Out-of-State Colleges
When deciding where to apply to college, your first instinct might be to look at schools in your home state. While there are some advantages to attending college in-state, it may be worth looking at out-of-state colleges as well. Limiting your search to only one state may cause you to miss out on a great fit at a school somewhere else. Are you looking for a change of scenery, a different academic environment, or are simply curious about what’s out there? Applying to out-of-state colleges may be right for you!
In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of applying to out-of-state colleges. We’ll explore the qualities of the best out-of-state colleges and discuss the ways to make out-of-state tuition cheaper. Some of the topics we will cover include:
- What are the pros and cons of attending colleges out of state?
- How much is out-of-state tuition? Also, why is out-of-state tuition so expensive and how can you lower your out-of-state tuition?
- What are some cheap out-of-state colleges and what are some of the best out-of-state colleges?
- What are some tips for going to colleges out of state?
- How should you go about creating a list of out-of-state universities?
Why go out of state for college?
There are many valid reasons for students to attend colleges out of state despite the higher out-of-state tuition. The best out-of-state colleges and out-of-state universities can offer academic and extracurricular opportunities that in-state universities or large public colleges may not have. This is especially true if you live in a state with a smaller public university system. States like Alaska, Wyoming, Delaware, Montana, and others simply do not have as many large public colleges or in-state tuition scholarships.
Students interested in niche academic majors may also find it helpful to look at out-of-state colleges. Even with a decent state university system, colleges in their state may not offer the programs they want. Students interested in forestry programs, for example, may find the best programs at schools in the West or Pacific Northwest. Students interested in degrees in hospitality management or the entertainment industry may want to move to the east or west coast. Opportunities are often more lucrative for those majors; it’s not always about academics alone. Colleges out-of-state may also offer better climates, different geography, and more diverse cultural perspectives that make them better fits for students.
Finally, many students attend out-of-state colleges for the independence of living in a new place away from their family and familiar surroundings. Despite the often higher cost of out-of-state tuition, many students prefer to have the chance to grow on their own. Students often want to be challenged and find that a new environment pushes them to develop into more independent adults.
Plus, since out-of-state universities do often cost more, students find independence while searching for scholarships for out-of-state students. Working and grinding to help pay for out-of-state tuition can help incentivize students to take their education seriously. The responsibility can inspire them to invest effort in attending colleges out of state.
In State vs. Out of State: Pros and Cons
Let’s quickly evaluate the difference between in-state schools and out-of-state schools. Making a pro-con list is a helpful way to approach the decision to apply to colleges out of state.
| In-State Colleges | Out-of-State Colleges | |
| Pros | Lower cost, even compared to cheap out-of-state colleges Ability to earn in-state tuition scholarships Shorter distance required to travel Close proximity to family members | Larger selection of out-of-state universities Access to wide array of programs and opportunities Independence and exposure to new environments |
| Cons | Limited school choices depending on the state you live in May limit exposure to new opportunities and environments | Most expensive college tuition is often for out-of-state colleges Higher cost even with scholarships for out-of-state students Longer distance for travel to out-of-state colleges |
Considerations When Applying Out of State
There are many factors to consider when applying to the best out-of-state colleges. Starting the process early and taking time to think over all your options is crucial. Of course, going to any colleges out of state is a big step to take financially. But moreover, it also means uprooting your life and starting fresh in a new, unfamiliar environment. Going to out-of-state universities is not a decision to take lightly; you should evaluate all the criteria before deciding to apply.
What should you consider when thinking of applying out of state?
When looking at financial considerations, make sure to take into account scholarships for out-of-state students. Many universities offer grants to offset the cost of tuition for all students, not just residents. Just because a school is out-of-state does not mean that it will have the most expensive college tuition.
In addition to tuition, there are also academic and environmental factors to consider. Make sure that any out-of-state colleges you are looking at have the majors you are looking for. Additionally, search for internship and experiential learning opportunities that will advance your career goals. Before applying to out-of-state colleges, it might help to visit the area and school to make sure you can thrive there. Know that you will be further away from family, hometown support systems, and a familiar academic setting.
Finally, out-of-state colleges can have lower acceptance rates, especially at the large public colleges. At the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the 2022 in-state acceptance rate was 43%. In contrast, the out-of-state acceptance rate was only 8%. The acceptance rate difference is most prominent at the best out-of-state schools, so you need a competitive application to stand a chance. Check to see that your grades and test scores are competitive among out of state applicants before submitting an application. When building a college list, one of the driving factors is often a student’s academic performance and their chance of admission.
How much is out-of-state tuition?
The cost of out-of-state tuition at different colleges varies by the state and by the quality of the college. The first thing to know is that this difference only applies to public universities; private institutions don’t have different out-of-state tuition. If you’re applying to private colleges or universities, they have a flat tuition charge for all students.
How much is out-of-state tuition on average? The average cost of out-of-state tuition at a public university in 2025-2026, according to U.S. News, was $25,415. Compare that to the cost for in-state students, which was less than half at $11,371. You likely know there are in-state tuition scholarships designed to offset the cost of public universities for out-of-state students. However, the scholarships aren’t guaranteed and may not reduce the cost to the amount of universities in your home state.
