Auburn University DENIES Army wife In-state tuition, can't pay by 7/3/09

[ArmyMedicWife]

I am desperate. I have done everything I can think of to try to qualify for in-state tuition at Auburn University in Alabama. I have been formally denied by letter on 3 separate occasions. The local State Senator has not been able to help me, and the $9,100.00 out of state student rate is due by this Friday, or I will have to do what so many military wives and service members have had to do: drop out of college.

If anyone can please help me, I have done as much as I can to qualify for residency, but the University is still refusing to help us.

My Husband is an enlisted soldier who lives in NC. We have made so many sacrifices so that I can go to school, and now we have to face the fact that we can't afford it anymore. (We have paid and taken out loans exceeding $30,000 for ONE YEAR of tuition alone.) He is completely devastated because he feels like he can't provide for his family. He makes less than $23,000/year and we can't get any assistance because we are military. I just do not understand.

I have nowhere else to turn and I can't get in contact with anyone on the FoxNews station through e-mail effectively.

Thank you for reading, and God Bless.


Regards,

Brett, Proud Army Wife to Benjamin.


Brett & Benjamin


OVERSIZED PICS REMOVED

[ArmyMedicWife]

(Quick question: It won't let me edit any of my profile information - is that normal?)

[Safiel]

(Quick question: It won't let me edit any of my profile information - is that normal?)

I think for 24 to 48 hours or so after you initially register you can't edit the profile. Give it a day or two then you can make changes.

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Go to a school that you can afford.

[gastoys1]

I wish I knew how we could help you, but the only answers I have are sarcastic like, register as an illegal, or tell them you are with ACORN, or you are from Gitmo. Best of luck to you and your husband and thank you so much for your service and dedication protecting our Constitution and our beloved Country. :flag::flag::flag:

[ArmyMedicWife]

Go to a school that you can afford.

Since we don't qualify for any in-state tuition anywhere --- I should just settle for online school? I do not think that it is okay to deny military service members and their families in-state rates where they are legally residents. By the way: what happens if my Husband returns home from war with a severe injury? Should I just accept that we will have to rely on the government for the rest of our lives because I won't be able to pay the bills for his care and lack of income?

I find it hard for someone to make such a statement when they have never had to face this type of difficulty.

[Safiel]

As a public university, Auburn must comply with Alabama state law regarding residency. Sadly, I don't think you have a case.

If your heart is set on Auburn, the only thing I can suggest is that you settle down in Alabama long enough to qualify as a state resident and apply again next year. Maybe take some community college courses in the meantime. Unfortunately, that is pretty much all I can give you as far as advice.

[allen2452]

From Web it says you are in same category as your husband so that is good , but that the decision is up to each school. Is it Auburn that is denying your in state tuition? Per web site that means they would also deny your husband--amazing. I'll fwd to friend to see if any contacts--but long shot.

[Hereintheusa]

I dont think Fox News or any other media outlet will be interested unless you are being discriminated against or if they want to do a human interest story on the plight of soldiers earning so little.

I cannot answer the questions on the state residency; however, if you canno afford it you may have to consider going to school part time. While it will take longer to complete your education at least you will be plugging away at it in a more affordable way. The worst case scenario and one which plagues a lot of people is deferring school until you can afford it. But I would really recommend that if you are strapped for cash at least try and do something each semester.

What are you studying that one year of school costs you in excess of $30k? and again you might want to consider a cheaper school.

Not much help I know but I hope you get something sorted.

[ArmyMedicWife]

I wish I knew how we could help you, but the only answers I have are sarcastic like, register as an illegal, or tell them you are with ACORN, or you are from Gitmo. Best of luck to you and your husband and thank you so much for your service and dedication protecting our Constitution and our beloved Country. :flag::flag::flag:


Oh, haha.. I get sarcastic about this situation sometimes. :D Thanks for the laugh, I do appreciate it. Thank you for your support.. Your response is comforting, and I will be sure to pass on the message of your appreciate to Ben, my Husband. It means more than you all know - just your simple words of kindness and appreciation go so far.

[Safiel]

BTW, if you DO manage to get into Auburn, be sure to spend some of your tenure there checking out the Ludwig von Mises Institute which is located on the Auburn campus. You will get a good economic and political education there.

[allen2452]

Actually the out of state tuition web site says that in Alabama it is up to each school--not state law. And that the family is treated the same as the active duty member. So sounds like finding the right person may be a way to get decision reveresed.

[ArmyMedicWife]

As a public university, Auburn must comply with Alabama state law regarding residency. Sadly, I don't think you have a case.

If your heart is set on Auburn, the only thing I can suggest is that you settle down in Alabama long enough to qualify as a state resident and apply again next year. Maybe take some community college courses in the meantime. Unfortunately, that is pretty much all I can give you as far as advice.

Our entire life is in Auburn. Our car is registered here, he pays AL income tax, we both have licenses & registered to vote AND voted in Alabama.... We have lived here since Dec. 2007.

I understand it is a State issue... And I plan on standing in front of the State Senate in Jan. 2010 with the help of a local Senator.

[ArmyMedicWife]

BTW, if you DO manage to get into Auburn, be sure to spend some of your tenure there checking out the Ludwig von Mises Institute which is located on the Auburn campus. You will get a good economic and political education there.

I have heard! :D And... I am an accounting/finance major. I will definitely check it out soon!

[ArmyMedicWife]

I dont think Fox News or any other media outlet will be interested unless you are being discriminated against or if they want to do a human interest story on the plight of soldiers earning so little.

I cannot answer the questions on the state residency; however, if you canno afford it you may have to consider going to school part time. While it will take longer to complete your education at least you will be plugging away at it in a more affordable way. The worst case scenario and one which plagues a lot of people is deferring school until you can afford it. But I would really recommend that if you are strapped for cash at least try and do something each semester.

What are you studying that one year of school costs you in excess of $30k? and again you might want to consider a cheaper school.

Not much help I know but I hope you get something sorted.



It is one of the cheapest schools. $3,200 in state, about $10,000 out of state. We have had to pay for 5 semesters between $8,000 and $10,000 mark.

[Army Wife]

Have you tried picking up a few classes on post? If AU offers classes on post for SM you can usually get in on the classes that way. Also go to the Ed center on Post they usually have extensive knowledge on in state tuition costs for spouses and can be a BIG help in getting things on track for you. I know when we were looking into college for The Daughter in TX she had to live in state for 6 months before qualifying for instate tuition. It might be something as simple as that...but I would start at the Ed center they are there to help you out use them ;)

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Since we don't qualify for any in-state tuition anywhere --- I should just settle for online school? I do not think that it is okay to deny military service members and their families in-state rates where they are legally residents. By the way: what happens if my Husband returns home from war with a severe injury? Should I just accept that we will have to rely on the government for the rest of our lives because I won't be able to pay the bills for his care and lack of income?

I find it hard for someone to make such a statement when they have never had to face this type of difficulty.
Did you file your taxes with Alabama as your state of residence?

