What state are you from?

In state or Out of State? What can I do?

• Hi! So I have a bit of a problem. My family moved my first year of college to another state of course I was not happy about the move but since I was a dependent I had to go along. After staying for a year in that state I decided to come back to my home state and attend school this spring semester. Because my father had worked the previous year in my home state I was still considered in state for tuition purposes. However, here is where my problem lies. Next semester, I have to prove my residency in my home state, which is confusing for me. My parents live in another state (maine), and I am dependent on them BUT I don't have any plans to move permanently to that state where they live. I want to still be considered in state (Virginia), but I don't know what to do. --> Because of my parents state regulations, I had to also change my license to a Maine license. I am so confused, there is so much more opportunities here in VA than ME.....

• Answer:

  Unfortunately, the fact that you're still receiving support from your parents qualifies you as "dependent". If you're dependent you cannot establish Virginia domicile. According to the guidelines below: Establishing Virginia Domicile General Description and Purpose Virginia domicile is important for students at Virginia public and private institutions. Generally, state financial aid programs and in-state tuition are reserved for Virginia domiciliaries. This publication is designed to introduce students and parents to key concepts concerning domicile. Specific inquiries about domiciliary determination should be directed to the institution a student plans to attend. Basic Requirements An individual must demonstrate residence in Virginia and an intent to remain in Virginia indefinitely to establish domicile in Virginia. After meeting the requirements to establish domicile, a person must continue to be domiciled in Virginia for at least 12 months preceding the first day of classes. Domiciliary Intent Several factors are used to determine if a person demonstrates intent to remain in Virginia indefinitely. A college or university may ask for information from you or your parents about the following factors: •Continuous residence in Virginia •Social and economic ties •Ownership of real property •Sources of financial support •Current employment in Virginia •Employment in Virginia postgraduation •Military records •State to which income taxes are paid •Voter registration and actual voting •Driver's license •Motor vehicle registration Dependent and Independent Students A dependent student is a student who receives substantial financial support from his or her parents or legal guardian. A college or university in Virginia looks at the supporting parents' domicile to determine if a dependent student is eligible for in-state tuition or state financial aid programs. If you are under age 24 on the first day of classes, an institution will classify you as a dependent student unless you: are married; are a veteran or active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces; are a graduate or first-professional student; are a ward of the court or were a ward of the court until age 18; have no adoptive or legal guardian when both parents are deceased;or have legal dependents other than a spouse. If a student under the age of 24 who wishes to be considered independent but does not meet one of these exceptions, then he must be able to demonstrate, via clear and convincing evidence to the insitution, that his parents have surrendered the right to his care, custody, and earnings, do not claim him as a dependent on federal or state income tax returns, and have ceased to provide him substantial financial support. If you are not classified as a dependent student, you may establish your own Virginia domicile.