If you’re a senior in high school who has always dreamed of moving to New York City for college, but you live in, say, Missoula, Mont., you’ve got a big question: Do you follow your dreams to the Big Apple, or do you stay in-state to save some money?
Why does it cost more?
Know that going out of state for college could mean you pay a higher tuition rate at public institutions.
“With state universities, there is a subsidy provided to the university by the state legislature that helps reduce the costs for the residents of their state,” explains Woody O’Cain, vice president for enrollment at Erskine College (erskine.edu). “Out-of-state students do not benefit from this subsidy, and are expected to pay the full cost of attendance.”
How can I make it cost less?
Some students consider establishing residency if they choose to attend a public, out-of-state school. But it’s not as easy as just living somewhere for a set amount of time.
To establish residency and be eligible for in-state tuition, you typically must work for one year in the state. You (or your parents, if you’re a dependent) also have to have a permanent residence—not just a dorm address—there.
“The cost of establishing in-state residency (through blood, sweat, tears, income tax dependency, and expected employment income) can be more than the out-of-state fee differential itself,” says O’Cain.
There is not the same out-of-state surcharge at private colleges. Some private colleges even give incentives to out-of-state prospects.
“Private colleges will sometimes offer special grants to students who live out of state if they are trying to expand their reach into a certain area,” says Susan Heard, director of enrollment operations at Centenary College (centenarycollege.edu). “Ask the financial aid office about special grants and if you would qualify.”
Are you ready to go out of state?
Think about how far you want to be from home. If you attend a college 3,000 miles from your hometown, you won’t be able to travel home frequently on the weekends. However, moving away for college can be a great way to explore new territory and live in a different environment.
If you live in one of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education states, you can enroll at participating two or four-year college programs out of state at a reduced tuition rate:
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming
Visit www.wiche.edu for more information.
If you live in one of the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states, you could pay in-state tuition at an out-of-state school if you can’t find the degree program you want in your home state.
Visit http://sreb.org/programs/acm/acmindex.aspx for details.
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