7 answers
Gabriela
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Updated
2654 views
Does going to out of state schools cost more than attending in-state schools Should I even consider out of state schools?
I'm considering applying for colleges out of Florida but I'm not sure if I should.
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Gabriela out-of-state tuition at public universities is typically much higher than your in-state tuition. On average, out-of-state students at public four-year institutions pay almost triple the amount of in-state students. This difference is due to the fact that in-state students' tuition is often subsidized by state taxes. According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for out-of-state students were $30,780 during the 2024-25 academic year. That’s a steep increase from the $11,610 in-state tuition and fees for public colleges and universities, but cheaper than the $43,350 average tuition and fees to attend a private, nonprofit university. Out-of-state tuition can significantly increase the cost of college. However, with the right planning, it’s possible to reduce or even eliminate the price gap, thereby minimizing your need for student loans. From establishing residency to exploring reciprocity programs and tuition waivers, proactive research is key.
CONCLUSION
Before applying, review the residency requirements for your target state and dig into the financial aid options each college offers. In many cases, you can find everything you need on the school’s financial aid website. The earlier you plan, the more opportunities you’ll have to make an out-of-state education more affordable. If you find yourself needing student loans, exploring your options is important. We always recommend maxing out your federal student loan options first before getting a private student loan. However, plenty of private student loan options are available—College Ave is our favorite. You can read about all our recommendations here.
Don't forget out-of-state college housing costs vary widely depending on location, type of accommodation, and whether it's on or off campus. Generally, living off-campus tends to be more expensive than commuting to a local college, especially if you also need to factor in meals and transportation will drive your out-of-state costs even more.
Hope this was helpful Gabriela
When choosing a college, it's beneficial to work closely with your high school to make the most informed decision. Counselors can assist with creating a personalized college plan, including researching colleges, understanding application deadlines, and developing a strong application.
High schools often have resources like college search websites and databases to help you research different institutions. These tools allow you to compare factors like academic programs, campus size, location, cost, and student life.
CONCLUSION
Before applying, review the residency requirements for your target state and dig into the financial aid options each college offers. In many cases, you can find everything you need on the school’s financial aid website. The earlier you plan, the more opportunities you’ll have to make an out-of-state education more affordable. If you find yourself needing student loans, exploring your options is important. We always recommend maxing out your federal student loan options first before getting a private student loan. However, plenty of private student loan options are available—College Ave is our favorite. You can read about all our recommendations here.
Don't forget out-of-state college housing costs vary widely depending on location, type of accommodation, and whether it's on or off campus. Generally, living off-campus tends to be more expensive than commuting to a local college, especially if you also need to factor in meals and transportation will drive your out-of-state costs even more.
Hope this was helpful Gabriela
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Karin. We have not lived until we have done something for someone who can never repay us.
Doc Frick
Andrey Perdue
Dental Hygienist
22
Answers
Destin, Florida
Updated
Andrey’s Answer
Yes out of school tuition usually significantly higher than instate. However, some states have laws that allow you to apply for in-state tuition after X amount of months in the state.
Whether you should apply in state or out state is your decisions. It all depends on your career choice. One of the thing to consider is are you going to be able to repay out of state loan with the income from your career choice. Second, how bad do you want to reach your career goal. Out of state colleges/universities give you additional spots to apply specially in competitive career paths
Whether you should apply in state or out state is your decisions. It all depends on your career choice. One of the thing to consider is are you going to be able to repay out of state loan with the income from your career choice. Second, how bad do you want to reach your career goal. Out of state colleges/universities give you additional spots to apply specially in competitive career paths
Andrey Perdue
Dental Hygienist
22
Answers
Destin, Florida
Updated
Andrey’s Answer
Hello Gabriella,
Yes out of state tuition is more than in-state, at times it double or triple. In addition, most school will prioritize in-state student for certain programs before considering out of state.
However, some states will allow you to switch you to in-state tuition after certain amount of time you reside in the state. This is generally state to state based and varies from 3 months to 1 year.
Yes out of state tuition is more than in-state, at times it double or triple. In addition, most school will prioritize in-state student for certain programs before considering out of state.
However, some states will allow you to switch you to in-state tuition after certain amount of time you reside in the state. This is generally state to state based and varies from 3 months to 1 year.
Tyler White
Account Executive - Tech Sales, Real Estate Investor, Coach
50
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Love the question, Gabriela. Great to hear you are considering higher education and even better to hear you are thinking through the costs/ROI of it all.
In majority of cases, out of state schools will be significantly more expensive than attending in-state schools. My recommendation is getting 2 years of school done at a community college or somewhere in state where you can save a lot of money.
From there, 2 years of school anywhere (including expensive out of state colleges) can make sense depending on what you want to go into.
Best of luck to you!
-Tyler
In majority of cases, out of state schools will be significantly more expensive than attending in-state schools. My recommendation is getting 2 years of school done at a community college or somewhere in state where you can save a lot of money.
