happymomof1

In some states, it is possible to move to the state, get a job, and live there for a certain number of months before applying to college. The regulations for establishing residence in order to attend my daughter's community college in Maryland (Montgomery College ) include formally demonstrating that you provide more than half of your own support if you are not living with your parents, and do not otherwise qualify as an independent student.

thumper1

Happymom is correct for her daughter's community college. This, however, is not universally the rule for ALL community colleges in ALL states. You need to check EACH school (whether a four year school OR a community college) or the requirements for residency. This can also vary from public university to public university WITHIN a state. In other words, just because it applies to one school in a state does NOT mean that ALL schools have the same requirements. Please, be sure to check the requirements before you make a decision to try to gain residency in a different state from the one in which your parents reside. You don't want to go through the expense of relocating in the hopes of getting instate rates only to find out that your school won't allow it.

And as Happymom noted...the student must demonstrate that they are providing more than 1/2 of their support....which would be rent, utilities, insurance, food, clothing, and college tuition (if you are in college). ALL expenses. You would have to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support 1/2 of your expenses.