Douglas Olsen
International students are usually required to pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are significantly higher than in-state fees. However, there are ways for international students to qualify for in-state tuition rates, such as establishing residency in the state in which their university is located. Each state and school has its own requirements for what qualifies a student for in-state tuition, and nearly half of the states in the US allow in-state tuition for immigrant students. One way for international students to qualify for in-state tuition is through the EB-5 visa program, which allows investors and their families to receive in-state tuition rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average tuition fee at a private college in 2021 | $38,070 |
| Average out-of-state tuition fee at a public college in 2021 | $27,560 |
| Average in-state tuition fee at a public college in 2021 | $10,740 |
| Undergraduate students under the age of 24 who are not financially independent | Must have parents with eligible immigration status and meet residency requirements |
| Nonresident undergraduate students with nonresident parents | Remain nonresidents for the duration of their undergraduate career |
| Requirements to be classified as a California resident | Must be continuously physically present in California for 366 days, intend to make California home permanently, and demonstrate intention by establishing legal ties |
| Requirements to be classified as a Texas resident | Live independently of parents, reside in Texas for at least 12 months, and establish legal residency |
| States that allow in-state tuition for immigrants without legal status | Massachusetts, Nevada, Florida, Virginia |
| Requirements for in-state tuition in Virginia | Attend high school in the state for at least two years, submit evidence that the student or their parent/guardian has filed income tax returns for at least two years |
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What You'll Learn
International students and residency qualifications
International students can qualify for in-state tuition in many ways. However, the avenues for receiving in-state tuition as an international student are slim, and the requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes can vary by state.
In the US, public colleges and universities are managed by the individual states where they are located, not the federal government. Public colleges are at least partially subsidized by taxes collected from residents of the states they are in. Since residents of the state have already paid for the school through their taxes, they are given a substantial discount on college tuition. This is referred to as "in-state tuition". On the other hand, if a student attends a school outside their state of residence, they will pay "out-of-state tuition" as they have paid no taxes to subsidize the school. Private colleges, which are subsidized by private grants and endowments, are not subject to in-state and out-of-state tuition differences.
In some states, establishing residency even for a short time can allow international students to take advantage of in-state tuition. For example, in Texas, one needs to live independently of their parents, reside in Texas for at least 12 months, and establish legal residency either by working an average of 20 hours per week or by owning or operating a business. In California, students must be continuously physically present in the state for more than one year (366 days) before the residence determination date and intend to make California their home permanently. They must also demonstrate their intention to stay in California by relinquishing legal ties to their former state and establishing legal ties to California.
Some states may allow international students to receive in-state tuition if they have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from a public or accredited private high school. However, not all states will allow students on F and J visas in high school to qualify for residency. Students on these visas are in the state to attend school, do not continuously reside in the state, and have maintained their residence in their home country.
International students can also receive in-state tuition in certain states through tuition waivers. These waivers can include those for working as a teaching or research assistant, or through a competitive scholarship waiver. The eligibility and availability of these waivers vary depending on the state and school.
International medical graduates who have received a visa are eligible to apply for a residency program in the United States. The process of finding a residency has become increasingly competitive, so applicants should pay close attention to the application process. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) was founded to assess whether international medical graduates are ready to enter residency programs in the United States. IMGs must be certified by the ECFMG before taking the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) or starting a graduate medical education program. To certify an IMG, the ECFMG must be able to verify the following credentials: the physician's medical school and graduation year listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, credit awarded for at least four years of medical school, and documentation for completion of all credits and receipt of a final medical diploma. The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) is the mechanism for connecting residency programs and applicants.
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Tuition fees at private vs public colleges
International students usually pay out-of-state tuition fees at US public universities, which are significantly higher than in-state tuition fees. However, some states have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families, and international students may be able to receive in-state tuition rates in certain states through tuition waivers. For example, Texas requires students to live in the state for at least 12 months and establish legal residency by working 20 hours per week or owning/operating a business.
Now, let's compare tuition fees at private vs public colleges. Private institutions are generally much more expensive than public institutions for in-state students. The average annual cost of in-state tuition at a public 4-year college is $9,750, while the average private nonprofit 4-year institution costs $38,421 for one academic year. In 2021, the average cost for tuition at a private college was $38,070, compared to $27,560 for out-of-state tuition at public colleges, and $10,740 for in-state tuition at public colleges.
Tuition at private colleges is typically much higher than at public institutions, but private colleges may offer larger scholarships and tuition discounts, which can make them more affordable for some students. Two-year public institutions are the most affordable, while the average private nonprofit 2-year school is more expensive than in-state tuition at a public 4-year institution. For example, the average public 2-year college costs $3,598 for in-state students, while private nonprofit 2-year institutions cost an average of $20,019 annually.