From there, 2 years of school anywhere (including expensive out of state colleges) can make sense depending on what you want to go into.
Best of luck to you!
-Tyler
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Gabriela !
Your out of state tuition will only be higher than resident tuition if you start college as a non-resident of your new State. If you move to the new state and start college right away, the first 12 months (your first year) will require the out of state higher tuition. If you wait to enroll until you're in the new state for 6 months, only one semester would probably be out of state tuition. You would be considered a resident of the new state after living there for 12 months, so you can figure out how this will go for your particular circumstances.
It is most definitely worth considering out of state colleges. I did that myself, moving 3,000 miles away. It was great ! But you will have to want to do this regardless of having either gap time to fulfill your State residency or paying one or two semesters higher tuition. It is worth it only if it is something that you really want to do.
Moving for college one or two states over may not be as challenging as what I did, but I have some advice to prepare you. Obtain employment now and open a savings account and save every pay check. You will need this because you may not start school right away and if that's the case, you'll need to obtain a job - even if it's part time - in the new state. Know exactly where you will live before you make the move. It'll depend on if you start college right away (living in the dorms) or if you rent a room until you fulfill your residency. You most likely should have a car, too. It's all going to depend on your circumstances . . . and how much you want to study in a new town or city. It can be a very positive, memorable adventure, but you need to do what's doable for you.
You will be happy to know that there are special scholarships for Florida students that plan to go to college out of state. Some require you to return to Florida after you graduate, but look up these online for the details. These scholarships are: Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship, Bright Futures – Florida Academic Scholars, Bright Futures – Florida Medallion Scholars, and the Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships if your college state is North Carolina or South Carolina.
Also, guess what ? You may be able to get In-State Tuition as an Out of State Student. I left a link below for you about this. Who knew ?
Please do reach out again to us if you have any specific questions about this. I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best ! I relocated for college and stayed there for ten years !
STATE TUITION EXCHANGE https://understandingfafsa.org/get-in-state-tuition-as-an-out-of-state-student/
Your out of state tuition will only be higher than resident tuition if you start college as a non-resident of your new State. If you move to the new state and start college right away, the first 12 months (your first year) will require the out of state higher tuition. If you wait to enroll until you're in the new state for 6 months, only one semester would probably be out of state tuition. You would be considered a resident of the new state after living there for 12 months, so you can figure out how this will go for your particular circumstances.
It is most definitely worth considering out of state colleges. I did that myself, moving 3,000 miles away. It was great ! But you will have to want to do this regardless of having either gap time to fulfill your State residency or paying one or two semesters higher tuition. It is worth it only if it is something that you really want to do.
Moving for college one or two states over may not be as challenging as what I did, but I have some advice to prepare you. Obtain employment now and open a savings account and save every pay check. You will need this because you may not start school right away and if that's the case, you'll need to obtain a job - even if it's part time - in the new state. Know exactly where you will live before you make the move. It'll depend on if you start college right away (living in the dorms) or if you rent a room until you fulfill your residency. You most likely should have a car, too. It's all going to depend on your circumstances . . . and how much you want to study in a new town or city. It can be a very positive, memorable adventure, but you need to do what's doable for you.
You will be happy to know that there are special scholarships for Florida students that plan to go to college out of state. Some require you to return to Florida after you graduate, but look up these online for the details. These scholarships are: Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarship, Bright Futures – Florida Academic Scholars, Bright Futures – Florida Medallion Scholars, and the Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships if your college state is North Carolina or South Carolina.
Also, guess what ? You may be able to get In-State Tuition as an Out of State Student. I left a link below for you about this. Who knew ?
Please do reach out again to us if you have any specific questions about this. I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best ! I relocated for college and stayed there for ten years !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Nicholas Grassi, PACE
Founder and CEO
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Generally speaking, yes out of state tuition will always be more than in-state. You’ll want to check what constitutes ‘in state’ tuition and what documentation is needed to prove you are in fact considered an ‘in state’ resident. As this varies by state and institution. They have become more stringent in recent years (in terms of what they accept as proof of residency) so be sure to check those requirements as you check your tuitions.
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
84
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Gabriela! Great question. Yes, out-of-state tuition will be higher than in-state tuition. While expense is definitely a concern, in-state university would be a great choice.
However, it could be worth going out of state depending on the degree program you are seeking. Each university has reputation for certain programs where the graduates are highly sought after. So, the graduates are more likely to get a high-paying job in that degree program. When we think about college investment...we don't just look at expense, we look at return on investment (ROI).
Looking at if from the other side, I would not go out of state if there is not anything special (reputation) about that university's degree program. I hope this make sense. Good luck!
However, it could be worth going out of state depending on the degree program you are seeking. Each university has reputation for certain programs where the graduates are highly sought after. So, the graduates are more likely to get a high-paying job in that degree program. When we think about college investment...we don't just look at expense, we look at return on investment (ROI).
Looking at if from the other side, I would not go out of state if there is not anything special (reputation) about that university's degree program. I hope this make sense. Good luck!