Residency rules for state grants

Who decides residency

Residency for state aid is set by state law and applied by the state agency and the college. The two often use the same test as in-state tuition, though some states keep a separate rule for grants.

Most states ask that you have lived in the state for a period, commonly a full year, before the term begins. They also look for a reason to be there besides attending college, such as a job, a home or family ties.

Dependent students and their parents

For a dependent student, residency usually follows the parents. A student whose parents moved out of state may lose state grant access even while still living near campus. Divorced or separated parents can complicate the picture, and the college decides which parent's home counts.

Independent students prove residency on their own. Moving to a state mainly to attend college rarely establishes residency quickly, since the state looks for ties that would exist without school.

The proof colleges ask for

Common documents include a state driver's license or ID, a lease or deed, state tax returns, voter registration and vehicle registration. Colleges usually want several items, with dates showing how long you have lived there.

Military families and students who recently moved for a parent's or spouse's job often have special rules. Students with complex immigration situations face rules that vary widely, and the state agency is the place to ask.

Asking for a review

If you were classified as a nonresident and believe that is wrong, ask the college for its reclassification process. Most require a written request with documents by a set date each term, so start before the term's bill comes due.

Keep copies of everything you send and the name of the person who reviewed it. If the college changes your status, ask the state agency whether it needs a separate notice to add you to its grant list.