When you apply for admission, the university uses information you provided on the admissions application to make an initial determination about residency status. If factors related to your eligibility change after you apply (this is where InstateMe comes in!), students have the ability to have their classification reviewed. InstateMe specializes in helping you establish domicile by meeting both the state's and university's criteria.
To establish domicile, you must meet the following criteria
1) Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months
2) Establish and maintain domicile for 12 consecutive months, as evidenced by:
Marriage for one year to a person who has established domicile in Texas.
Gainful full-time employment in Texas; (student jobs do not qualify)
Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas by the person seeking to enroll, having established and maintained a domicile at the residence;
Ownership and operation of a business in Texas
Which option to choose to establish domicile?
This is the crux of the challenge to establish residency in Texas and earn in-state tuition. While each option may sound simple, there are a hidden challenges associated with each.
| Pro | Con |
Marriage | • License cost is low | • Lack of partner in Texas • Limited level of freedom • Financially connected |
Employment | • No upfront cost | • High time commitment • Usually unattainable |
Property Ownership | • Usually attainable | • High barrier to entry • Volatile • High maintenance effort • Expensive realtor fee |
Business Ownership | • Usually attainable • Low upfront cost • No barrier to entry • Looks amazing on resume • Learn valuable skills | • Business creation, management, and upkeep (InstateMe takes care of this!) |