Janice Lozano
International students often pay out-of-state tuition at U.S. public universities, which can be double or triple the price of in-state tuition. However, there are ways for international students to qualify for in-state tuition rates, which can significantly reduce their overall costs. The requirements for in-state tuition vary by state and university, but generally, students must establish residency in the state in which their university is located. This may include providing proof of a residential address or tax returns, and the time required to establish residency differs by state and university. Additionally, international students may be able to qualify for in-state tuition through visa programs, such as the EB-5 visa program, or by receiving scholarships or awards for academic excellence. Understanding the specific requirements and options for in-state tuition is essential for international students aiming to study in the United States and reduce their financial burden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | International student tuition fees are almost double compared to national students |
| Out-of-state tuition waiver | International students can get a waiver if they have an academic award of at least $1000 |
| In-state tuition eligibility | Nearly half the states allow in-state tuition for immigrant students. For example, Texas, California, New York, and Florida |
| EB-5 visa program | International students can qualify for in-state rates and reduce overall costs through the EB-5 visa program |
| Establishing residency | Each state has different policies to establish residency. Students must establish residency in the state in which their university is located to be eligible for in-state tuition rates |
| Parent's residency | In some states, the parents of a financially dependent child must have established residency in-state |
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What You'll Learn
Establish residency in the state
To establish residency in a state as an international student, you must demonstrate that you have a stronger connection to that state than any other. This connection should not have been established around the time of your university application or acceptance.
The requirements for establishing residency vary from state to state, so it is important to check the specific rules for your chosen state. For example, while Alaska requires 24 months of residency, Arkansas only requires six months. Some states, like Tennessee, do not have a durational component to their residency requirements, while others require a full calendar year of residency prior to the first day of classes.
To prove residency, you will need to provide at least two government-issued documents that demonstrate your state residency. Examples of these documents include:
- A driver's license
- Voter registration card
- Pay stubs
- A letter explaining your intention to stay in the state
- Lease agreement
- Bank statements
- Proof of ownership of a business in the state
- Corporate income tax return with a state address
- License to conduct business in the state
- Acquisition of commercial real estate in the state
It is also important to note that you must prove financial independence and that your residency was not established solely for educational purposes.
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Academic excellence scholarships
International students often face higher tuition fees than national students. However, there are scholarships available that can help international students reduce their tuition fees to the in-state rate or even lower. One such scholarship is the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
The University of Adelaide offers a highly competitive Global Academic Excellence Scholarship to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. The scholarship is based on academic merit, and eligibility is determined by the merit achieved in the qualification that forms the basis of admission. Applicants must meet the minimum merit requirement, which is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.8 on a 7.0 scale for studies completed at the University of Adelaide, or a comparable score for studies at another Australian university. Applicants who meet the minimum merit requirement will have their application reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee. The scholarship recipients will receive a 50% reduction in international tuition fees.
University of Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
The University of Sydney offers an International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship to support exceptional international students from diverse priority markets across diverse undergraduate courses. Applicants must have applied for but not yet commenced a single undergraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney, and they must enrol in their eligible degree full-time. The scholarship is not available for combined degrees with a postgraduate component or degrees that include the Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Approximately 20 scholarships will be awarded globally per year, and the scholarship will provide benefits for the published full-time duration of the recipient's single undergraduate degree up to a maximum total duration of four years.
International Excellence Scholarship
The International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to all admitted international students, with a value ranging from $15,000 to $25,000.
In addition to these scholarships, there may be other opportunities for international students to receive in-state tuition rates or scholarships at specific universities or states. For example, both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for in-state tuition rates at public universities in Texas State. It is worth checking the specific rules and opportunities at your desired university and state.
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EB-5 visa program
International students can often pay significantly more in tuition fees than national students. In the United States, for example, international students pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are almost double the in-state fees paid by national students. However, there are some ways for international students to access in-state tuition fees, such as by applying for an EB-5 visa.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program was created in 1990 by the Immigration Act of 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through foreign investment and economic growth. The program provides a method for eligible immigrant investors to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) by investing substantial capital in a U.S. business. This business must be a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 new, full-time jobs for Americans and work-authorized immigrants.
