One of the ways to get out-of-state tuition waived requires applying to schools in places that need young people. Certain schools are in areas with a diminished young adult community. They offer in-state tuition rates to non-residents to make the area more attractive to potential students. One word of caution: Though the discounts seem attractive, many of the schools are in rural, remote locations and rank poorly when compared with better-known institutions.
Ways to waive out-of-state tuition include performing well on standardized tests and having a strong academic background. Scores received on the SAT and ACT college entrance exams are used as an indicator of academic performance for incoming college students. Testers with high marks are perceived to be strong students, which helps to strengthen the student body and increase student quality. Applicants must have a minimum grade-point average and be recommended by an admissions team member for this type of waiver.
Setting up residence in or near the desired school provides a way to waive out-of-state tuition. Depending on the program, some schools grant in-state tuition to students living in the area for one year prior to admission. Other schools consider students who are residing on campus and paying rent for six months as fulfilling residency requirements. Occupying a house on the border of some states provides an opportunity to obtain resident tuition rates in the adjacent state.
Employment status provides an additional way to waive out-of-state tuition. Working for certain organizations provides employees and their dependents with out-of-state tuition waivers. Active duty military personnel stationed in the state where the school is located are eligible. Schools offer waivers to internal employees and their dependents. In some cases, educators working for the public school system where the college is located are also eligible for in-state tuition rates, no matter how short their period of residency.