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Snoosh,

Thank you for providing more information in your situation.  This is a question that you need to investigate with the college's student admissions or financial office.  You then can apply the applicable rules to your tax filing.  I do know that it is difficult for a student to gain "independent" status for college purposes.  I am not sure if he is attempting to be "independent" for tuition reasons, if so then you would need to look at the rules applicable to that status for future years.  

I found this information at the College Funding Coach- https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/how-out-of-state-students-can-get-in-state-tuition/:

In general, trying to establish residency for in-state tuition is not worth the hassle. In the past, elaborate rules for in-state tuition qualification were established to safeguard taxpayer-subsidized public universities. These domicile rules vary by state, but here are a few general guidelines:

1. 1. Twelve months: Generally, students must live in the state for a minimum of 12 months prior to enrolling in order to gain residency status.
   2. Proof of residency: Students need to provide voter registration, car registration, and conversion of their driver’s license as proof that they lived in the state at least 12 months prior to enrolling in school.
   3. Relocation purpose: Most states won’t grant residency if the student’s purpose for moving was primarily educational. Students must usually demonstrate financial independence in the state for at least 12 months before enrolling in school. Even so, some schools still may not recognize the student as an independent resident.
   4. Dependency: If parents claim the student as a dependent on their taxes, the student is considered a resident of the state in which the parents hold residency. If the parents move to a different state, the student’s residency may not change. If the parents are divorced and live in different states, the student may qualify for residency in both states, depending on where the financial support comes from

Again, these are basic guidelines. Make sure to go on the individual college’s website to verify its residency requirements.