University Costs

[IntoTheLight 5]

Hey Everyone,

I am currently applying for a K1 Visa with the intention of moving to the US to marry my fiance. Our plan was that, after I'd settled in for a little while and got my green card, I would apply for University there. I had planned to apply next year in Canada before the whole immigration plans came up, so I just figured I'd put it off long enough for this.

My question is, am I going to have to apply for Citizenship to get the local in-state costs of University in the US, or can I get that with just a green card? I really cannot afford the extra expenses and am now concerned that I would have to put off schooling until I could get my citizenship. :\ If this is the case, how long does that process normally take from getting the green card and/or simply moving there from a K1?

Thanks!

[B+Á 1]

Right after getting married you are going to be able to go university for the in-state price. It's always better to ask the school, but I'm doing the same and that's what the school told me.

AND you can use student loan!

Edited May 4, 2013 by B+Á

[JBForever 12]

Right after getting married you are going to be able to go university for the in-state price. It's always better to ask the school, but I'm doing the same and that's what the school told me.

AND you can use student loan!

I just wanted to clarify, i thought you needed to have a green card first to be eligible to study for the in-state price or even apply for grants, loans, etc?

[Mariana2012 89]

Usually you need be a permanent resident for 1 year ( DL from the state + greencard) to be considered state resident when it comes to how much you pay for your tution. And you do need to have a greencard to qualify for loans. You don't need to wait for citizenship.

If you have a University in mind, check their site, they have detailed info about admission.

When I looked for an MBA, because I am not a US citizen they required that I have either a greencard or a student visa to be accepted. And I needed to be a permanent resident for 1 year to qualify for the in state tution fees.

Edited May 4, 2013 by Mariana2012

[B+Á 1]

Well, I thought it was different when you are married. I believe if you are married to a US citizen, you are automatically able to go to university for the in-state price. We asked a few people about it, because I was worried as well and that's what they told us. Now, I'll definitely ask the school again to make sure everything's fine. I mean I'm not 100% sure about the student loans but I'm still quite sure about this in-state price stuff.

[Mariana2012 89]

Right after getting married you are going to be able to go university for the in-state price. It's always better to ask the school, but I'm doing the same and that's what the school told me.

AND you can use student loan!

Which University has this rule? Most of them ask you to have a minimum of 1 year permanent residency .

And no way they"ll give you loans while on your K1 waiting for a greencard.

[B+Á 1]

Which University has this rule? Most of them ask you to have a minimum of 1 year permanent residency .

And no way they"ll give you loans while on your K1 waiting for a greencard.

I may not be well-informed about the student loans but first I was planning to go to a college (which is cheaper) and then transfer to the university after the first two years. My fiancé went to the school to make sure I'll be able to go to school for in-state price and they said after marriage it is okay! You guys freak me out so now I can't wait for him to wake up and "attack" him with my questions!

Edited May 4, 2013 by B+Á

[Mariana2012 89]

Don't freak out, but do check the rules. I doubt marriage qualifies you automatically for in state prices. Are you going to a community college first? Maybe they have the same price regardless of which state the student is from. Also being married and not adjusting status doesn't give you any status so I doubt again, that a University would accept you. However some not so great schools accept people and don't care if the students are legal residents. That is why it is best to check with the University yourself. A quick search on their site will give you all you need, no need to have your husband find out for you. Afterall, you are the student......

But if you are starting at a Community College, you can relax because they rarely refuse students.

Edited May 4, 2013 by Mariana2012

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

**** Moving from US Citizenship to Moving Here and Your New Life forum ****

[menina 50]

My husband went to community college. In order to get the lower tuition price, he had to be living in CA for a year (which he had been). It may differ from state to state, but most of the places I have heard about do require a one year residency. That is true for citizens and non-citizens. I'm not sure about the green card thing, but my husband was asked to show his when he applied. The tuition cost was a huge increase for those who had been in CA for less than a year. Being married to me did not afford any extra benefits as far as I can tell. When I researched the college, there was nothing in the rules about getting a waiver for residency if you married an American. Best to be sure or you will be hit with high tuition bills.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Each school system has different rules so you must check with the system. I can tell you in California you must have been in the state for 1 year before you qualify for in state tuition.

[IntoTheLight 5]

Awesome. Thanks so much for the info, guys. A year is okay to me. Sounds much better than having to wait for citizenship.

[Juliet and Steve 93]

Don't freak out, but do check the rules. I doubt marriage qualifies you automatically for in state prices. Are you going to a community college first? Maybe they have the same price regardless of which state the student is from. Also being married and not adjusting status doesn't give you any status so I doubt again, that a University would accept you. However some not so great schools accept people and don't care if the students are legal residents. That is why it is best to check with the University yourself. A quick search on their site will give you all you need, no need to have your husband find out for you. Afterall, you are the student......

But if you are starting at a Community College, you can relax because they rarely refuse students.

River Valley Community College in New Hampshire where I got an ADN (Associates degree in nursing in 2003):

In state annual tuition/fees = $5816; Out of state: $13,016

Rarely refuse students? I'd guess that 60% of applicant to the RN degree are refused, those accepted often are stuck waiting 2-3 years.

As I suggest to Juliet, get a job there in the cafeteria. Pay: lousy ($8.50@ hour) schooling: free. YMMV but often schools offer employees reduced or free tuition. Or get a job at the local hospital, a lousy job. Guess what: After 1 year they pay all tuition.

[B+Á 1]

Florida Atlantic University

Florida residents:

D. I am married to a person who has maintained legal residence in Florida for at least the past 12 consecutive months. I have now established legal residence and intend

to make Florida my permanent home. (Required: copy of marriage certificate and other documents required to establish residency.)

[B+Á 1]

IntoTheLight!

It's not good for someone be stating information like facts (1yr rule) when it is not true. That can really impact someone on the site.

Here are some useful information for you:

If you are going to live in Arizona, here is an example. (University Of Arizona)

http://registrar.arizona.edu/residency/default.htm

"Residency classification standards and procedures at The University of Arizona are based on the Arizona Board of Regents Policy on Tuition Classification."

Requirements for Resident Status:

http://azregents.asu.edu/rrc/Policy%20Manual/4-203-Requirements%20for%20Resident%20Status.pdf

2a of Arizona Board of Regents Policy on Tuition = spouse residency

Good luck!