Out-of-state tuition is more than twice the cost of in-state tuition, and Florida A&M University students said the process for gaining in-state tuition has become more difficult over the years.
“When you ask for help, (registrar employees) hand you a packet instead of going into depth,” said Alexis Obidi, a junior health information management student from Houston. “I think the school should have a seminar for out-of-state students, informing them on the process for claiming in-state residency.”
However, FAMU employees said students have useful resources they can utilize for information regarding in-state residency.
“Information is available on the school web site and course catalogue,” said Angela Peterson, an employee at FAMU’s registrar’s office.
According to the FAMU registrar’s office website, “A Florida resident is a person who has or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian has established and maintained legal residency in Florida for at least 12 months.”
Obidi said besides being a dependent she has met all the requirements needed for in-state residency.
“I have been working and should meet the requirement for making $10,000 in the state of Florida by the end of the year,” Obidi said.
Former FAMU student body president Phillip Agnew said the process for gaining in-state residency for tuition purposes is much more difficult than in the past.
“You used to only have to make $5,000 in the state of Florida to get in-state tuition, now the requirement is $10,000,” said Agnew, a business administration graduate from Chicago.
Agnew said he lived in Tallahassee for a summer and was able to earn the required $5000.
“I got in-state tuition the summer after my sophomore year,” Agnew said.
He also said that students now have to either make more or work at least a year to accomplish the same goal.
“The process was complex but is feasible once you understand what needs to be done,” Agnew said. “You just have to follow up.”
The change of residency form and requirements can be found on the registrar’s office Web site.
Peterson said students must be able to provide sufficient proof of eligibility, if not they will be denied.
For more information visit www.famu.edu/registrar.