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Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 18, 2022

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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What’s the deal with in-state vs. out-of-state tuition fees for US universities? I’m looking into getting my Master’s in… something STEMmy, possibly in the states, and I keep seeing these different rates. Why would an American not change their residence to whatever state the college is in, though? You could save tens, possibly over a hundred thousand dollars. What am I missing?

(It’s Sunday but the new thread isn’t up yet. I might post this question again in the new one if there’s no traction)

Example from the University of Pittsburgh:

Students who have lived in PA for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment at any institution of higher education in PA meet the 12 Month Requirement. For U.S. Citizens, this is all that is required for classification as a PA Resident. Students who are Non-U.S. Citizens must also meet the immigration requirements described in Subsection B below in order to be eligible for reclassification to PA Resident. Students under the age of 22 are considered minors for purposes of residency determination and are classified based on the residency information of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Students who do not meet the 12 Month Requirement are classified as Non-Residents. Those who wish to challenge their classification can file a petition with their campus PA Residency Coordinator. Instructions are provided below in Section VI. Petitioning to Overcome the 12 Month Requirement.

 

Students whose initial residency classification is Non-Resident because they do not meet the 12 Month Requirement may complete the University’s petition form and file it, together with supporting documentation, to the PA Residency Coordinator at their campus. Through the Petition Process and supporting documentation, the student must demonstrate that they:

1. Came to PA for reasons other than enrollment in an institution of higher education; and/or

2. Intend and are able to live in PA permanently or indefinitely upon completion of their academic studies.

Ah, I see. Looks like they have their bases covered. Thank you!