You should do what you have to to get the education that you feel that you need. If that means an online school or a junior college, then do that. If that means that you have to work and go to school, do that. If that means that you don't carry a full load each semester, so what, at least it's working toward your goal.

I don't understand why being a military spouse entitles you to anything outside of the benefits that were outlined in the contract that your husband signed. I don't care for the sense of entitlement that some military wives seem to have.

Conversely, you could join the military yourself and take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to members of our military.

I find it hard to imagine that you know what sort of adversity I've faced and overcome.

BTW, I was in the military and I don't feel entitled to squat. I collected my pay for the job that I contracted to do.

I do wish that our service members returning home received better medical care, but I don't feel any sense of obligations to spouses who made choices that weren't the best for them and somehow now feel that, because their <insert relative here> is in the military, they're owed help cleaning up their messes. I served myself and still have to clean up my own messes.

[HeyJude]

Our entire life is in Auburn. Our car is registered here, he pays AL income tax, we both have licenses & registered to vote AND voted in Alabama.... We have lived here since Dec. 2007.


I'm not understanding why you're not considered a resident.
Has anyone mentioned exactly how/when you become a resident?
Before I shelled out $9,000., I'd hire a lawyer.


I understand it is a State issue... And I plan on standing in front of the State Senate in Jan. 2010 with the help of a local Senator.

Just hire a lawyer, ACLU attorneys love this stuff.
Contact the Southern Poverty Law Center, they might know who can help you.
http://www.splcenter.org/center/contact.jsp

[PeterGriffin]

Something isn't adding up here.

For the purpose of assessing fees, applicants shall be classified as Alabama or non-Alabama students. Non-Alabama students are required to pay a non-resident tuition fee.

An Alabama student is a person which shall be a citizen of the United States , or a resident alien, and who shall have resided and had habitation, home and permanent abode in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding current registration. In applying this regulation, "applicant" shall mean a person applying for admission to the institution, if applicant is married or 19 years of age, and financially independent. Otherwise, it shall mean parents, parent or legal guardian of his/her person. If the parents are divorced, residence will be determined by the residency of the parent to whom the court has granted custody. A person who establishes a guardianship for purpose of avoiding non-Alabama fees will be subject to non-resident tuition. No person who moves to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college shall be considered to have demonstrated intent to establish domicile in the State of Alabama , and will generally not be considered eligible for classification as a resident student. Clear and convincing evidence to the contrary must be presented to overcome this presumption. In determining Alabama student status for purposes of assessing fees, the burden of proof is on the applicant.

http://www.auburn.edu/administration/registrar/helpful-resources/enrollment/residency.html

If everything you've presented is true as far as dates, tax returns, etc., the only thing that makes sense is that the determination was made you moved to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college.

[Army Wife]

...the only thing that makes sense is that the determination was made you moved to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college.

With a copy of her husband's orders she can show that she didn't, that they PCS'ed there. ;)

[The Girl from Ipanema]

She said that her husband lives in NC.

[PeterGriffin]

With a copy of her husband's orders she can show that she didn't, that they PCS'ed there. ;)

What was the reason you were denied in state tuition?

[Apatriot]

Since we don't qualify for any in-state tuition anywhere --- I should just settle for online school? I do not think that it is okay to deny military service members and their families in-state rates where they are legally residents. By the way: what happens if my Husband returns home from war with a severe injury? Should I just accept that we will have to rely on the government for the rest of our lives because I won't be able to pay the bills for his care and lack of income?

I find it hard for someone to make such a statement when they have never had to face this type of difficulty.

Where is your husband's home of record? From looking at Auburn's website, if your husband's home of record is Alabama, you should qualify. Also, why don't you go to school in North Carolina? Most universities give in-state tuition to military spouses if their spouse is on active duty in that state.

[Apatriot]

Our entire life is in Auburn. Our car is registered here, he pays AL income tax, we both have licenses & registered to vote AND voted in Alabama.... We have lived here since Dec. 2007.

I understand it is a State issue... And I plan on standing in front of the State Senate in Jan. 2010 with the help of a local Senator.

Have you worked there for over a year? Is that continuous residence in AL?

[Streelsh]

Something isn't adding up here.



http://www.auburn.edu/administration/registrar/helpful-resources/enrollment/residency.html

If everything you've presented is true as far as dates, tax returns, etc., the only thing that makes sense is that the determination was made you moved to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college.

I agree that something is amiss. If in fact she has lived in Auburn since 2007 it seems she should qualify.

Anyway, it is a lousy way to treat the families of active military personnel. Alabama - and Auburn University - should be ashamed of themselves!

[MrShotShot]

A similar thing happened to a friend of mine in Michigan. We were both working our first jobs in Ann Arbor and he wanted to atten U of M for some graduate classes in Engineering and he could not qualify for in-state tuition even though his legal residence was in MI, driver's license, tax returns, etc.

He never did get it resolved.

[RWReaganfan]

Something is not right here. I attended Auburn and I was not a resident when I first attended. I was required by the Navy to switch to Alabama as a resident. All I did was obtain an Alabama's driver's license and register to vote. I also had to have lived there one year.

Have you contacted anyone in the Veteran's Affairs office with the university or someone with the ROTC programs in Broun Hall?

Please do not take offense, but something is not right with your story as it should not be that difficult. Either you are leaving out some detail or someone has their head up their butt.

AU graduate 1984

[ArmyMedicWife]

Where is your husband's home of record? From looking at Auburn's website, if your husband's home of record is Alabama, you should qualify. Also, why don't you go to school in North Carolina? Most universities give in-state tuition to military spouses if their spouse is on active duty in that state.


Husband's HOR is Alabama. I was recruited to be on the AU Gymnastics team. I love AU and want to stay here... And AU has the best Accountancy program for me.

[ArmyMedicWife]

Something is not right here. I attended Auburn and I was not a resident when I first attended. I was required by the Navy to switch to Alabama as a resident. All I did was obtain an Alabama's driver's license and register to vote. I also had to have lived there one year.

Have you contacted anyone in the Veteran's Affairs office with the university or someone with the ROTC programs in Broun Hall?

Please do not take offense, but something is not right with your story as it should not be that difficult. Either you are leaving out some detail or someone has their head up their butt.

AU graduate 1984

The Residency Committee wrote a letter on June 8 stating "1. The student must establish residency in his/her own right. You have not done this. or 2. The student must receive in-state tuition based on the residency of a parent (dependent student) or spouse." Basically -- it is a time factor........ Senator Ted Little is confused, also. They have been trying to understand everything.

Please.. I do not think anyone is fully aware of the situation - it would take too long and too much personal information for me to explain all the details. As you might have sensed, I have lost a lot of hope. I am so tired and my Husband really feels like a failure right now.

If you all would, please keep us (especially him) in your prayers.

[Frau Blucher]

I could be wrong here, but it sounds to me like the OP really isn't looking for "information"...

