Cheapest Out of State Tuition

Are you dreaming of a fresh start but worried about college costs? The adventure of starting again in a different location or even finding cheaper college options without graduating with the enormous responsibility of paying student debt can be difficult for many students.

Oftentimes, in-state colleges are the best option in terms of finances. That's because of the massive discounts many colleges offer to in-state scholars. For example, Louisiana State University charges Louisiana residents close to $12,00, while out-of-state tuition is almost $28,500. Although the out-of-state cost is very close to the average cost of college anyways, you'd save a lot of money with the in-state tuition.

But why let funding stop you from leaving your home state if that's what you want? Maybe your state doesn't have the undergraduate or graduate programs you want to study. Maybe you just want to get away from home and see other parts of the country. Whatever the case, many students prefer to look at colleges outside their home state.

There are still plenty of colleges with out-of-state tuition costs low enough to compare to the cost of your in-state college. Saving money doesn't mean you have to stay at home!

Research the cheapest out-of-state tuition for different colleges to make sure you're getting the best bang for buck— or don't do your research. We did it for you! Keep reading to see what low-cost colleges are a good fit for you.

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Colleges with the Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition

Education statistics show that out-of-state students often have to pay higher tuition and fees than in-state residents. In-state tuition is usually offered as in incentive for students to study in their home state. You'll usually receive heavy discounts when applying to colleges in your own state.

The national average tuition for out-of-state students is $27,320. Meanwhile, the national average in-state tuition is $9,374. The sizable difference between the two means many students choose to just attend their state college— and while there's nothing wrong with that, if you want to leave home to study, you should be able to!

This comprehensive list of private and public colleges compares in-state and out-of-state tuition for you to consider. Below are some of the colleges with the most reasonable out-of-state tuition.

Public Colleges with Low Tuition for Out-of-State Students

Since college can be so expensive, you might wonder if college is worth the investment. Spoiler alert: it usually is. College degrees make you a more competitive candidate in any field, partly because employers take it as proof that you're generally intelligent and capable of finishing tasks.

Generally speaking, public colleges charge cheaper tuition and fees than private colleges. Many public schools are state schools, which again, offer better rates for state residents. However, if the cost of the college is low to begin with, and the in-state discount isn't as significant, it can still be a good deal.

Dickinson State University, North Dakota

Dickinson State University is a regional four-year educational institution in Dickinson, North Dakota, founded in 1918. It is also known as the Blue Hawks. The out-of-state tuition is $11,218, while in-state tuition is $9,118.

Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina

Going to North Carolina is also a possibility if you are looking for low out-of-state tuition. The Elizabeth City State University is known for historically representing minorities, since most students come from underrepresented backgrounds. Out-of-state tuition is $10,956, and the in-state is 6,956.

Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Panhandle State University has a small student body, with 1242 students enrolled. That makes it a great choice for students who prefer small class sizes and hands-on participation. The out-of-state tuition and fees are $8,426.

Southern University and A&M College, Louisiana

Southern University and A&M College was founded in 1880. Unlike many schools, which are predominantly white, 95% of students are of black ethnicity. If you would like to live in the warm state of Louisiana, Southern University and A&M College is a great option for you. The out-of-state tuition costs $10,479.

To further fund your education if think Louisiana schools are a good fit for you, apply to Louisiana scholarships and chase your dreams.

Wayne State College, Nebraska

Located in a rural area of Nebraska, Wayne State College offers students access to a campus of 128 acres. The in-state tuition and fees for Wayne State College are $7,923; out-of-state tuition and fees are $7,923.

Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri

Have you considered moving to Missouri? Southeast Missouri State University is a great option for students since it offers various educational programs, from undergraduate to graduate degrees. The out-of-state tuition is the same as the in-state tuition, which is $10,839.

West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University has an enticing, sun-soaked campus of 176 acres. The cost for out-of-state tuition is $10,834, and the in-state tuition is $9,204.

Private Colleges with Affordable Tuition

United States Merchant Marine Academy, New York

Ever consider joining the military? It can have several benefits, as some military programs will offer to pay for part of your education depending on what you study and which area of the military you're in.

At the Merchant Marine Academy, you'll be able to access different opportunities, such as marine engineering, marine transportation, mathematics and science, naval science, humanities, and physical education. The tuition is the same for all students, which is $2,016.

Sinte Gleska University, South Dakota

Located in South Dakota, Sinte Gleska University offers a wide range of degrees, from certificates to master's degrees. Out-of-state students can get in on the fun after paying a tuition of $4,714.

Institute of American Indian Arts, New Mexico

The Institute of American Indian Arts boasts a high percentage of Native American students. It's a good choice for those seeking diversity in the classroom, or other Native American students in pursuit of like-minded individuals from a similar background. The tuition for all students is the same, which is $5,561.

