in-state-tuition North Carolina public schools (costs, paying, admissions, charge)

[koneil78]

Here's the not so simple breakdown. My family is planning on permanently re-locating to Charlotte, NC. My wife is an RN. I am a Lic Marine Captain, but looking to go back to school full time. We have two children 8yr, and 6mth, respectively. Our savings and her income allows us relocation expense, down payment, and 2-3 years of tuition at an in-state rate. That being said, it seems as though NC has some rather strict residency policies that seem universal at most schools , even at the community college level. Being that I'm 37 I was hoping to get school finished sooner rather than later and waiting another year to establish residency wasn't in my mental deck of cards (stupid I know).

My question is this; has anyone heard of any exemptions to this rule? With my wife transferring jobs, enrolling my children in school, and buying a home in the area, it would seem like a reasonable expression of domicile. The expense of doing these things would certainly outweigh that of paying out-of-state-residency costs.

Any admissions officers out there have any advice?

Thanks!

[bler144]

Have you come off active duty in the last 3 years?

If so you'd want to look at the 'Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.' Most states are already complying, though as of May NC was one of the states that wasn't yet in compliance. The deadline for state compliance was extended to Jan 1, 2016.

I don't work in NC, so I can't give you up to the minute detail, there.

Edit - I looked up the residency rules for Cape Fear CC, which says:

"Under NC General Statutes Section 116-143.3, certain members of the armed services and their dependent relative(s) may become eligible to be charged less than the out-of-state tuition rate even if they do not qualify as residents for tuition purposes under G.S. 116-143.1. The member of the armed services must be on active duty and stationed in NC on permanent change of station orders at the time of enrollment in the academic program. Active duty members of the armed services include those serving in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy; the N.C. National Guard; and any Reserve Units of these military units. Military reservists (other than those of the N.C. National Guard) must be on active duty to qualify for the in-state tuition benefit. "

There's no mention of VACAA, so my guess is that NC is not yet compliant.

Of course, none of this helps you if you don't meet the qualifications for VACAA either. So hopefully you do and all will be well come January. Possible the Obama administration could kick the can down the road again at that point (since the penalty for non-compliance is a loss of VA benefits for all students attending those institutions which hurts schools and students), but back in the spring the sense was that most states would get their sh..I mean, act, together this fall.

[koneil78]

Yes, I read the provisions for military personnel. Unfortunately, I don't fall under these prerequisites as I am not a vet.

[raleighkc]

Hi, are you considered an active duty military member? If so, then the statute cited by bler144 means that you would be charged in-state resident rates. And you'll probably be a resident by then, but there is now the NC Promise Tuition Plan that is supposed to begin in Fall 2018 that will lower tuition to $500 a semester for residents and $2,500 for non residents at three of the NC public universities. This includes Western Carolina University which has an engineering program.