[ArmyMedicWife]

I could be wrong here, but it sounds to me like the OP really isn't looking for "information"...


You would be correct. :) I have a whole binder dedicated to all the information on AL state laws and the requirements of the University. I have all the letters/documentation submitted to the committees and the Senator... I know this situation inside and out. I just don't know who to go to - since I can't get into contact with someone who can actually help me.

Even if I do not get the in-state tuition now.. I will not give up on making it possible for ALL military personnel & their dependents to qualify for in-state rates at ALL public Universities by helping to amend laws making it less stringent for them to qualify.

[Frau Blucher]

Like I said... I have NO IDEA what is wrong. The Residency Committee wrote a letter on June 8 stating "1. The student must establish residency in his/her own right. You have not done this. or 2. The student must receive in-state tuition based on the residency of a parent (dependent student) or spouse." Basically -- it is a time factor........ Senator Ted Little is confused, also. They have been trying to understand everything.

Please.. I do not think anyone is fully aware of the situation - it would take too long and too much personal information for me to explain all the details. As you might have sensed, I have lost a lot of hope. I am so tired and my Husband really feels like a failure right now.

If you all would, please keep us (especially him) in your prayers.

I am sorry for your situation...if this really is happening like you say it is. I don't know...all we have to go on is what you are telling us.

BUT....

If your husband is feeling like a failure because he only makes $23,000 a year and can't afford to pay for YOUR schooling of $30,000 a year and you don't want to make any sacrifices like only going part time, or to a less expensive school, then it seems like you are the one making him feel like the failure.

Really, so what if you have to take a few classes at a community college, or wait a year and try again to get in state for Auburn...isn't it worth not having your husband feel like crap over it???

[ArmyMedicWife]

I am sorry for your situation...if this really is happening like you say it is. I don't know...all we have to go on is what you are telling us.

BUT....

If your husband is feeling like a failure because he only makes $23,000 a year and can't afford to pay for YOUR schooling of $30,000 a year and you don't want to make any sacrifices like only going part time, or to a less expensive school, then it seems like you are the one making him feel like the failure.

Really, so what if you have to take a few classes at a community college, or wait a year and try again to get in state for Auburn...isn't it worth not having your husband feel like crap over it???

Wow, How dare you? And how presumptuous of you! I cannot believe you would say such a thing. :eek: My Husband and I made this decision together! FIRST of all - he has a few years left in the military and I need to have a job to support us by the time he separates (since he will be returning to school).... SECOND I am a JR. and I can't go to community college for my last 30 credit hours. THIRD - it will cost us MORE in the long run (i.e. rent, food, etc. etc.) to take a year off.... LASTLY -We were not expecting this kind of resistance when qualifying for in-state rates.

Also, when he gets out of the military he plans on 10+ years of medical school. How do you like that for a balance? How much time and money do you think that is going to cost? **ALL that matters to me is that my Husband can have his dreams... and I will support him no matter what. He feels the same for me.

Do you honestly believe that I would want my Husband to feel inadequate? I have offered to "drop out" but he REFUSES to let that happen to us since he had to drop out of college.

All I can say is... WOW. Way to make an attack on my character and assume I do not have the best interests of my family in mind.

[Frau Blucher]

Wow, How dare you? And how presumptuous of you! I cannot believe you would say such a thing. :eek: My Husband and I made this decision together! FIRST of all - he has a few years left in the military and I need to have a job to support us by the time he separates (since he will be returning to school).... SECOND I am a JR. and I can't go to community college for my last 30 credit hours. THIRD - it will cost us MORE in the long run (i.e. rent, food, etc. etc.) to take a year off.... LASTLY -We were not expecting this kind of resistance when qualifying for in-state rates.

Also, when he gets out of the military he plans on 10+ years of medical school. How do you like that for a balance? How much time and money do you think that is going to cost? **ALL that matters to me is that my Husband can have his dreams... and I will support him no matter what. He feels the same for me.

Do you honestly believe that I would want my Husband to feel inadequate? I have offered to "drop out" but he REFUSES to let that happen to us since he had to drop out of college.

All I can say is... WOW. Way to make an attack on my character and assume I do not have the best interests of my family in mind.

Ok, how dare I? I dare because you are the one that decided to put your life out there for us to read. You have repeated TWICE that your husband feels like a failure...I am not making him feel that way, no one else on this MB is making him feel that way, I doubt that Auburn is making him feel that way. So there isn't many options left, is there?? And for the record, when I said that I thought that you were doing it, I didn't mean that I think you are actually telling him that, I just mean that you just don't seem to be willing to budge on what you want at all, and in turn its making him this way. Of course this really all depends on if he actually feels this way, or if it's something you decided to throw in to make your story sound even worse...

How in the world could someone making $23000 be able to put someone through school full time?? You bring up that it will cost you more in the long run for rent and food if you take a year off of school... I guess that means you live on campus? Well, guess what, there is the answer to your problem.... you were not a resident of Alabama before you started going to school. Thats why you were denied in state tuition!! Just because you live in state while going to school doesn't mean that half way through they change you to in state because you now live there FOR SCHOOL!!! See how easy that was???

Sorry if I see this for what it really is...you coming on here to try to drum up money from us for school by saying that Auburn is being unfair to the military!! Because if you were just trying to make a point of the school not working with the military, you wouldn't have to tell us how much you owe and when its due!!

[ArmyMedicWife]

Ok, how dare I? I dare because you are the one that decided to put your life out there for us to read. You have repeated TWICE that your husband feels like a failure...I am not making him feel that way, no one else on this MB is making him feel that way, I doubt that Auburn is making him feel that way. So there isn't many options left, is there?? And for the record, when I said that I thought that you were doing it, I didn't mean that I think you are actually telling him that, I just mean that you just don't seem to be willing to budge on what you want at all, and in turn its making him this way. Of course this really all depends on if he actually feels this way, or if it's something you decided to throw in to make your story sound even worse...

How in the world could someone making $23000 be able to put someone through school full time?? You bring up that it will cost you more in the long run for rent and food if you take a year off of school... I guess that means you live on campus? Well, guess what, there is the answer to your problem.... you were not a resident of Alabama before you started going to school. Thats why you were denied in state tuition!! Just because you live in state while going to school doesn't mean that half way through they change you to in state because you now live there FOR SCHOOL!!! See how easy that was???

Sorry if I see this for what it really is...you coming on here to try to drum up money from us for school by saying that Auburn is being unfair to the military!! Because if you were just trying to make a point of the school not working with the military, you wouldn't have to tell us how much you owe and when its due!!

I am not trying to "drum up" money from anyone one here.

I am not the only military wife who has had to face this kind of adversity. Several of my friends had to finally drop out of school this year alone because of the tuition problem.

Military families get (for lack of a better word) "screwed" BIG TIME on the FAFSA.

I am not going to give up.

I am not sure why you are so enthusiastic about fighting this issue. Do you not think that military service members and their families be considered for a bit of a break since they don't have a say where they live? Are you saying that you advocate this struggle that all service members face when trying to establish residency after getting out of the military?

