As soon-to-be high school seniors begin the college search, they may assume that any public college in the country would be affordable when compared to private colleges – but that’s not necessarily the case. Yes, colleges within your own state will be reasonably priced; but if you plan to attend a public college in a state in which you do not reside, it can be just as expensive as some of those private colleges.
Many public colleges charge out-of-state tuition prices to students that are not residents of that specific state. In fact, according to a study by the College Board, the average tuition cost for undergraduates to attend a four-year public college out-of-state for the 2020-2021 academic year was $27,560 – about two and a half times more than the average cost of in-state tuition of $10,740.
And that’s just tuition and fees. Throw room and board costs on top of that and attending an out-of-state public college could cost you quite a bit.
However, for those students desiring a taste of another part of the country, there are colleges out there that offer a very reasonable price to students who live outside of that particular state. U.S. News ranked the top 10 colleges with affordable out-of-state tuition.
It should be noted that the rankings did not consider United States military academies, which provide free college tuition and a military commitment from students. The list also didn’t include colleges or universities in Puerto Rico.
Check out the top ten cheapest U.S. colleges with out-of-state tuition, below:
Now, when it comes to applying to colleges by academic standards, students are told to apply for a few reach schools, a few match schools, and a few safety schools. They should do the same when it comes to financial standards. Apply for a few schools that are out of reach financially as well as those that are affordable.
As you search for colleges, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible beginning October 1. Colleges take the financial information presented on the FAFSA and create financial aid packages for students. These financial aid packages make it easier to determine how affordable a college may or may not be for a particular student.
**Pro Tip: To make completing your FAFSA as easy as possible, consider using this FAFSA checklist to ensure you have what you need before you start.**
Financial aid packages typically arrive in late winter and early spring, and they may surprise students and their families. A school with a very high sticker price may be affordable thanks to a generous merit scholarship, while a public state school may offer very little. At the same time, it may work out that the state school is still the less expensive option when comparing packages.
Students should also know that they can actually use financial aid packages to negotiate better offers from schools on their list. If one college provides you with a better offer than the others, you can use that offer in conversations to convince other schools to increase their aid package. Some colleges and universities even offer tuition waivers to lower their net price for students wanting to attend college outside of their home state.
At the same time, you need to be careful with what’s presented in your financial aid award letter. Don’t just look at the bottom line and make decisions because one college is cheaper than all the others. You also need to consider which college will enable you to graduate with the least amount of student loan debt. Consider offers that aren’t loaded up with student loans, and compare grants, work-study, and need-based scholarships in your financial aid award letters.
Finally, students should consider other college costs when they make final college decisions. Attending a college out of your own resident state could add up in a different way.
For instance, how far will you have to travel in order to go to and from home? Is it a tank of gas or a flight across the country? Are you willing to sacrifice visits home to family – or are you saving money by attending one of the above colleges and able to afford the transportation costs?
There are a variety of factors to consider when making college decisions. College fit is important, just as college affordability. Look at the true cost of a college and apply to schools with a variety in college pricing. Some may look expensive – but they can come with generous financial aid packages.
Also, remember to look at in-state versus out-of-state college costs. Weigh your options and keep a close eye on colleges that will enable you to graduate with the least amount of student loan debt.
- University of North Carolina - Pembroke Location: Pembroke, North Carolina
- Western Carolina University Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
- Wayne State College Location: Wayne, Nebraska
- Alcorn State University Location: Alcorn, Mississippi
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma
- Mississippi University for Women Location: Columbus, Mississippi
- Elizabeth City State University Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina
- Minot State University Location: Minot, North Dakota
- Delta State University Location: Cleveland, Mississippi
- Granite State College Location: Concord, New Hampshire Average Out-of-State Tuition: $9,015 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $5,000 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $5,000 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $7,458 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $7,596 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $7,665 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $7,756 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $8,047 per year
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $8,164
Average Out-of-State Tuition: $8,360 per year