Resident & Non-Resident fees in UCs...?

Question

How do UCs or for that matter any US universities define Resident and Non-Resident fees? Will a guy who is a US citizen and has studied throughout his life in a foreign country wants come back to do his Undergrad in UC Berkley or some other univ in US, be charged resident or non-resident fee?

Answer 1

I respectfully disagree with Katie (couldn't cut it, ehh?). UC Berkeley is an excellent institution that offers the highest caliber education to those students who possess the intellect and mettle to compete in a rigorous environment.

If your friend has been an actual resident of a foreign country, he will likely be treated as an international student. However, if he lives in California for at least one (but probably two) year[s], he can apply for state residency and qualify for in-state tuition.

International tuition is about $30k, out-of-state tuition is about $26k, in-state tuition is about $8k. Annual figures, not including books or living expenses.

Answer 2

I got my PhD at UC Berkeley. Fortunately, I had a fellowship during my first year. My assistanceships in the subsequent years only paid for in-state fees. However, I was able to establish residency in one year, and was eligible for in state rates.

If you have a California address that you can use, you might be able to apply using that address and establish residency earlier.

BTW -- pay no attention to the person who told you not to go to Berkeley. It is the best of the UC schools. I hated the town, but loved the school.

Also -- learn to spell it before you apply.

Answer 3

my best advice is: dont go to berkeley unless you wanna kill yourself. there are several other great UCs out there you may want to look into.
Residence-wise, i am not sure, but i thought you had to be a resident of the state for a year to be considered "in state" fees versus out-of-state. if you are out of the country, i would think its considered "out of state" and the fee would be a little larger. what several ppl do is just live and work in the state they want to go to school in for a year, and then start going to that school with "in state" tuition. I am not sure though.