I kindly say this: Since you are personally attacking me instead of trying to help me, I will no longer respond to your posts.

[ArmyMedicWife]

Married to the Military and Pursuing Higher Education

The Unique Challenges Military Spouses Face

In an era when recruitment and retention of servicemembers is a top priority for military leaders, concerns about job satisfaction, not only of servicemembers, but also of their families, are on the forefront. Specifically, employment and education opportunities for military spouses are gaining attention—with good reason.

In a 2004 study (http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG196.pdf) of the employment and education challenges faced by military wives,1 (http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=24430#one) the RAND Corporation (http://www.rand.org/) found that although military spouses are more educated than their civilian counterparts, they earn $5,500 to $7,400 less annually. In addition, 45 percent of spouses reported that being a military spouse put them at a disadvantage when it came to pursuing an education. Sources of discontent were easy to identify. Spouses consistently cited absence of the servicemember due to deployments, the unpredictability of military work schedules, and the responsibility of parenting with little assistance from the servicemember as impediments to pursuing an education.


A report (http://www.nmfa.org/site/DocServer/Spouse_Education_Report_FINAL.pdf?docID=10381) released earlier this year by the National Military Family Association (NMFA) (http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer), based on a survey of nearly 8,000 military spouses who have applied to NMFA's scholarship program, revealed similar concerns. Twenty-five percent reported that they had to delay schooling due to moving or deployment, and 7 percent couldn't finish a course of study in which they had already enrolled. Many respondents said that they would begin a course of study in one location, only to be forced to change it when they moved because it was not offered at their new station. Possibly for this reason—and for employment reasons as well—18 percent of the spouses surveyed chose to pursue a more portable degree. "A spouse with an art history degree might have a harder time finding a job with that degree if they're transferred to, say, Kansas City," said Michelle Joyner, NMFA's director of communications.


Cost is another barrier for many military families. Because military families earn less than their civilian peers, they have less to spend on education. In addition, few spouses can meet financial aid and scholarship requirements, said Joyner. "There are a lot of benefits out there that military spouses aren't eligible for because they're not in degree programs, or they don't qualify for in-state tuition, or they're part-time students, or they can't complete classes in a standard time frame," she said, noting that one-third of those surveyed have been working toward their degree for five or more years.
Frequent moves also add to the cost of education. Because many courses don't transfer, military spouses are often forced to pay to repeat a class or take more courses to graduate. Some spouses try to avoid this by staying behind to complete their education when their husband or wife is transferred. But in 16 states, doing so switches the spouse's enrollment status to out-of-state—resulting in higher tuition. The net effect: The total cost of earning a degree is often significantly higher for military spouses than for civilian students.


Deployments add to the personal challenge of maintaining the home and, for families with children, parenting with no spousal support. Today, more than 300,000 troops are deployed overseas. "Many spouses are concerned about what would happen if their loved one was killed or injured," said Joyner. "If they become the sole breadwinner, can they make enough money to support the family?" For this reason, she added, education becomes increasingly important.


http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=24430

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Many people get an education before they get married.

[ogibillm]

Many people get an education before they get married.

it's a bit... different with the military.

lots of guys get married young in the service. and that's understandable.

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Maybe, there was no shortage of single guys when I was in. :whistle: ;)

That's really not the point, though. I don't really understand the mindset that goes "We made crappy choices and now <insert institution> owes me because of the choices that we made."

I didn't make any better choices when I was younger either. The difference is, I didn't go looking for someone to blame it on or to clean up my mess.

When I joined the military, I was told in no uncertain terms that I would be sent where I was needed and, while duty stations could be requested, there was no guarantee and it wasn't really likely to happen. It happened to my mother, my uncles, my aunts, my cousins, etc. I can't imagine that enlistees are joining thinking that they get to choose where they live nowadays.

I have no problem with services being available to our enlisted military members. I think they should be paid better and deserve better medical care upon their return, if they suffer from LOD injuries. I don't think that marrying a soldier equates to any entitlement aside from the benefits that are in the soldiers contract.

Personal responsibility. It's never to early to learn.

[ogibillm]

Maybe, there was no shortage of single guys when I was in. :whistle: ;)

That's really not the point, though. I don't really understand the mindset that goes "We made crappy choices and now <insert institution> owes me because of the choices that we made."

I didn't make any better choices when I was younger either. The difference is, I didn't go looking for someone to blame it on or to clean up my mess.

When I joined the military, I was told in no uncertain terms that I would be sent where I was needed and, while duty stations could be requested, there was no guarantee and it wasn't really likely to happen. It happened to my mother, my uncles, my aunts, my cousins, etc. I can't imagine that enlistees are joining thinking that they get to choose where they live nowadays.

I have no problem with services being available to our military members. I think they should be paid better and deserve better medical care upon their return, if they suffer from LOD injuries. I don't think that marrying a soldier equates to any entitlement aside from the benefits that are in the soldiers contract.

Personal responsibility. It's never to early to learn.

as a soldier's husband, i agree. nobody makes you get married. if you are married and are worried about moving around, maybe you need to get your own apartment wherever you're going to school. if having kids means you can't go to school, well, that's certainly not unique to the military. but maybe you need to take smaller class loads, rely on family, something...

there are ways to make it work.

[Frau Blucher]

I am not trying to "drum up" money from anyone one here.

I am not the only military wife who has had to face this kind of adversity. Several of my friends had to finally drop out of school this year alone because of the tuition problem.

Military families get (for lack of a better word) "screwed" BIG TIME on the FAFSA.

I am not going to give up.

I am not sure why you are so enthusiastic about fighting this issue. Do you not think that military service members and their families be considered for a bit of a break since they don't have a say where they live? Are you saying that you advocate this struggle that all service members face when trying to establish residency after getting out of the military?

I kindly say this: Since you are personally attacking me instead of trying to help me, I will no longer respond to your posts.


I am not personally attacking you. You came on here about a PERSONAL problem, so its hard to reply without it sounding personal!! If I was wrong about you seeking money, I am sorry, but honestly thats the way it came across to me.

You have stated that your husband lives in North Carolina, but he pays taxes and votes in Alabama. Maybe I am missing whatever it is you are trying to say! But from the info you have given us, the obvious answer is if he is not stationed in Alabama then that is why you cant get in state tuition.

If I have completely misunderstood your husband living in NC and Alabama, please let me know so I can understand your situation better.

[The Girl from Ipanema]

as a soldier's husband, i agree. nobody makes you get married. if you are married and are worried about moving around, maybe you need to get your own apartment wherever you're going to school. if having kids means you can't go to school, well, that's certainly not unique to the military. but maybe you need to take smaller class loads, rely on family, something...

there are ways to make it work.

Precisely. :) There are always ways to make it work and it usually involves working hard at it.