Why is out-of-state tuition so expensive? Taxpayer funds are used to offset the cost of college at public universities for in-state students. Since state taxes are meant to help residents, those benefits aren’t extended to out-of-state students. On the bright side, that also means that your state’s public universities will help subsidize your education if you choose to attend.
Tuition at private colleges is the highest of all with tuition prices averaging at $43,350, according to the College Board. However, most students do not pay full price at private colleges thanks to financial aid and other funds. It’s true that private colleges on paper have the most expensive college tuition. However, after grants and scholarships the price could be comparable to that at public colleges out-of-state. Carefully research the full cost of attendance at colleges out-of-state; even cheap out-of-state colleges can come with surprising extra expenses.
Why is out-of-state tuition so expensive?
But really, why is out-of-state tuition so expensive? It’s a simple question with a complex answer. As previously mentioned, public universities receive federal and state funding. Part of the agreement behind that funding involves the colleges subsidizing tuition for state residents. Students who aren’t state residents don’t contribute to state taxes; therefore, they don’t receive the same public university subsidies as residents. Therefore, cheap out-of-state colleges have even lower tuition rates for residents than for non-residents.
Tuition at out-of-state universities varies depending on the exact school you are looking at. But no matter where you are from, tuition at private colleges will remain the same. Depending on your circumstances, the best out-of-state colleges for you might be private universities. The final cost of a private university with grants and scholarships can be similar to that of public colleges out-of-state.
10 Affordable Out-of-State Colleges
In your search for out-of-state colleges, you may begin with the cheap out-of-state colleges, especially if finances is a chief consideration. However, simply comparing tuition prices will only get you so far in your search. To find the most affordable, cheap out-of-state colleges, take into account the grants and scholarships these schools offer to out-of-state students. Look for schools with reduced fees and housing costs, since moving out-of-state means commuting from home isn’t an option.
10 Out-of-State Affordable Colleges
1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The out-of-state COA is around $25,795. Students can save money on tuition by entering the NC Promise program. The program cuts non-resident tuition to just $3,500 per year at four NC schools, including Pembroke.
2. Minot State University
The out-of-state COA is around $23,514. Students from 16 western U.S. states can save additional money through the WUE program. This program offers tuition reciprocity at select schools within the member states.
3. Delta State University
The out-of-state COA is around $23,000. In addition to offering a low base tuition and eliminating most out-of-state surcharges, Delta State has reciprocity programs and online class discounts for residents of eligible states.
4. Boise State University
The out-of-state COA is around $53,222. Boise State is also a partner in the WUE program, offering highly discounted tuition to residents of other states in the western U.S.
5. University of Alabama
The out-of-state COA is around $48,500. Alabama offers massive merit scholarships to out-of-state students with GPAs at or above certain thresholds. For highly qualified applicants, it may present an opportunity to attend college for a very low cost.
6. Texas Tech University
The out-of-state COA is around $41,500. Texas Tech offers tuition waivers to non-resident students, letting them attend for around the same amount as a Texas resident.
7. University of Mississippi
The out-of-state COA is around $41,308. Mississippi offers competitive tuition rates and extensive academic merit scholarships to attract out of state students.
8. University of Kansas
The out-of-state COA is around $49,635. Kansas participates in the Midwest Tuition reciprocity program, which offers reduced tuition rates to residents of nearby midwestern states, particularly Missouri.
9. University of Nevada, Reno
The out-of-state COA is around $48,140. Reno also participates in the WUE tuition reciprocity program, which offers discounts to students who live in nearby western US states.
10. Berea College
The out-of-state COA is around $68,000. Although Berea has one of the highest sticker prices of any college on this list, they offer tuition discounts to all students. In fact, the college covers housing and meal costs of over 85% of students who attend
How to Reduce Costs as an Out-of-State Student
One way to make out-of-state universities more affordable is through merit scholarships. National scholarships like the National Merit Scholarship as well as university-managed awards are all good options. Unlike grants at state schools, many merit scholarships aren’t restricted by residency and can be earned by any qualified applicant. There are many directories and websites available for students to search for scholarships.
While national scholarship competitions have name recognition and prestige, scholarships offered by universities offer good opportunities for funding. University grants often have less competition and a higher chance of earning an award. Search the websites of the schools you want for a list of scholarships they may offer to out-of-state students.
Another way to reduce tuition costs at colleges out of state is through tuition reciprocity programs. These programs are often organized by region and have several member states. They allow students in certain states to attend college in partner states as if they were a resident of that state. This often applies to residents of counties that border another state and only applies to certain out-of-state colleges in the immediate area. To learn more, you can see eligibility requirements for one such program, the Midwest Student Exchange Program, at their website.
Finally, search for special student programs when considering colleges. Many universities have honors colleges or special programs that provide tuition assistance to students regardless of their residency status. These special programs vary between colleges, and awards could vary from a few thousand dollars to the entire cost of attendance. They can lower the price of high quality schools to the level of cheap out-of-state colleges, making them more affordable.
Is it worth it to go to college out of state?