The minimum investment requirement to qualify under the EB-5 program is $1,050,000. However, the investment requirement is reduced to $800,000 if the investment is made in a qualifying infrastructure project or Targeted Employment Area (TEA). A TEA is typically a rural area or an area with a high unemployment rate. Regional center investors may also choose to invest in an infrastructure project—a capital investment project filed or approved by a government entity.
The EB-5 program is one of five employment-based (EB) preference programs in the United States. It is also known as the Regional Center Program, which sets aside EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of April 2023, there were 640 USCIS-approved regional centers, and the vast majority of EB-5 visas were granted through these centers.
The EB-5 program has been criticized for being "riddled with corruption and national security vulnerabilities." Scrutiny of the program increased in 2016 when investigators uncovered numerous cases of fraud and discovered individuals with possible ties to Chinese and Iranian intelligence using fake documents.
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Transfer from a Texas college
International students transferring from a Texas college or university who were classified as Texas residents for tuition purposes should submit documents that prove their prior residency status. This is because Texas residency guidelines require that students either establish domicile or base their residency on graduation from high school.
If you cannot provide sufficient documentation of your previous residency status, you may be asked to submit additional documents or information. It is important to note that Texas residency rules for higher education are different from residency rules for voting, obtaining a driver's license, or tax purposes.
To qualify for in-state tuition rates as a transfer student from a Texas college, you must have been classified as a Texas resident while enrolled at the previous institution. This classification is important because it determines whether you pay non-resident tuition rates or the lower in-state rates, and it also makes you eligible to apply for financial aid awarded by the state.
If you were enrolled for more than one summer term at your previous Texas college or university and were classified as a Texas resident, you will be classified as a Texas resident at the University of Texas at Austin. However, you may still be required to verify your residency classification at your previous institution.
It is worth noting that community colleges in Texas award resident tuition based on county requirements rather than state requirements. Therefore, receiving in-county tuition rates at community colleges does not guarantee in-state tuition rates at a university.
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Rules vary by state
Rules and requirements for international students to obtain in-state tuition vary across states and educational institutions in the United States. While international students typically pay out-of-state tuition at U.S. public universities, certain states and universities have implemented policies to enable international students to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
In Texas, for example, international students can qualify for in-state tuition through various means, as outlined in Senate Bill 1528. These include attending three years of Texas high school, transferring from a Texas college or university with Texas residency status, or establishing Texas residency for 12 months based on their own or their parent's domicile-eligible immigration status. Additionally, Texas community colleges may award resident tuition based on county requirements rather than state requirements.
Similarly, California, New York, and Florida are among the states that have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families. For instance, California allows international students to qualify for in-state tuition through the EB-5 visa program, which involves concurrent filing to adjust their immigration status. This process changes their classification from F-1 International Student to Pending Status or Adjustment of Status Pending, effectively removing their international student status.
Other states, such as Massachusetts, have also granted immigrants without legal status access to in-state tuition. However, it is important to note that each state and educational institution may have its own unique requirements for what qualifies a student for in-state or resident tuition. These requirements may include the duration of residency in the state, proof of a residential address, or the submission of tax returns.
Therefore, it is advisable for international students to carefully review the specific rules and requirements of their desired educational institution and state to understand their eligibility for in-state tuition rates.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can qualify for in-state tuition in the US by establishing residency in the state in which their university is located. This can be done through various means, such as obtaining a specific visa, transferring from a college/university within the state, or meeting certain requirements, like duration of residency or proof of address.
No, the rules vary by state. Currently, about half of the states offer in-state tuition for immigrant students, with 20 states, including California, New York, Texas, and Florida, having passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families.
In-state tuition is the rate students with a permanent residence in a state pay, while out-of-state tuition is the rate charged to non-residents of that state, including international students. Out-of-state tuition is typically more expensive and can often be double or triple the price of in-state tuition.
International students can reduce their tuition fees by applying for scholarships or awards based on academic excellence. Additionally, some states and universities may offer in-state tuition eligibility or waivers for international students who meet specific criteria, such as duration of residency or transferring from within the state.
International students may face challenges in obtaining in-state tuition due to their immigration status or visa type. Each state and university may have different requirements for establishing residency, and there may be restrictions for students without permanent legal status. Additionally, there can be specific deadlines for submitting residency documents, and the process can be complex, requiring guidance from immigration consultants or lawyers.