I wish the OP well, but I do not want to see the taxpayers wind up obligated to pay for someone else's choices. We've got enough of that going on already. Instead of adding more to the load, we need to be getting people off of the public dole and teach them to accept responsibility for their own lives and accept the results of their own choices.

[PeterGriffin]

For some reason, we either can't or won't get the full story as to why, for all apparent qualifications of in state tuition, you're being denied in state tuition. Based on common sense and the evasiveness of the OP's answers and responses to good faith inquiries, I'm going to suggest that I was correct in my first response, that Auburn made the determination that you're playing a little fast and loose and are only interested in residency in Alabama to get lower tuition, which according to their residency requirements disqualifies a student for in state tuition. Nothing else makes sense and you either can't or you won't clarify.

[Frau Blucher]

For some reason, we either can't or won't get the full story as to why, for all apparent qualifications of in state tuition, you're being denied in state tuition. Based on common sense and the evasiveness of the OP's answers and responses to good faith inquiries, I'm going to suggest that I was correct in my first response, that Auburn made the determination that you're playing a little fast and loose and are only interested in residency in Alabama to get lower tuition, which according to their residency requirements disqualifies a student for in state tuition. Nothing else makes sense and you either can't or you won't clarify.

I agree.

[Apatriot]

I am not personally attacking you. You came on here about a PERSONAL problem, so its hard to reply without it sounding personal!! If I was wrong about you seeking money, I am sorry, but honestly thats the way it came across to me.

You have stated that your husband lives in North Carolina, but he pays taxes and votes in Alabama. Maybe I am missing whatever it is you are trying to say! But from the info you have given us, the obvious answer is if he is not stationed in Alabama then that is why you cant get in state tuition.

If I have completely misunderstood your husband living in NC and Alabama, please let me know so I can understand your situation better.

Well, according to Auburn's website, if the husband's home of record is Alabama, and if he's paid Alabama income tax during his entire stay in the service, then his wife is entitled to in-state tuition. I think we are missing part of the story.


Additional Persons Eligible for Resident Tuition

Military personnel on active duty stationed in Alabama, their spouses and dependent children (as defined by Internal Revenue Codes), as well as military personnel whose "Home of Record" is Alabama, who have continuously filed Alabama income tax returns for the duration of their service, and their spouses and dependent children.

http://www.auburn.edu/administration/registrar/helpful-resources/enrollment/residency.html

Now, maybe her husband declared residency for a year somewhere else to avoid the rather regressive AL income tax.

[MrShotShot]

For some reason, we either can't or won't get the full story as to why, for all apparent qualifications of in state tuition, you're being denied in state tuition. Based on common sense and the evasiveness of the OP's answers and responses to good faith inquiries, I'm going to suggest that I was correct in my first response, that Auburn made the determination that you're playing a little fast and loose and are only interested in residency in Alabama to get lower tuition, which according to their residency requirements disqualifies a student for in state tuition. Nothing else makes sense and you either can't or you won't clarify.

Not to mention, the UNC system has some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation - around $6K annually for tuition and fees and about half that of Auburn for an in-state student.

If costs are such an issue, why so much focus on Auburn.

[Apatriot]

Not to mention, the UNC system has some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation - around $6K annually for tuition and fees and about half that of Auburn for an in-state student.

If costs are such an issue, why so much focus on Auburn.

Well, she did say she was 30 hrs from completion of her degree. Knowing how transfer credits work, she's probably 50-60 hr from completion at a UNC school.

[ArmyMedicWife]

My OP was about making the law less stringent for military families to obtain in-state rates. I know what the requirements are. We don't meet all the requirements. I am fully aware.

The reason why I don't detail ever single part of the whole deal is due to the fact that I am worn out. Plus... What can you do about this situation if I rehash all the details for you? I was asking if anyone had any suggestions on who to contact to help me in this endeavor.


I hope this clarifies for all of you.

My Husband is also only in NC for 2 more months (he was up there for 2.5 years of training... So he was temporarily there). Then he will be stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

[ArmyMedicWife]

Not to mention, the UNC system has some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation - around $6K annually for tuition and fees and about half that of Auburn for an in-state student.

If costs are such an issue, why so much focus on Auburn.

I was recruited to be on the gymnastics team. I broke my ankle. They let me go 3 weeks later. That is why I focused on AU.

[ArmyMedicWife]

Regardless, I will finish my undergrad at Auburn. I find it silly to just give up and keep moving around and never establish a state of residency. At the very least our hopes are that by me remaining in Alabama and working hard to establish residency (instead of moving all over the place.. therefore having no real state to establish firm residency) that when the time comes when he is done in the military he can go to med school here in AL at in-state rates. Since we have decided to permanently reside here.

[Frau Blucher]

Originally Posted by ArmyMedicWife
My OP was about making the law less stringent for military families to obtain in-state rates. I know what the requirements are. We don't meet all the requirements. I am fully aware.

Even if a law would be made to make it easier, I still don't see how this will help you with your problem. You said you have resided in Alabama since 07 and your husband has been in North Carolina for 2.5 years, then you aren't in Alabama because of the military. The problem is your are ( or seem to be) fighting for in state rates for militray families in a state where the military didn't move you. You are trying to make this a military issue when its really not one.


The reason why I don't detail ever single part of the whole deal is due to the fact that I am worn out. Plus... What can you do about this situation if I rehash all the details for you? I was asking if anyone had any suggestions on who to contact to help me in this endeavor.

I hope this clarifies for all of you.


I understand that you have been fighting this for a while and that it gets tiring, but you can't expect the right kind of help on a MB if you don't give all the details.

I hope you find a way to pay for your schooling. Have you tried for any grants or scholarships?

[Alone In Liberalville]

I feel for you - I am National Guard wife and have been a grad student for entirely too long. We haven't moved, but I've had to get two extensions on my grad degree due to deployments. Not my fault and my school has helped, but they are starting to talk to me like I haven't been trying hard enough! :wall:

Anyway, try contacting the National Military Family Association if you haven't done that yet (http://www.nmfa.org). They have scholarships for military wives and may have some emergency funds to help. Also, I would try ArmyOneSource
(http://www.militaryonesource.com/ (http://www.militaryonesource.com/))

You could try your unit chaplain or family assistance center and see if they can either help negotiate for you or find emergency funds. The army wants to see its spouses go to college. If the college won't try, try the army.

God bless. I work for a state university in another state. If you want to email me directly, see if you can leave me a message through this site and I'll try to check later. I don't want to post my email address on a public forum for obvious reasons, but I can't help but think the army will have some means to help you if your university won't.

[Alone In Liberalville]

Two more thoughts - our university has a student advocate. If Auburn has one, they might be someone to help you through university red tape. God knows there is usually enough of it.

Also - have you brought this up to a JAG? It turns out that I am entitled my last extension on my degree by law and if the university wouldn't have offered it, a JAG was going to force them to. They don't know that, but since they gave it to me at the last minute anyway, there was no point in having the JAG contact them.

I would contact your unit JAG - there may be some federal law enacted to help you that your university is not aware of.