Only you can decide if it is worth it to attend college out of state. There are many factors to consider, but one of the most important questions you should ask yourself is: “What opportunities can I have at out-of-state colleges that I could not get at a local college or university?”
Do you live in a state with excellent public universities close to home? Do those universities have strong programs for your prospective major(s)? If so, it may make more sense to attend college in your home state. You can easily compare your home state universities to those in other states by using a college search tool. Try filtering for your preferred major or academic program to gauge whether they can meet your needs.
Why might you consider out-of-state colleges?
They might offer a climate or environment that the colleges in your home state cannot offer. Do you want to escape the cold in your home state of Minnesota? Maybe you may need to look at colleges in the South or west coast for a warmer climate. If you’re a Floridian who’d like to attend school near mountains, you’ll need to look elsewhere to find the campus setting you want. It’s important to remember that you will not just be studying on campus, but living there too, so environment matters!
Financial stability and lower tuition costs may be one reason to avoid out-of-state colleges. If you’re able to earn a scholarship or participate in a tuition reciprocity program, this significantly reduces the financial burden. However, those options are not available in all regions and do not apply to all out-of-state colleges. If you want to save money on college and merit scholarships aren’t an option, an in-state school may be right for you. Just make sure that they offer the major you want to study before you apply.
How to Create Your Out-of-State College List
Creating a list of out-of-state colleges can help you narrow down your options and determine if an out-of-state college is right for you. The first thing you need to do is create a list of attributes that you want in the college you attend. Don’t focus on specific locations at this stage — instead, think about environmental factors that will impact your choice of college. Campus size, climate preference, proximity to a large city, and student population are all important factors to consider.
Search, then compare.
Once you have drawn up your list of criteria, search for schools, and create a diverse list of schools. A good way to start is to do a search on a college list website like BigFuture. Sites like these allow you to search by the criteria that you’re looking for in a school. Wondering what the best out-of-state universities are for you? Maybe you’re asking, “How much is out-of-state tuition at this particular school?” Check individual websites for more granular information.
After researching many different schools, the final goal is to compare them to create a more refined list. Select 8-12 total schools, with a good mixture of safety, target, and reach schools, based on your earlier criteria. Keep in mind that no college is completely perfect, so think about the “must-haves” colleges need to make your list. Decide how you’ll prioritize other traits — is average class size more important than green spaces on campus? It’s up to you. This list of schools should include colleges from multiple states.
When looking at different schools, it is important to look beyond the posted price on a college’s website. See if the website has a net price calculator or a breakdown of various costs. Tuition prices can vary across state lines, so when comparing prices, make sure to look at all the info you can.
5 Tips for Going to College Out of State
Several tips for going to college out of state include:
5 Out-of-State College Tips
1. Visit campuses any way you can.
If you are seriously considering colleges out-of-state, you should ensure you’re going to a school where you’ll thrive. It is extremely helpful to get as good a feel for the campus as you can before applying. If you cannot make an in-person visit, check the college website for immersive virtual options. Many schools created virtual campus tours for prospective students to access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Keep a spreadsheet to track application requirements and deadlines.
Out-of-state colleges may have additional application requirements, supplemental essays, or recommendation letters. You may also need to track early decision deadlines and scholarship application windows, which could be different in other states. Especially given the high cost of even cheap out-of-state colleges, don’t miss out on merit scholarships due to poor scheduling.
3. Consider the total cost of attendance, not just sticker price.
Most students don’t pay the full price of tuition, whether they’re attending college in state or not. Certainly, the tuition for out-of-state students may start out higher at a public university. Yet, reciprocity programs and merit scholarships can bring those costs down to a much more reasonable number. If you’re invested in attending a school, seek out financial aid sources to reduce debt and lower the cost of attendance.
4. Work out a plan for travel home and visits.
The logistics of attending college out of state can get overwhelming fast. Students may be far away from home for the first time and not have access to their normal support systems. By planning ahead and scheduling travel home, you can reduce stress and concentrate on academics and on settling into your new environment. It can even reduce homesickness by giving you something to look forward to.
5. Apply early.
Most colleges award merit scholarships early in the application window and give admission preference to applicants who apply early. Already sure you want to attend certain out-of-state colleges? Demonstrating your interest through an early application is a good way to make a positive first impression.
Out-of-State Colleges – Takeaways
Going to college out of state can be a thrilling adventure. Your college years can be an excellent way to build independence, expose yourself to new ideas, and gain new opportunities. While the financial cost may be higher, the benefits of a new environment and wider horizons can certainly outweigh those extra costs.
If you are thinking of applying to an out-of-state college, start building your list early. Ask key questions like: “What can I do to reduce my tuition costs?”, “What majors or programs can I pursue?”, and, “What can an out-of-state college offer me that an in-state school cannot?”
Once you know your reasons for applying out of state, start exploring your options and making a college list. Apply as early as possible to schools that you feel will be a good fit for you. Need a little extra guidance on your out-of-state college application journey? You can count on CollegeAdvisor.com to give you expert coaching and advice to help you find your dream school!
This article was written by Alex Baggott-Rowe. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
