He was born in Texas and has lived in the state for whatever time he stayed in US and we payed taxes there . But we moved overseas in our native country and haven’t maintained a residence there.
I don’t think he can claim residency for tuition purposes based on that.
He is a water baby and was on path to get diving certifications but then covid hit and plans got disrupted. So he would like to pursue that too in college . But he/we are ok and understand that we will have to make compromises . Diversity and proximity to water are factors that we will consider.
Nonetheless we have got some very good recommendations here about small schools which he is seriously thinking of applying