For many college-bound students, the question of whether or not to attend a school in-state or out-of-state is a difficult one. On the one hand, attending an in-state school can save you thousands of dollars. But on the other hand, some schools offer generous financial aid packages that make out-of-state tuition affordable for everyone. In this post, we’ll break down both sides of this debate so you can make an informed decision about where you want to study!
In-State Tuition
In-state tuition is usually lower than out-of-state tuition because states subsidize the cost of education for their residents. Tuition rates vary by school and state, so make sure you check with your chosen institution before committing to an in-state or out-of-state program.
- Some schools offer in-state tuition to out-of-state students who meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a high GPA or taking classes online.
- While many people think that attending college in their home state is more affordable than going to another one, this isn’t always true—especially if you’re not eligible for any financial aid from your school district! Be sure to research all your options before making any commitments!
In-state tuition requirements
To be considered an in-state student at the chosen university, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the state where the university is located.
- Have graduated from a high school located within the state where the university is located.
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate at a specific university.
Out-of-State Tuition
You’re probably aware that out-of-state tuition is higher than in-state tuition. While some states allow residents to pay in-state rates, others do not. In those cases, students who live outside of the state must pay more to attend an institution within its borders. This difference can mean thousands of dollars over four years at other schools—and even more, if you’re attending an Ivy League institution or one of the nation’s most expensive colleges (which typically offer less financial aid).
Why does it cost more? The costs associated with providing quality public education vary from state to state: some have higher costs for teachers’ salaries and classroom materials; others are more expensive due to their location or transportation requirements (for example, a large number of rural communities require busing services). These differences add up quickly when it comes time for budgeting purposes; this is why out-of-state tuition tends to be higher than in-state tuition at public institutions across the country.
Out-of-state tuition requirements
Out-of-state students are eligible to receive the same tuition rates as resident students if they meet all of the following requirements:
1. Have a high school diploma or GED
2. Be accepted into a degree program at a specific university
3. Have lawful immigration status
Out-of-State Tuition vs. In-State Tuition
There are many scholarship opportunities for students who live outside the state. You can apply for them when you are admitted to your school and enroll as an undergraduate student. The application process takes only a few minutes, making it easy for you to apply for scholarships even if you have little time on your hands!
You can find many scholarships that are open to out-of-state students, including some for which you do not have to be a U.S. citizen or even a permanent resident of the United States. Some scholarships are available only to international students, while others are open to both domestic and international applicants.
Why Getting A College Education Is Still Worth It?
The cost of college is going up, but it’s still worth it to get a higher education.
You may have heard that the cost of college is skyrocketing, making it harder for students to afford an education at a four-year university or two-year community college. According to National Center for Education Statistics data from 2016, average in-state tuition was $9,410 and average out-of-state tuition was $23,893 (the highest ever). But despite this seemingly high number—and whether you’re paying in-state or out—the benefits of getting a higher education far outweigh the costs.
While you are likely paying more money than your parents did when they were going through school (inflation), you will also be earning more money than them upon graduation. The median wage for recent graduates between ages 22 and 32 reached $50 per hour according to U.S Census Bureau data from 2018; compare this with $28 per hour earned by workers with less than high school degrees and only $18 per hour earned by those who didn’t finish high school at all!
Furthermore, if you go on to graduate school after getting an undergraduate degree then even more opportunities open up: The median salary for master’s degree holders is around $77k annually while doctorate holders earn approximately six figures ($105k+).
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it seems that the cost of tuition is worth the investment. The data shows that the average college graduate will earn around $2 million over their lifetime; if you take into account that the average cost of a four-year degree is about $130k then this translates to an ROI of over 1000%. If you’re considering going back to school but are worried about how much it will cost, then don’t be—the benefits far outweigh the costs!