Lowering Out-of-State Tuition Costs

When considering the in-state and out-of-state costs for various universities, there's a few other factors at play as well. The overall living costs of the state, for example, can affect pricing— as well as how much you're going to spend on clothes, food, and transportation, among other expenses.

You'll have to move for college anyways if you choose a college outside of commuting distance from your home. Some students choose to move out ahead of schedule to try and get the in-state tuition, which can work if you plan ahead accordingly.

In-State vs Out-of-State Tuition: What's the Difference?

Out-of-state residents just don't get the same rates of in-state students at some colleges. There's no way around that, but with the help of financial aid, scholarships, and other strategies, the cost of attending an out-of-state school can be lowered.

Higher education is a major financial investment, even if the college you choose is on the cheaper side. That's why many state schools give state residents a discount— they can keep the tuition money in the state, contributing to the local economy.

Ways to Get the In-State Students College Discount

Many states require students to wait at least 12 months to be able to pay in-state tuition, and some will require even more time for scholars to become in-state students. Here are some tips on how to pay cheaper tuition as an in-state student:

Don't hesitate to reach out to the financial aid department of the university you plan to attend. They can provide valuable guidance on the requirements for in-state tuition, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

It's worth exploring if your parents' professions could provide additional support for your tuition. Military personnel, first responders, and educators often have access to benefits that can help offset education costs. Investigating these options could be a game-changer for your college funding.

Some universities have legacy scholarships, which benefit students whose parents attended the university. It could be a good idea to go to the university your parents attended.

Some states have agreements with other states, so it may be a good idea to research if you live in a state that partners with other states.

Establish residency in the state you are moving to. Requirements for residency may be different in each state, so check in advance what you'll need to do to gain residency in your desired state.

Online Colleges

For students considering a move to a small town or a different state, online education offers a unique advantage. While online programs can sometimes be more expensive than in-person enrollment, they often allow you to pay in-state tuition for certificate programs. This means you can benefit from the lower tuition rates of your home state, even if you're studying from a different location.

That means students who live in high-cost states may be able to relocate to a low-cost state and still pay a discounted, in-state tuition for universities in their home state. This is usually only possible if you're taking online classes, so you technically still count as a resident of your original state even though you currently live elsewhere. This way, you get to combine the in-state discount with lower living costs from a different state!

States with the Lowest Cost of Living

Knowing regional colleges with the student population and the lowest out-of-state tuition prices is important to help you find the best education costs. However, other factors should be considered when choosing a higher education. Here's a list of some of the cheapest states to help you make better decisions when choosing a University:

Mississippi

Mississippi is considered one of the cheapest states to live in because housing costs are about 33.7% below the national average.

West Virginia

West Virginia is also another place where prices can be more friendly, with a cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average.

Iowa

Iowa is a state that not only has one of the lowest poverty rates but also has housing costs 24% below the national average.

Missouri

Missouri, a state with a diverse job market in various industries, also offers housing costs 19.7% below the national average, making it an attractive and affordable place to live.

Georgia

Georgia can also be a cheap state to live in. Housing costs are 25.6% below average, and utility costs are 9.5% below the national average.

Apply for Scholarships

Another way to lower college tuition is to apply for scholarships. You can apply with no cost to yourself— sending in applications is free. And in exchange, there's a chance for high financial returns. Some scholarship awards can go as high as $2,000.

Scholarships are most often applied to school-related expenses, like textbooks, tuition costs, and other similar categories. But some scholarships can also be used for necessary living expenses, which helps a lot if you're attending college in an area with high living costs.

Apply to scholarships today and earn free money for your college education!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition

Can I qualify for residency in a different state if a parent or relative already lives there?

Yes, to qualify for in-state tuition and fees, you must establish residency in the state where the college is located. This usually involves living in the state for a certain period, often 12 months or more. Therefore, you can pay for in-state tuition and fees if you establish residency before the determined period required to pay in-state tuition and fees.

What is the Midwest Student Exchange Program?

The Midwest Student Exchange Program is a great way for students to save on tuition. This agreement among schools and colleges in the states of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin offers grants for academic programs, allowing students to save an average annual tuition amount of $7,000. The program is available at over 70 institutions, providing a variety of options for students.

Can I pay in-state tuition if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

Some conditions exist to pay in-state tuition and fees if you are not a U.S. citizen. You have to be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and live in the state where you are applying for your college education for 12 months or more, depending on where. The same rules apply for refugees who have received political asylum and people with the following visa classifications: A, E, G, H-1B, H-1C, the spouse or child of a person holding an H-1B or H-1C visa, I, K, L, NATO, O, R, S, T, TN, U, or V.

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