Public School Tuition Question

[jaybrium]

BTG Community,

How does a public school determine your in-state status?

Up until a couple of months ago, I was a life long resident of New Jersey. I plan on living in Arizona for 2-3 years before returning to the tri-state area to pursue a career in NYC. In a best case scenario, I'll get a full-ride to NYU, marry a beautiful doctor, and become business partners with Sean "Diddy" Combs. However, life doesn't always go as planned, so I'm not going to count on the first portion of that scenario.

If I were to apply to Rutgers while living in AZ, would I be considered an out of state student? Or would the greaters powers of the state of NJ pull my old 1040s and realize that I've contribued more than enough to the greater good and deserve a break on tuition?

If anyone could provide some insight, it would be very helpful.

Thanks,

- Jay

[VP_Jim]

It's usually determined based on some combination of where you pay taxes, where your car is registered, where you vote, where your permanent address is, and your "intent".

Since you'll be living/working in AZ, you'll be paying AZ income tax. You'll also legally have to register your car there. So, while your intent might be to make NJ your permanent home, I don't think Rutgers will give you in-state tuition. As a Rutgers alum, I can tell you a lot about the so called "RU Screw"...

[jaybrium]

Thanks Jim. Any insight on my other RU question?

[VP_Jim]

Nope, sorry - I went to grad school in California live in Oregon now, so I'm not really in tune with RU's MBA program. Rutgers grads do tend to end up in either NY or Philly, though.