It's important to note that tuition fees are not the only cost associated with college. There are also additional costs for books, supplies, room and board, transportation, daily living expenses, and student loan interest. These costs have been increasing at a higher rate than tuition fees in recent years.
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State residency requirements
For independent students, either they or their spouse must have been a state resident for at least a year before the first day of classes. Some states, like Arizona and California, require two years of residency and self-sufficiency. Certain states may also have a minimum age requirement for independent students to qualify as in-state residents, but may allow legally emancipated minors to qualify if they meet the durational requirements. Nebraska, for instance, uses the one-year standard for independent students.
To establish residency, it is recommended to have at least two government-issued documents that demonstrate state residency. Examples include registering to vote in the state, registering with Selective Service, filing a Declaration of Domicile form with the county clerk at the start of residency, filing state and federal income tax returns with an in-state residential address, and attending secondary school in the state.
International students may be able to establish state residency in certain states. For example, international students eligible to establish legal domicile in Texas may qualify for Texas resident status. In Texas, students must live independently of their parents, reside in the state for at least 12 months, and establish legal residency by working an average of 20 hours per week or owning/operating a business. In Florida, non-US citizens must submit documentation to verify permanent resident or visa status, in addition to the documentation required for in-state status.
Some states have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families, and international students may be able to receive in-state tuition through tuition waivers or programs like the EB-5 visa program.
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Tuition waivers and scholarships
The cost of tuition for international students at US colleges and universities is significantly higher than for domestic students. While international students are not usually eligible for federal financial aid, there are other options for financial assistance, such as tuition waivers and scholarships.
Tuition Waivers
Tuition waivers allow for all or a portion of a student's tuition to be waived. The eligibility requirements for tuition waivers vary from school to school, but most schools offer tuition waivers for students holding either F-1 or J-1 visas. Some schools may also require that international students applying for a tuition waiver have already attended the school for a certain amount of time (generally one or two semesters). Generally, schools grant tuition waivers based on the student's availability of funds, student need, and merit.
Scholarships
Scholarships are another option for international students seeking financial assistance. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or both. For example, the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) at the University of Oregon offers scholarships in the form of tuition waivers worth $9,000–$27,000 to international students who demonstrate financial need and exceptional merit. Similarly, the Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards offer full tuition and fees waivers to international students based on their academic standing.
Establishing Residency
In some states, establishing residency, even for a short time, can allow international students to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. For example, in Texas, one needs to live independently of their 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. However, it's important to note that not all states allow students on F and J visas in high school to qualify for residency.
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Immigration status and visas
International students on specific visas may be eligible for in-state tuition rates in some US states. However, the requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes vary by state, and not all states offer the same avenues for international students to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
In the state of Texas, for instance, international students can qualify for in-state tuition if they meet specific criteria. These include having attended a Texas high school for three years, transferring from a Texas college where they met state rules, or having domicile-eligible immigration status and at least 12 months of Texas residency. Students on F and J visas in high school are generally not eligible for residency in Texas, as they are considered to be in the state for educational purposes and do not continuously reside there.
In California, undergraduate students under 24 who are not financially independent must have eligible immigration status and meet residency requirements to be considered California residents for tuition purposes. Their parents must also have eligible immigration status. Additionally, California has specific requirements for establishing residency, including being physically present in the state for over a year before the residence determination date and demonstrating the intention to make California their permanent home.
To study in the United States, international students typically need a student visa, which can be either an F visa or an M visa, depending on their course of study and the type of school they plan to attend. The F-1 visa is for academic students enrolled in an accredited college, university, or other academic institution, while the M-1 visa is for vocational or non-academic programs. To obtain an F or M visa, students must meet various requirements, such as being enrolled full-time at an approved institution, demonstrating English proficiency, and having sufficient funds for self-support during their studies. Additionally, students must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for in-state tuition rates and student visas can vary, and international students should carefully review the requirements of their desired educational institution and state of residence. Consulting official sources, such as government websites and educational institutions, is essential for obtaining accurate and up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the state and the university. While some states have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families, others prohibit students without permanent legal status from getting in-state tuition. Additionally, each state and university may have different requirements for what qualifies a student for in-state tuition.
International students can qualify for in-state tuition by establishing residency in the state in which their university is located. This may involve providing proof of a residential address in the state or filing tax returns. Some universities may also require the parents of financially dependent students to be residents of the state.
At the University of North Texas, international students transferring from another Texas college or university may qualify for in-state tuition if they were previously classified as Texas residents. In Massachusetts, international students without legal status are granted access to in-state tuition.
Yes, international students may be able to qualify for in-state tuition through certain visa programs, such as the EB-5 visa program, which allows for the adjustment of immigration status.
