I have been accepted into Washington State University's MBA program. 
If I am not able to find an exception to the residency rule, or some
waiver I qualify for, I will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate
because I am currently an Oregon state resident.  I cannot afford
that:  it is over two times the in-state tuition rate.  Yes, I know
that by living in Portland/Multnomah county I am eligible for the
in-state tuition rate (via the Border Bill) when attending WSU
Vancouver parttime (under 8 credits/semester).  But I don't want to
attend parttime in Vancouver.  I want to attend fulltime in Pullman. 
My question is how can I legally get the WSU in-state tuition rate in
time for the Fall 2004 semester?

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 24 Jun 2004 10:54 PDT

Being somehow recognized as a resident of the state of Washington is
one way to reduce tuition.

There are other options as well.  WSUY offers at least two
tuition-reduction programs at the graduate level for both in-state and
out-of state students.  These can substantially reduce overall
tuition.

The reductions in some cases can bring costs down to about the same
level as in-state tuition, and in other cases, will reduce tuition to
about half of what an out-of-stater would otherwise pay (though that's
still a bit more than in-state fees).

Would you be interested in information on these programs, or are you
familiar with them already?

Part of my reason for asking is that there simply may not be an option
to become eligible for in-state tuition rates.  If this turns out to
be the case, would information on these alternative programs be useful
to you as an answer to your question?

Let me know what you think.

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by livefor10-ga on 24 Jun 2004 12:29 PDT

I realize that somehow being recognized as a resident of the state of
Washington would reduce tuition.  I am familiar with the form for
establishing residency (http://www.wsu.edu/NIS/images/resqufrm.pdf). 
It requires primarily that I be able to document my physical residence
within Washington state borders for the past 12 months (which I can't
do truthfully).  Other supporting ties they consider include rent
checks, voter registration, utility bills, driver's licence, bank
accounts, previous instances of in-state tution payments, etc.

I have considered other options as well.  I understand that if I were
granted an assistantship, I would not only have my tuition paid for,
but also be given a small stipend.  Unfortunately, there are only 8 of
those offered, and they have already been awarded.

I also understand various scholarships and other forms of financial
aid award the in-state tuition price (or waive the out-of-state tution
surcharge).  But I believe they are predominantly for dependents and
undergraduates and/or I have missed the deadline for them.

To answer your question:
In-state tuition with books and fees for 35 graduate credits taken
over 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) comes out to about 11-12k.
 Out-of-state tuition for the same amount of credits over the same
time period comes out to 25-26k.  So if you 1) know of a way that 2) I
am eligible for and 3) have not missed the deadline for that will get
me into WSU Pullman fulltime for the Fall 2004 term at or near the
in-state tuition rates (+/- a couple k) then that would not only be
worth $10,000+ to me (obviously), but yes, also the asking price of
this question + a tip to you.

Does that answer your questions?  I really appreciate your effort and
being able to get this all clarified before it becomes official.  Let
me know.