Good luck!

[Alone In Liberalville]

Alright, one more suggestion, then I'll quit (I promise). From reading other posts, it sounds like you are not near the post your husband is stationed at right now. You do not have to use the chaplain, familiy assistance, or JAG at the post your husband is assigned to.

You should be able to use those resources at a closer post or through your local national guard or reservists. Military OneSource should be able to help you find out who that is.

[ArmyMedicWife]

Alright, one more suggestion, then I'll quit (I promise). From reading other posts, it sounds like you are not near the post your husband is stationed at right now. You do not have to use the chaplain, familiy assistance, or JAG at the post your husband is assigned to.

You should be able to use those resources at a closer post or through your local national guard or reservists. Military OneSource should be able to help you find out who that is.


Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will pursue them further. My Husband talked to the JAG at Ft. Bragg and they couldn't do anything about it. I'll try the local JAG. Again, that you so much.

[raelgirl]

Hey Armygirl!

Congrats on making the gymnastics team! You can also attend the university online. I wouldn't recommend Pheonix because it's more expensive (although very doable) than the program I'm using: Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. It's very affordable to resident and nonresidents alike. http://dept.lamar.edu/cde/cdepages/military.html

Just make sure that the colleage you choose is accredited and you will be alright :)

Not to get your family more in debt but college grants, scholarships, and dare I say it "loans" are avaliable to help. I am still paying off loans, but only have one more year left to qualify for teacher loan forgiveness title I thingy!

Good luck!

[geauxtohell]

I am desperate. I have done everything I can think of to try to qualify for in-state tuition at Auburn University in Alabama. I have been formally denied by letter on 3 separate occasions. The local State Senator has not been able to help me, and the $9,100.00 out of state student rate is due by this Friday, or I will have to do what so many military wives and service members have had to do: drop out of college.

If anyone can please help me, I have done as much as I can to qualify for residency, but the University is still refusing to help us.

My Husband is an enlisted soldier who lives in NC. We have made so many sacrifices so that I can go to school, and now we have to face the fact that we can't afford it anymore. (We have paid and taken out loans exceeding $30,000 for ONE YEAR of tuition alone.) He is completely devastated because he feels like he can't provide for his family. He makes less than $23,000/year and we can't get any assistance because we are military. I just do not understand.

I have nowhere else to turn and I can't get in contact with anyone on the FoxNews station through e-mail effectively.

Thank you for reading, and God Bless.


Regards,

Brett, Proud Army Wife to Benjamin.


Brett & Benjamin


OVERSIZED PICS REMOVED

State Universities are pretty protective of their in-state tuition. You probably don't want to hear this, but being an Army wife is most likely immaterial.

See if you can get student loans, aids, grants, etc.

If it makes you feel any better, LSU Medical School refused to look at my application, though I lived in New Orleans at the time, because I was out of state.

I even tried to play the Veteran card, but no dice.

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

I was asking if anyone had any suggestions on who to contact to help me in this endeavor.

I know what the requirements are. We don't meet all the requirements.

It seems you answered your own question.

[HeyJude]

fwiw, Alabama, like a lot of other States, is broke.

[Scrambled Eggs]

I need to tell my Auburn grad co-worker about this one.

There is no reason why state universities cannot treat active duty military living within their state protecting their f'n state as in-state citizens when it comes down to tuition costs.

Most active duty personnel cannot pick and choose where they want to live, so they are forced to live in some states they wouldn't even drive through going on vacation. I know this because my dad did 22 years in the USAF and I'm in my 15th year in the USAF. I'm lucky that I have control over my location, but I do pity anyone that doesn't.

[Apatriot]

I need to tell my Auburn grad co-worker about this one.

There is no reason why state universities cannot treat active duty military living within their state protecting their f'n state as in-state citizens when it comes down to tuition costs.

Most active duty personnel cannot pick and choose where they want to live, so they are forced to live in some states they wouldn't even drive through going on vacation. I know this because my dad did 22 years in the USAF and I'm in my 15th year in the USAF. I'm lucky that I have control over my location, but I do pity anyone that doesn't.

You didn't read it carefully. The husband is active duty and is stationed in North Carolina and is NOT living in Alabama.

[Scrambled Eggs]

You didn't read it carefully. The husband is active duty and is stationed in North Carolina and is NOT living in Alabama.

If that is the case and she isn't an Alabama resident paying taxes there then she has no case.

She should attend a college in NC like I did...the U of NC at Chapel Hill. It's only among the Top 5 Public Us in the nation, that's all.

[MR. MISTER]

She should attend a college in NC like I did...the U of NC at Chapel Hill. It's only among the Top 5 Public Us in the nation, that's all.
And if you like College BBall - it's [Blue] Heaven on Earth.

[ArmyMedicWife]

If that is the case and she isn't an Alabama resident paying taxes there then she has no case.

She should attend a college in NC like I did...the U of NC at Chapel Hill. It's only among the Top 5 Public Us in the nation, that's all.


His body is physically in NC. We are legally AL residents. We pay all taxes in AL. EVERYTHING is in AL. We voted in AL, we have licenses here... we are members of Church here............ We have NO connection with NC.... Besides his physical body working and staying in barracks we have no ties to NC.


He is training in NC. It is NOT his permanent duty station.
I hope this cleared things up.. again.

[withoutfeathers]

Since we don't qualify for any in-state tuition anywhere --- I should just settle for online school?Take a look at Western Governor's (http://www.wgu.edu/). This is one of the most widely accredited public universities in the country. I've been taking a second degree there to qualify for a graduate program I want to take. My experience has been very positive.

[PhantomPholly]

I don't understand why being a military spouse entitles you to anything outside of the benefits that were outlined in the contract that your husband signed. I don't care for the sense of entitlement that some military wives seem to have.

Wow. From a Ron Paul supporter, too.

Let's see, you uproot your life every 2 years and move to another State because that's where the military sends you. And, you can't even qualify for in-state tuition even though you live there.

What an Egregious sense of entitlement that is, wanting to be "allowed" to qualify for in-state tuition in the state you have been sent to live in.

:think:

Actually, most schools have (or at least used to have) a policy saying that military members and their families automatically qualified for in-state tuition if their "permanent station" was in that State. That was a pretty reasonable allowance made for the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make (financially; locationally; and through increased likelihood of death of self or your spouse).

If Auburn (or Alabama) does not do that, it may be because the military DOES provide one perk to military members - that is, that one time during their career they can pick the current state that they live in (or the one they were living in immediately prior to enlistment) as their "home state." Most soldiers choose Texas, or one of the other States still following the intent of the Constitution by NOT having Income Tax.

[PhantomPholly]

The ROTC at Auburn seems to be under the impression that spouses are considered in-state.

Found this on their web site (http://www.auburn.edu/academic/rotc/nrotc/ApplicantsInfo.htm):

To Apply to Auburn :

Tuition Costs :

Active Duty Members and spouses pay In-state tuition. Below is what a current MECEP student is paying for tuition, fees and books. These figures will vary slightly based on the course load and curriculum taken.

