted. It is important to note that tuition waivers must be reapplied for each semester.

Scholarships and Grants

International students can also look into scholarships and grants to help reduce the cost of their education. Some scholarships and grants are specifically designed for international students, while others are open to all students regardless of citizenship status.

Grants and scholarships

International students often face higher tuition fees than domestic students in the United States. For example, the annual in-state tuition for the University of California, Los Angeles, is $14,478, while for international students, it is $47,052.

• Tuition waivers: Some states and universities may offer tuition waivers for international students. For example, Texas offers tuition waivers for international students who have resided in the state for at least 12 months, established legal residency, and graduated from a public or accredited private high school. Other states, like California, New York, and Florida, have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families. It is important to research the specific requirements and eligibility for each state and university, as they can vary.
• Academic excellence: Some universities may offer out-of-state tuition waivers for international students who can demonstrate academic excellence. For example, the University of Texas offers a waiver if the student can show they have received an award for their past academic excellence and meet certain enrolment and award amount requirements.
• Scholarship committees: Many universities offer scholarships to international students based on merit or financial need. These scholarships can be highly competitive, and it is important to research and apply for them early in the college application process.
• Community colleges: Community colleges in the United States offer much more affordable education options for international students. With grants and scholarships on top, students may be able to get their education for less than the price of in-state tuition at a four-year university.
• Specialist organisations: Organisations like TheDream.Us offer scholarships to students who came to the US illegally before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2017. These organisations often have specific criteria and application processes, so it is important to research and apply early.
• EB-5 Visa: The EB-5 Visa allows investors and their families to receive in-state tuition rates by establishing residency in the state. This option may be suitable for those who can make the necessary investment and are willing to go through the filing process.

In conclusion, while the avenues for receiving in-state tuition as an international student are limited, grants and scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States. It is important to research and apply for these opportunities early in the college application process to maximise the chance of receiving financial support.

Community colleges

For international students aspiring to pursue a master's degree in the United States, tuition fees are a primary concern. The international student tuition fees are almost double the national students' fees. While national students pay the in-state tuition fee, international students pay the out-of-state tuition fee. However, there are ways for international students to avail of in-state tuition fees at community colleges in the United States.

To qualify for in-state tuition, international students must establish residency in the state where their university is located. Each state and school has its own requirements for what qualifies a student for in-state or resident tuition. For example, in Texas, to be classified as a resident, one must live independently, reside in the state for at least 12 months, and establish legal residency by working an average of 20 hours per week or by owning or operating a business.

Additionally, some international students may be able to receive in-state tuition through tuition waivers. These waivers can include working as a teaching or research assistant or obtaining a competitive scholarship waiver. The eligibility and availability of these waivers vary depending on the state and school, so it is essential to research them early in the college application process.

Furthermore, international students with EB-5 immigrant visas who have applied for internal adjustment of status, including employment authorization and travel, may qualify for in-state tuition depending on the state of residence and the college chosen. It is always advisable to check with the respective institutions to understand the specific guidelines for qualifying as a domestic student for in-state tuition.

EB-5 visas

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was established by the US federal government in 1990 to stimulate the US economy through foreign investment. The program offers foreign nationals and their families a direct pathway to a US Green Card (and US permanent residency) in exchange for investing a minimum of $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in a non-TEA. This investment must also create at least 10 jobs for American workers.

The EB-5 visa is an attractive option for international students as it removes the stress of securing a work visa and employment after graduation. It also removes the restrictions that student visas, such as the F-1 visa, place on international students. For example, F-1 students are limited in the number of hours they can work on and off campus, whereas EB-5 visa holders can work freely during their studies and take internships. EB-5 visa holders can also monetise creative endeavours and launch their own businesses.

To be eligible for in-state tuition rates, students usually need to establish residency in the state in which their university is located. This is possible for EB-5 visa holders as they are granted permanent US residency. However, it is important to note that the exact benefits may vary depending on the current status of the investor's EB-5 filing. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the institution's guidelines and respective requirements before making any decisions.

In addition, there are about 20 states, including California, New York, Texas, and Florida, that have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families. In these states, immigrants with nonimmigrant status and specific visa types may be eligible to register their children for in-state tuition while awaiting their EB-5 application approval.

Frequently asked questions