We specialize in helping out-of-state families save thousands on Texas tuition
Welcome to Tower Realty Austin, where we specialize in guiding out-of-state parents through the unique process of purchasing property in Texas. If you’re considering a Texas university for your child’s education, you might not be aware that owning property here can be a strategic step towards establishing Texas residency. Why is this important? Texas residency can qualify your child for in-state tuition, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate this journey. We provide clear, step-by-step assistance in finding the right property anywhere in Texas.
How much will you save with in-state tuition?
Use our tuition calculator to see how much you will save on tuition through a Texas property purchase.
| SEMESTER | |
| YEAR | |
| SCHOOL | |
| SAVINGS PER SEMESTER | _ |
| YOUR TOTAL SAVINGS | _ |
*You will qualify for in-state tuition approximately 12 months from the property closing date. For example, if you are an incoming freshman that buys a property, you will be paying in-state tuition at the beginning of your sophomore year.
Chesney explains the Texas Residency process.
Chesney takes you through the details of Texas residency and qualifying for in-state University of Texas tuition through investment property.
Texas Residency Starts With Tower Realty
We specialize in helping families save on tuition by assisting out-of- state students with the Texas Residency process to qualify for in state tuition savings.
| In-state | Out-of-state | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-College Station COLLEGE STATION, TX | $12,153.00 | $38,602.00 | $26,449.00 |
| The University of Texas at Austin AUSTIN, TX | $10,824.00 | $38,326.00 | $27,502.00 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas RICHARDSON, TX | $13,442.00 | $38,168.00 | $24,726.00 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington ARLINGTON, TX | $11,040.00 | $28,129.00 | $17,089.00 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville KINGSVILLE, TX | $9,136.00 | $24,687.00 | $15,551.00 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso EL PASO, TX | $9,161.00 | $24,524.00 | $15,363.00 |
| Prairie View A&M University PRAIRIE VIEW, TX | $10,786.00 | $25,654.00 | $14,868.00 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler TYLER, TX | $8,742.00 | $22,752.00 | $14,010.00 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake HOUSTON, TX | $7,310.00 | $20,746.00 | $13,436.00 |
| Texas A&M University-San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,864.00 | $21,877.00 | $13,013.00 |
| Sul Ross State University ALPINE, TX | $8,806.00 | $21,557.00 | $12,751.00 |
| University of North Texas at Dallas DALLAS, TX | $9,140.00 | $21,811.00 | $12,671.00 |
| Texas Southern University HOUSTON, TX | $9,173.00 | $21,833.00 | $12,660.00 |
| Lamar State College-Port Arthur PORT ARTHUR, TX | $4,331.00 | $16,991.00 | $12,660.00 |
| University of Houston HOUSTON, TX | $9,221.00 | $21,749.00 | $12,528.00 |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana TEXARKANA, TX | $7,536.00 | $20,025.00 | $12,489.00 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, TX | $8,262.00 | $20,263.00 | $12,001.00 |
| Texas State University SAN MARCOS, TX | $10,581.00 | $22,397.00 | $11,816.00 |
| Texas A&M International University LAREDO, TX | $7,348.00 | $18,666.00 | $11,318.00 |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $9,272.00 | $20,101.00 | $10,829.00 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology BEAUMONT, TX | $3,602.00 | $13,730.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Texas Woman's University DENTON, TX | $7,926.00 | $18,055.00 | $10,129.00 |
| Angelo State University SAN ANGELO, TX | $7,637.00 | $17,765.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Lamar University BEAUMONT, TX | $8,494.00 | $18,622.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Lamar State College-Orange ORANGE, TX | $3,192.00 | $13,320.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Sam Houston State University HUNTSVILLE, TX | $8,536.00 | $18,664.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Stephen F Austin State University NACOGDOCHES, TX | $8,844.00 | $18,972.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas KILLEEN, TX | $7,029.00 | $17,157.00 | $10,128.00 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley EDINBURG, TX | $8,132.00 | $18,260.00 | $10,128.00 |
| University of Houston-Downtown HOUSTON, TX | $6,788.00 | $16,916.00 | $10,128.00 |
| University of Houston-Victoria VICTORIA, TX | $6,781.00 | $16,909.00 | $10,128.00 |
| University of North Texas DENTON, TX | $11,044.00 | $21,172.00 | $10,128.00 |
| Texas Tech University LUBBOCK, TX | $9,300.00 | $19,260.00 | $9,960.00 |
Is this a legitimate method to meet Texas in state tuition requirements? Why would Texas offer a program like this?
Establishing Texas residency is a legitimate and legal way to qualify for in-state tuition.
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 through 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.
See our resources section for links to the university-specific residency information.
How does Texas residency work? What steps do I need to take to get my child residency in Texas?
Generally speaking, there are three steps to gain residency and qualify for in state tuition in Texas:
- You purchase a property in Texas.
- You establish the property as your student's primary residence.
- After 12 months you apply for reclassification.
Of course, within each of these steps, there are tasks and logistics to coordinate, and Tower Realty Austin has guided many out of state families through this process.
We are with you through the entire journey, from choosing the property, negotiations, closing, the property management and maintenance, all the way through to going through the final steps to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Whether you are purchasing a property in College Station, Houston, or elsewhere in Texas, we can help you with the residency process.
Can I talk to someone who has done this?
Yes. We have helped over 1,000 families qualify for in-state tuition through a purchase of real estate in Texas. Introductions to families is a routine part of our service, and we are happy to coordinate a conversation.
Does my child have to live in the property?
Typically university freshmen choose to live on campus, which coincides with the 12-month period required for establishing domicile in Texas.
Once your student establishes Texas residency (typically coinciding with their sophomore year), they have the option to live in the property they purchased.
What are the other costs associated with owning this property in Texas?
Aside from any mortgage on the property, property owners can expect to pay for routine repairs to their property, as well as yearly real estate taxes, homeowners association dues, and any supplemental insurance (if wanted) along with any property management fees if you choose rent the property.
Will this law change?
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.
Establishing Texas residency for in state tuition is a state issue, not a university-specific 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 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.
What if my child doesn’t like their Texas University and wants to transfer?
In the few cases where a student has not found their university a good fit, Tower Realty Austin can help to sell the property given the steady demand for off-campus housing in University areas.