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What are the benefits and detriments of going to a college/university in your state in comparison to attending one out-of-state?

I am in my junior year of high school and am on the search of the college of my dreams. I am planning to attend a university in Pennsylvania because it is not too close and not too far from my home state of New Jersey. I am getting a bit tired of my current city location and think it will be great to go outside of my comfort zone to somewhere in the countryside. Which would be best for me? #college #university #out-of-state #in-state

university out-of-state in-state
Thank you comment icon If you are going to an out-of-state school you will need to prepare yourself financially.Some schools let you pay double the tuition and fees; others let you pay less than double. College is already expensive; paying double the tuition and fees is going to be much more expensive. In addition to the schooling cost, transport to the school from home every semester is also something you should consider. How are you going to get there,The cost of transport.You could also rent an apartment close to the school so you don't have to go home all the time. If you know a family member or a friend who lives in that state, you could stay with the person.The benefits. You get to see other place. You may think everyone in America has the same lifestyle but this is not true. Araba
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Keith’s Answer

If you are looking at public schools, the tuition will typically be much greater for an out of state student. However, for private schools, no such distinction exists. The previous respondent made a good point--the particular school you attend isn't as important as how much effort you put into your education. So between two comparable schools, what matters most is putting in the effort to get the most out of your education.


I personally went far from home to college, and felt it was a positive experience. Seeing a different part of the country and being forced to be independent were positive experiences for me. Although New Jersey and Pennsylvania are fairly close--you will probably see many students from each stat at both schools--being further from family may help you develop a greater sense of independence.
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EmilyAnn’s Answer

I'm also from New Jersey, and when I was looking at colleges I wanted to get out, start a new chapter, and be independent. Ironically, I ended up going to my state school (TCNJ) and haven't regretted it for a single second.

No matter where it is, college will take you out of your comfort zone. It is unlike any environment you've probably ever been in and from day one you will feel that independence. While TCNJ is within reasonable driving distance from home, I have never felt too close to home or like I was in my own backyard. A few people from my high school go to my college, but I hardly ever see them and have made new friends. It is nice to be somewhat close and have a few reminders of home while still being totally independent and separated.

Another huge plus is that going to school in-state is usually a lot more affordable than going out of state, and I can say that I'm so glad to not have the weight of larger student loans on my shoulders. You will most likely get a great education and experience wherever you go, so a lot of times it isn't really worth the extra money to go somewhere else if you feel you'd be happy at your state school. I love my school and every day I'm glad I didn't choose to pay 2-3x as much to go somewhere else out of state.

Originally, I only applied to my state school as a backup, but ended up choosing to go there over about 5 or 6 other schools I got into. My advice would be to have an open mind, because going to school in your state probably won't be nearly as bad as you think.
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Gloria’s Answer

Hi Karen,

I am not sure that in-state or out-of-state really matters much at all. At the end of the day, your college choice needs to be about getting the best possible education for the career that you plan to perform. It is also about the experiences that you want to have. I know when I opted to go to school away from home, it was about me wanting to start my life as a grown up and to experience new people and places. I went to a very good school, but that was secondary to my person goals. In the end, I wish that I had started college at home. I wasn't as mature as I thought that I was and being shy, it was hard for me to make connections with people in a new place. I was too far from home to make going back easy or cheap.

Gloria
Thank you comment icon you can always transfer to your dream college later Maria Gonzalez
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