* Cost per semester based on 15 semester hours .
* Tuition and Fees: $3,250.00
* Books: $450.00
* Total per semester $3,700.00

[Frau Blucher]

The ROTC at Auburn seems to be under the impression that spouses are considered in-state.

Found this on their web site (http://www.auburn.edu/academic/rotc/nrotc/ApplicantsInfo.htm):


The OP has said her husband is staioned in NC, but they chose to make AL their home...so she can go to school there. They have no ties to AL other than her being in school, so why should she get in state tuition for a state where they were not sent???

[jimjames418]

The OP has said her husband is staioned in NC, but they chose to make AL their home...so she can go to school there. They have no ties to AL other than her being in school, so why should she get in state tuition for a state where they were not sent???
From what I understand it pertains to "Active Duty" members of the military. It matters not where they are stationed or even where they live. :think:

[Long Island Bob]

While cannot help you with the in-state tuition thing you might find the following both interesting and informative

My wife and I were both returning adult students. We discovered the following things form our experience.

1.) It doesn’t matter where you get your first two years education or how long it takes you to get it. However most universities require that you complete your last 3-4 semesters at their school and complete them within 5 years of each other. Community colleges are GREAT!!!

2.) If for some reason in your educational journey (changed major etc.) you wind up needing more than 4.5 - 5 years attendance at school to get your degree you will find that you have to do the last semester or two with ZERO financial aid.

3.) For students, even adult students without children the formulas for financial aid are RIDICULOUS. My wife and I were full-time students with part-time retail jobs. combined salary <$15,000 per year. The formula said we should have been able to save more than$5,000 per year cash in the bank.

4.) For students who have a kid the financial aid formulas are quite generous (although most of the aid comes in the form of loans). We were actually getting free tuition had income adequate to cover room and board and were STIL getting $3,000-$4,000 checks at the beginning of each semester.

I’m not sure the above helps but except for establishing residency I can guide you through lots of stuff about being an adult student. Feel free to ask.

~Bob

[Kat-2]

The OP has said her husband is staioned in NC, but they chose to make AL their home...so she can go to school there. They have no ties to AL other than her being in school, so why should she get in state tuition for a state where they were not sent???


Exactly! I don't know why she wants to go to that cow paddy school anyhow.:whistle:
(nothing personal there ArmyMedicWife)

[RWReaganfan]

Exactly! I don't know why she wants to go to that cow paddy school anyhow.:whistle:
(nothing personal there ArmyMedicWife)

Is that how they teach you people to spell at Bama? It's cow patty!

The reason they call it "Bama" is that no one can spell Alabama because it have too many letters for their "Speak and Spell".

War Eagle!
Auburn Class of 1984

[Kat-2]

Is that how they teach you people to spell at Bama? It's cow patty!

The reason they call it "Bama" is that no one can spell Alabama because it have too many letters for their "Speak and Spell".

War Eagle!
Auburn Class of 1984


LOL I spelled it the same way you spell rice paddy...so as not to offend any gals named Patty. I mean really..and I really don't think it matters, but only an AU person would know for sure. I don't play in them. ;)

[Frau Blucher]

LOL I spelled it the same way you spell rice paddy...so as not to offend any gals named Patty. I mean really..and I really don't think it matters, but only an AU person would know for sure. I don't play in them. ;)


Can't we all just get along???:hug::hug::hug:



And really...everyone knows the best school in the SEC is the University of Florida!!


GO GATORS!!!!!
Class of 1991

:D:D:D

[PhantomPholly]

There's a University in Florida???

:twisted:

[Frau Blucher]

There's a University in Florida???

:twisted:

Yep...since around 1853.

:angel:

[RWReaganfan]

Can't we all just get along???:hug::hug::hug:



And really...everyone knows the best school in the SEC is the University of Florida!!


GO GATORS!!!!!
Class of 1991


:D:D:D

At least you guys have the school colors right, although the blue is a slightly different hue.

[RWReaganfan]

Yep...since around 1853.

:angel:

But the dating scene was pretty lame until 1946 unless you were gay!

[Long Island Bob]

The OP has said her husband is staioned in NC, but they chose to make AL their home...so she can go to school there. They have no ties to AL other than her being in school, so why should she get in state tuition for a state where they were not sent???

It happens to lots of people.

They grow up in one state.

They and their parents and grandparents pay taxes there. Ten, just about the time they are ready for school "Dad" (or "hubby) gets transferred to another state.


That state says "nope you have have not lived here for 2 calendar years yet, you don't get in-state tuition."
Your home state says "sorry you moved out weeks ago you are no longer one of us . . thanks for your money all those yearstough."






For most people this is not a HUGE problem. They simply put off their study plans for a year or two. For Army spouses and Army kids it is a PANDEMIC.

[MrShotShot]

Can't we all just get along???:hug::hug::hug:



And really...everyone knows the best school in the SEC is the University of Florida!!


GO GATORS!!!!!
Class of 1991

:D:D:D

Guess she couldn't get into Ole Miss.

GO REBS!!!

[Frau Blucher]

But the dating scene was pretty lame until 1946 unless you were gay!

True...:D

[Frau Blucher]

At least you guys have the school colors right, although the blue is a slightly different hue.

I know...but neither blue choice on here really fit, so its as close as I could get!! :lol:

[Frau Blucher]

It happens to lots of people.

They grow up in one state.

They and their parents and grandparents pay taxes there. Ten, just about the time they are ready for school "Dad" (or "hubby) gets transferred to another state.


That state says "nope you have have not lived here for 2 calendar years yet, you don't get in-state tuition."
Your home state says "sorry you moved out weeks ago you are no longer one of us . . thanks for your money all those yearstough."






For most people this is not a HUGE problem. They simply put off their study plans for a year or two. For Army spouses and Army kids it is a PANDEMIC.

I agree, but I think the whole point here was that she had no past ties to AL at all except for the desire to go to school there, and that her hubby wants to go to school there when he is out of the service.

[RWReaganfan]

OK, how many of you went as far as to name your firstborn child after your school?

My daughter's first name is Auburn.
Her middle name is Lee, for Lee County, Alabama where Auburn is located.
Her initials are ALA for Alabama.

Beat that if you can!

[Frau Blucher]

OK, how many of you went as far as to name your firstborn child after your school?

My daughter's first name is Auburn.
Her middle name is Lee, for Lee County, Alabama where Auburn is located.
Her initials are ALA for Alabama.

Beat that if you can!


I am impressed!!! You win in the "naming your kid after your college" catagory!!:clap:


I have a son, and I went to UF...so no good boy names there. UF is in Gainesville, so that's out ,and Gainesville is in Alachua county, so thats a wash too!!:doh:

[Kat-2]

Can't we all just get along???:hug::hug::hug:



And really...everyone knows the best school in the SEC is the University of Florida!!


