Worth it to change state residency to lower tuition cost?

[Toomanycatsmom]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi guys,

I got accepted into the dental school in a city where I attended undergrad so I've been in the state for 4+ years and will probably qualify for state residency if I applied. I am originally from CA and am wondering if it's worth it to change state residency in order to gain instate tuition (~5000 cheaper per year) even if I want to practice in CA later on in life and will thus have to re-establish CA residency after moving back there in the future. Any input is appreciated thanks !

 

[kholley25]

4 years @ $5000 cheaper is $20,000 cheaper in loans plus $4,672 in interest (over those 4 years) if you take out a federal stafford loan at 5.84 percent interest.

https://www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/college-planning-toolbox/accrued-interest-calculator/

So it's approximately $25,000 more in debt before you can start paying it back.

Personally, I would save myself some money and apply for residency.

 

[Advance]

Hi guys,

I got accepted into the dental school in a city where I attended undergrad so I've been in the state for 4+ years and will probably qualify for state residency if I applied. I am originally from CA and am wondering if it's worth it to change state residency in order to gain instate tuition (~5000 cheaper per year) even if I want to practice in CA later on in life and will thus have to re-establish CA residency after moving back there in the future. Any input is appreciated thanks !

Yeah apply for residency!

 

[ajj70]

Depends on the state. Many states don't allow you to apply for residency if your main reason for being in the state is to attend school.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Depends on the state. Many states don't allow you to apply for residency if your main reason for being in the state is to attend school.

What states don't let you do that?

 

[strep mutans]

What states don't let you do that?

Texas, for example.

 

[ajj70]

What states don't let you do that?

Most of them honestly. There are only a handful or so that do let you change residency to attend school, Ohio, Maryland, Utah (but not usually for dental school), Connecticut, maybe a few others.

 

[Toomanycatsmom]

Well, I've lived here for 5 years (working, paying rent, taxes, etc) so I wouldn't necessarily say that I am changing residency for school. I also plan to practice here for at least a couple of years after getting out of dental school.

 

[strep mutans]

Well, I've lived here for 5 years (working, paying rent, taxes, etc) so I wouldn't necessarily say that I am changing residency for school. I also plan to practice here for at least a couple of years after getting out of dental school.

You need to look up the exact residency requirements for your state school to see if you would qualify for in-state tuition.

Residency for admission and tuition purposes is often different from residency for voting or taxing purposes.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Most of them honestly. There are only a handful or so that do let you change residency to attend school, Ohio, Maryland, Utah (but not usually for dental school), Connecticut, maybe a few others.

I see. Thank you!

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Well, I've lived here for 5 years (working, paying rent, taxes, etc) so I wouldn't necessarily say that I am changing residency for school. I also plan to practice here for at least a couple of years after getting out of dental school.

Your situation kind of sounds like Pittsburgh (based on the tuition difference between IS and OOS). The only other things you'd have to do are get a PA driver's license and register to vote. If you plan to live in Pennsylvania after school, I'd say go for it! Also, if you're talking about a different school, they might have different requirements, but I'd still say go for it if you want to stay in that state for a few more years.

 

[gryffindor]

If you qualify then yes, change your residency.

 

[Toomanycatsmom]

Your situation kind of sounds like Pittsburgh (based on the tuition difference between IS and OOS). The only other things you'd have to do are get a PA driver's license and register to vote. If you plan to live in Pennsylvania after school, I'd say go for it! Also, if you're talking about a different school, they might have different requirements, but I'd still say go for it if you want to stay in that state for a few more years.

Yup! Haha I'm going to Pitt! When I called, Rose said that I would have to talk to the financial eligibility office people after I've registered for classes (a week before school starts) and they will determine if I qualify for instate tuition and if so adjust my payments accordingly. I was just confused about how the school would determine my residency and whether I needed any specific documents. But from the sound of it I think I'll just have to change my drivers license and registration, etc and hopefully that will do it! Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Yup! Haha I'm going to Pitt! When I called, Rose said that I would have to talk to the financial eligibility office people after I've registered for classes (a week before school starts) and they will determine if I qualify for instate tuition and if so adjust my payments accordingly. I was just confused about how the school would determine my residency and whether I needed any specific documents. But from the sound of it I think I'll just have to change my drivers license and registration, etc and hopefully that will do it! Thanks for everyone's input!

Basically! I'm in the same position (have a job here, pay rent here, pay PA taxes) and I was told that's basically all you'd have to do 🙂 Wish it was one of those schools were in-state was significantly cheaper than out of state. oh well

 

[Toomanycatsmom]

Basically! I'm in the same position (have a job here, pay rent here, pay PA taxes) and I was told that's basically all you'd have to do 🙂 Wish it was one of those schools were in-state was significantly cheaper than out of state. oh well

Haha cool! So you will be starting at Pitt as well in the Fall? Thats awsome and congrats! Yeah I know it not significantly cheaper for instate but it's still a lot saved after four years 🙂

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Haha cool! So you will be starting at Pitt as well in the Fall? Thats awsome and congrats! Yeah I know it not significantly cheaper for instate but it's still a lot saved after four years 🙂

Haven't decided yet! If I do, I guess I'll see you there 🙂