Save Thousands On Out Of State Tuition By Meeting UT Austin Residency Requirements
At Tower Realty Austin, we specialize in helping families save on UT Austin* tuition by assisting out-of-state students with the Texas residency process to qualify for in-state tuition. Learn more about UT Austin* residency requirements and what you need to fulfill the proof of Texas residency requirements by downloading our free checklist 3 Easy Steps to Texas Residency below.
Save up to $100K in UT Austin* Tuition Costs
At the University of Texas at Austin, there are a few different ways an out of state student can establish residency in Texas to meet the residency requirements.
At Tower Realty Austin, we specialize in helping out of state students qualify for instate tuition through a property purchase. Over the last 15+ years we’ve helped hundreds of families with the process to become a Texas resident, saving students thousands on tuition costs.
UT Austin Residency & More
Most importantly, we offer the option to continue working with you post-purchase to manage your property through our UT area Austin property management services.
Looking to save on out of state tuition at another Texas University? We can help with that too.
Hear From Other Out Of State Families
Chesney not only helped my daughter buy a home in Texas but also provided clear guidance, timely support, and patience, walking us through every step of the residency requirements. Anna has been amazing in managing our property, giving us complete peace of mind.
We’re thrilled to share that my daughter now qualifies for in-state tuition! We are incredibly grateful to Tower Realty. They are the true experts in navigating the residency process.
Work With Tower Realty Austin To Meet The UT Austin* Residency Requirements
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UT Austin* Residency Requirements FAQ
Most families have questions when they are considering buying an investment property to establish residency for in-state tuition. We understand that and are here to help guide you through the process.
Is this legitimate? Why would Texas offer a program like this?
Establishing Texas residency is a legitimate and legal way to qualify for in-state tuition at UT Austin*. This process is not unique to gaining in state tuition at University of Texas Austin*, but a statewide program that applies for out of state students attending any public university in Texas. %91Learn more about Texas in state tuition requirements for other Texas universities.%93
The Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 54.052 authorizes persons classified as Texas residents to pay in-state tuition, a rate of tuition that is generally three times lower than tuition rates for those classified as nonresidents.
In the state of Texas there is no income tax; instead, tax revenue is generated by property taxes. By incentivizing out-of-state families to invest in Texas, the tax base grows and the property values rise. It’s a win for everyone involved.
The University of Texas Austin Office of Admissions also has details on Texas residency classifications and the requirements for establishing domicile in Texas as permitted by Texas law.
Who is Chesney? What is Tower Realty Austin?
Chesney Coker is a lifetime Austinite who attended UT engineering school as a Phi-Gamma Delta member and is now the owner/broker of Tower Realty. He has witnessed firsthand the development of Austin from sleepy college town to major metropolitan city.
Chesney has been a full time agent since 2004 and founded Tower Realty Austin in 2006 to help out-of-state UT Austin families lower tuition costs through real estate investment.
Since then, with Chesney’s leadership, Tower Realty Austin has established itself as a leader in the off-campus housing market. Chesney has ranked in the top 5% of all agents (11,000+) from 2011-2019. In those years alone Chesney successfully completed over 560 transactions.
Learn more about our team of Austin real estate agents and property management professionals.
Does my student have to live in the property or can they live on campus?
Typically UT Austin freshmen choose to live on campus, which coincides with the 12-month period required for establishing domicile in Texas.
If your student chooses to live on campus, we can help find qualified tenants for renting or leasing the property, as well as collect rent and manage property maintenance issues. Learn more about our Austin property management services.
Once your student establishes residency (typically coinciding with their sophomore year), they have the option to live in the property they purchased.
What if my child doesn’t like UT Austin and wants to transfer?
Most UT Austin students are drawn to the UT Austin for its sense of community, natural beauty, and diverse population. Add to that the fact that U.S. News & World Report ranked Austin #9 for Best Places to Live in 2024/2025, and UT Austin as #19 on their Most Innovative Schools list, and you have a winning combination for college life. In the few cases where a student has not found UT Austin a good fit, we can help to either rent or sell the property given the steady demand for off-campus housing in the UT Austin area.
How is the Austin housing market?
Austin is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live according to U.S. News & World Report, meaning that the real estate demand is steady, particularly in UT Austin neighborhoods. Tower Realty Austin has brokered transactions throughout the year, most notably in the spring and summer months bookending the academic year cycle.
What are the other costs associated with owning this property?
Aside from any mortgage on the property, owners can expect to pay for routine repairs to their property, as well as yearly real estate taxes, homeowners association dues, and supplemental insurance (if wanted).
Will I get a return on my investment? Is this guaranteed?
While real estate markets have inherent risks, and no investment is guaranteed, there is sufficient and steady demand for properties in the UT Austin area, and Tower Realty Austin has helped many families sell their property once their UT Austin student has graduated.
How is the property managed?
In addition to being Texas residency experts, Tower Realty Austin also offers Austin property management services to help you manage your property, from finding tenants to collecting rent and paying utilities. We handle all the contracts, repairs, and upkeep. You won’t have to worry about your property when you work with us.
Can this law change and I lose my investment?
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the number of students who met statutory requirements for establishing Texas resident status for in-state tuition under TEC 54.052(a)(3) totaled 25,930 in FY 2017, or 1.5 percent of the total enrollment at Texas public institutions of higher education.
Given the relatively small percentage of students who are obtaining Texas residency by these means, we do not anticipate a threat to the statute.
This issue is a state issue, not a university issue. As long as everyone is benefitting it will remain. Texas legislature only meets every other year. Changes to the existing law would have to be introduced as a new legislation, voted on, and then implemented, which is not a fast process. If you are reading this you would be grandfathered into the current requirements.
Can I talk to someone who has done this?
We have helped over 1,000 families qualify for in-state tuition through a purchase of real estate in the UT Austin area. Introductions to families who can give you comfort in the process and outcome is a routine part of our sales process, and we are happy to coordinate a conversation.
How quickly can my student meet the UT Austin residency requirements?
No matter how you obtain residency in the state of Texas, all methods require proof of domicile for a minimum of 12 months before obtaining in state tuition.
To get the maximum tuition savings, a student must show proof of residence at the beginning of their freshman year in order to meet the UT Austin residency requirements and get in state tuition their sophmore year.
Have more questions about the UT Austin* residency requirements or how to qualify for in state tuition? We’re here to help.
UT Austin* Residency Requirement Resources
These are a few resources we’ve found to be helpful as you navigate the process to qualify for in state tuition at UT Austin*. Our team is here to help with any residency requirement related questions you may have.