GO GATORS!!!!!
Class of 1991

:D:D:D


:)) Hey, I likey the Gators! And I AM SEC all the way..but , well, just as you (and the rest here), I do have my preferences..:D

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/BFB/BAMA%20STUFF/chomp0op.gif


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/BFB/BAMA%20STUFF/rolltidesmall-1.gif

[Long Island Bob]

I agree, but I think the whole point here was that she had no past ties to AL at all except for the desire to go to school there, and that her hubby wants to go to school there when he is out of the service.

not exactly

she and her hubby lived there since 2007,. paid taxes there, voted there etc.

Our entire life is in Auburn. Our car is registered here, he pays AL income tax, we both have licenses & registered to vote AND voted in Alabama.... We have lived here since Dec. 2007.

I understand it is a State issue... And I plan on standing in front of the State Senate in Jan. 2010 with the help of a local Senator.

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Wow. From a Ron Paul supporter, too.

Let's see, you uproot your life every 2 years and move to another State because that's where the military sends you. And, you can't even qualify for in-state tuition even though you live there.

What an Egregious sense of entitlement that is, wanting to be "allowed" to qualify for in-state tuition in the state you have been sent to live in.

:think:

Actually, most schools have (or at least used to have) a policy saying that military members and their families automatically qualified for in-state tuition if their "permanent station" was in that State. That was a pretty reasonable allowance made for the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make (financially; locationally; and through increased likelihood of death of self or your spouse).

If Auburn (or Alabama) does not do that, it may be because the military DOES provide one perk to military members - that is, that one time during their career they can pick the current state that they live in (or the one they were living in immediately prior to enlistment) as their "home state." Most soldiers choose Texas, or one of the other States still following the intent of the Constitution by NOT having Income Tax.

It appears that you didn't read all of my post otherwise you would have saved yourself some keystrokes.

I was a military brat who subsequently joined the military. It was a job. I did it, I don't expect anything more from it than what I agreed to when I joined. Contrary to what some may believe, not every person who serves in the military defines themselves by that experience and most of us don't expect special treatment for doing the jobs that we signed up for. As I said, even as someone who actually served, not just married someone else who did, I still had to clean up my own messes.

You're right, I should try it sometime. :rolleyes:

[PhantomPholly]

It appears that you didn't read all of my post otherwise you would have saved yourself some keystrokes.

Read your whole post, doesn't affect my response at all. Being married to a military member and uprooting every year or two is a sacrifice. That is recognized by Congress in the form of military benefits for spouses. It is also recognized by a lot of other folks - including, according to the link I provided, the very institution the OP is applying to.

In this specific instance, it generally means that you qualify as a "resident" of a State from day one you set down there.

What did not come out clearly until later in the thread is that the OP may not be actually living in the State they are applying to study in. In that case, I would agree with later posters that they have no particular reason to have special privileges of residence.

But back to my post - there was no necessity for you to be demeaning of a military spouse for wanting residency privileges when they are forced to move frequently, and having served yourself doesn't change that.

[Asfc1967]

My OP was about making the law less stringent for military families to obtain in-state rates. I know what the requirements are. We don't meet all the requirements. I am fully aware.

The reason why I don't detail ever single part of the whole deal is due to the fact that I am worn out. Plus... What can you do about this situation if I rehash all the details for you? I was asking if anyone had any suggestions on who to contact to help me in this endeavor.


I hope this clarifies for all of you.

My Husband is also only in NC for 2 more months (he was up there for 2.5 years of training... So he was temporarily there). Then he will be stationed in Okinawa, Japan.


What Army Medical training is in NC? Only the 18D (Special Forces Medic) course is there. It is 60 weeks long minus the Q course. I know this because I attempted the Q and broke my Femur. Now if he is an 18D then why would he be going to Okinawa. There are no groups in Okinawa. I am not trying to attack your story, but it doesn't fit.

2.5 years of training in a 4 year hitch makes no fiscal sense for the Army at all. You did state that he is getting out and considering medical school.

An Army Medic in Iraq.

P.S. you can use his Post 9-11 GI Bill, or you can join up yourself.

[Frau Blucher]

not exactly

she and her hubby lived there since 2007,. paid taxes there, voted there etc.


Keep reading...she said she has been paying taxes since 2007...when she started going to school there. Her hubby is stationed in NC, not AL.

The only reason she is living in Alabama is to go to school there...they frown on that when trying to get in state tuition. She didn't live in the state then decide to go to school...she moved there to GO to school. Big difference.

[Asfc1967]

Keep reading...she said she has been paying taxes since 2007...when she started going to school there. Her hubby is stationed in NC, not AL.

The only reason she is living in Alabama is to go to school there...they frown on that when trying to get in state tuition. She didn't live in the state then decide to go to school...she moved there to GO to school. Big difference.

How did he become a resident? I believe he had to spend some time there. I switched my residency from New York to Tennessee when I was at Ft Campbell. Why pay NY state tax when I am a lifer, and Tennessee has no state tax. Was he ever stationed at Ft. Rucker?

[Frau Blucher]

How did he become a resident? I believe he had to spend some time there. I switched my residency from New York to Tennessee when I was at Ft Campbell. Why pay NY state tax when I am a lifer, and Tennessee has no state tax. Was he ever stationed at Ft. Rucker?


I am sure she lives there and registered everything there, but that still doesn't mean she can get in state tuition. She said she is a junior and has lived there two years...so doing the math, she is only there for the school. Her hubby wants to go to school there when he gets out so I guess they are making that their home base.

In one post I think she said something about it costing more to take a year off of school because then she would have to pay for rent and food and stuff, which leads me to believe she lives on campus.

So if she lives on campus and has gone to school there for two years and only lived there for two years and her husband is stationed in North Carolina.... no in state for her.


And I have no idea about him ever having been at Ft Rucker...she is pretty sketchy on details, other than needing money and what those of us on here dragged out of her.

[The Girl from Ipanema]

Read your whole post, doesn't affect my response at all. Being married to a military member and uprooting every year or two is a sacrifice. That is recognized by Congress in the form of military benefits for spouses. It is also recognized by a lot of other folks - including, according to the link I provided, the very institution the OP is applying to.

In this specific instance, it generally means that you qualify as a "resident" of a State from day one you set down there.

What did not come out clearly until later in the thread is that the OP may not be actually living in the State they are applying to study in. In that case, I would agree with later posters that they have no particular reason to have special privileges of residence.

But back to my post - there was no necessity for you to be demeaning of a military spouse for wanting residency privileges when they are forced to move frequently, and having served yourself doesn't change that.

I wasn't demeaning. I was honest. We make choices, we deal with the consequences. Personal responsibility can be a bitch sometimes. I understand the sacrifice that military families make. I've been there. People expect special privileges for choices that they made themselves, knowing fully what that would entail and it's not right. She is wanting special privileges because of who she chose to marry. If that's demeaning, it's not my fault. It is what it is.

It may not have been clear until later in the thread to you.