Going Out-of-State To College

Only 28 percent of high school graduates attend college out-of-state. Since non-residents generally spend three to four times what in-state students pay for the privilege, many don’t even consider schools beyond their state border. This financial barrier, however, is not impossible to overcome. Students can secure in-state tuition rates, or something close to it, for those out-of-state schools and add exciting new college choices to their list. Take a closer look at why students may want to consider out-of-state schools, find out the difference between resident and non-resident status and tuition rates and learn strategies for bridging that financial gap if you want to go out-of-state.

Students who attend public colleges and universities in the state where they reside generally pay far less than students who come to the same school from a different state. There is a common misconception that there are no exceptions to this rule. In reality, there are several ways to get discounts—or even to secure in-state tuition rates—for schools in states where they’ve never lived. Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on this subject.

According to the New York Times, there are a variety of reasons students attend colleges out-of-state. Some weren’t accepted to their flagship in-state schools or were fleeing rising tuition rates and declining financial aid services at home. In other cases, students were drawn to regional attractions, like skiing in Colorado or going to college near the beach. Other times, students were lured by high-reputation educational or athletic programs at prestigious universities, or even lucrative financial incentives offered by out-of-state schools.

State governments, which have a large degree of control over public colleges and universities, pay for a sizeable portion of the costs associated with students attending public, state schools. Since those subsidies are paid for with state tax dollars, they are generally reserved only for residents of the state, their spouses and dependents.

Residency requirements vary significantly from state to state and are often written into law by state legislatures. In most cases, a prospective student has to live in the state for at least a year to qualify for lower in-state tuition rates. Some states, like Alaska, require students to establish longer periods of residency, while others, like Arkansas, have less stringent requirements. Our state-by-state college guide pages have more details on residency requirements, check them out by clicking below:

In most cases, no. Most states require at least one “gap year,” during which the individual is a resident of the state for some reason other than education. Simply living, working, paying taxes and participating in society (getting a library card, registering your car there, etc.) in the adopted state for one year is often enough—but not if it appears the move is an attempt to game the system for cheaper tuition. The Kansas Board of Regents sums up the policies of most states in stating, “Someone who comes to Kansas to go to a state university and who is a full-time student has to overcome a strong presumption that he or she is only here temporarily for the duration of the educational program… Qualifying as a resident for fee purposes requires more than just being present in the state for a year.”

Here, too, most states and colleges are on the lookout for students trying to dishonestly claim in-state tuition rates. There are always exceptions, and you’ll likely have the opportunity to try to prove your case, but in most situations, students who appear to have moved in with a relative in an attempt to gain residency are denied.

According to a recent report by Business Insider, international students usually pay more than even out-of-state residents to attend college in America. Also, since American financial institutions don’t generally recognize the credit history of foreign applicants, international students usually pay out of pocket.

Thanks to the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, all veterans and their dependents are entitled to in-state tuition rates at all public colleges and universities in all 50 states. Many schools also honor an out-of-state tuition waiver for active-duty military personnel.

For students whose dream schools are in another state, or for those just looking for an education beyond their backyards, programs are available to lessen the financial burden. In some cases, schools will allow students from neighboring states to attend their colleges for less than the cost of out-of-state tuition. Called reciprocity agreements, these programs can dramatically broaden the options available for students looking to get away from home.

Reciprocity agreements are not the only path to reduced tuition at out-of-state schools. Many offer alumni and military discounts. Excellence in athletics, music, art or other extracurricular activities might qualify some students for special grants or scholarships that eliminate some, or even all tuition costs. Many students rely on financial aid, which can be based on either need or merit, and be provided by the school, a state government or the federal government, the latter of which provides most student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here are some other ways to get tuition rates reduced when you’re an out-of-state student.

For more information on financial aid and assistance, check out these helpful guidebooks:

Most students need some help of navigating the complicated and often convoluted waters of educational financing. That’s where their parents, teachers and counselors can play a critical role. Here are some tips and resources for helping the students in your life understand their out-of-state tuition options.