10 Colleges With Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition | SoFi

By Ashley Kilroy. November 25, 2024 · 7 minute read

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10 Colleges With Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition | SoFi

College costs have skyrocketed over the years, and for many students, out-of-state tuition can feel especially pricey. On average, in-state tuition sits around $9,750 per year, but out-of-state students are often looking at a bill of $28,386 per year.

With college prices doubling in the 21st century, choosing colleges with cheap out-of-state tuition can help you find the best school for your career choice and needs without stretching your wallet too thin.

Keep reading to learn the most affordable public out-of-state colleges, how to receive in-state tuition as an out-of-state student, and how out-of-state students can save money on the cost of college.

Key Points

•   Many smaller public colleges, particularly in the Midwest and South, have some of the lowest out-of-state tuition rates.

•   Many institutions provide scholarships specifically for out-of-state students to further reduce their tuition costs.

•   Colleges like Louisiana State University at Shreveport and Fayetteville State University offer low out-of-state tuition rates, making them accessible to non-resident students.

•  Colleges in areas with a lower cost of living help students save on expenses beyond tuition, making them more affordable overall.

•  Students can cover the cost of college with scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

Overview of Out-of-State Tuition Costs

Out-of-state tuition is usually much more expensive than in-state tuition because state schools are funded by the state, helping lower costs for residents. Students from outside the state don’t get those benefits, so they often pay two to three times more.

The idea is that out-of-state students and their families haven’t paid taxes to support the state or its schools. Charging higher tuition for out-of-state students also helps the school bring in more money, which can be used for different things.

Before deciding on a specific school, it’s important to know the total cost and look for any savings opportunities. This can help make out-of-state tuition more affordable and manageable.

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Most Affordable Out-of-State Public Universities

While many colleges and universities price in-state and out-of-state tuition much differently, others are more reasonable. According to recent data from U.S. News, here are some of the cheapest out-of-state colleges:

•   Louisiana State University at Shreveport: $7,519

•   Fayetteville State University (NC): $7,584

•   University of North Carolina at Pembroke: $7,648

•   Mississippi University for Women: $8,492

•   Delta State University: $8,605

•   Western Carolina University (NC): $8,630

•   Oklahoma Panhandle State University: $8,636

•   Minot State University (ND): $8,702

•   Alcorn State University (MS): $8,787

•   St. Cloud State University (MN): $8,812

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Public Colleges With Out-of-State Tuition Discounts

Some states and regions offer programs that let students get a tuition discount. Here are some of the biggest programs available to help students pay for out-of-state tuition costs:

Midwestern region: If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin, you might qualify for discounted tuition through the Midwest Student Exchange Program. These discounts are available at specific public and private colleges.

New England region: Residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can receive tuition discounts at participating out-of-state schools through the New England Regional Student Program. This program offers over 700 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Southern region: The Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market gives tuition discounts for more than 1,900 programs in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia.

Western region: The Western Interstate Commission offers undergraduate and graduate students discounted tuition in states like Alaska, Arizona, and California with its Western Undergraduate Exchange program. It also helps health care students attending out-of-state programs lower their college costs.

Factors Impacting College Out-of-State Costs

Here are a few reasons why out-of-state tuition is usually more expensive than in-state tuition.

Tuition fees: In-state colleges get money from the state, so people who live there usually pay less. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, often pay up to three times more.

Travel costs: If you choose a school far from home, travel costs can add up. Whether you drive and pay for gas and parking or need to buy plane tickets, traveling back and forth can be an extra expense.

Living expenses: In addition to higher tuition and travel costs, it’s important to remember that the cost of living can be very different from state to state. Some cities are more expensive to live in. For example, going to school in California might cost you significantly more just to live there compared to the cost of living in Arkansas.

Securing In-State Tuition as an Out-of-State Student

Out-of-state tuition can seem really expensive, but don’t worry — there are ways to qualify for in-state rates and avoid paying the higher price.

Establishing Residency

It’s important to look into your options since state and school rules can be a bit tricky to navigate. Some schools may require you to live in the state full-time for at least a year before you can qualify for in-state tuition. If you’re claimed as a dependent, your parents may also need to meet similar residency requirements for you to get the lower tuition rates.

Tuition Reciprocal Agreements

A tuition reciprocity agreement is an arrangement between states that allows students to pay in-state tuition at schools in another state, even if they live or work elsewhere. For example, if you live in Ohio, you could use these agreements with states like Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia to pay the in-state tuition rate at some schools.

Tuition Discounts

Some parts of the country offer tuition discounts for out-of-state students going to qualifying colleges or universities. For example, the New England Regional Student Program lets students from New England attend public schools in other New England states at a lower price.

However, to qualify, you typically must choose a major that isn’t offered at the public colleges or universities in your home state.

Qualifying for Tuition Waivers

In addition to tuition discounts, schools may offer something called tuition waivers which can also help lower tuition and other college costs. To qualify, students usually must meet certain criteria, such as being:

•   Veterans

•   Military family members

•   School employees

•   Children of alumni

•   Students with financial need

•   Students who have reached a certain academic level

If any of these apply to you, it’s a good idea to check with the school you’re considering to see if you qualify for in-state tuition.

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Cost-Saving Strategies for Out-of-State Students

There are several ways to save money on college costs, even if you’re attending an out-of-state school. Here are a few helpful tips.

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

Applying for financial aid is a great way to lower your out-of-state college costs. Start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see what types of aid you qualify for, like federal loans, grants, or scholarships.

You can also search for extra scholarships to save even more. Check with your high school counselor, state agencies, foundations, nonprofits, and community organizations for opportunities.

Online or Distance Learning Options

If you’re open to doing your coursework online, you may be able to get lower tuition rates, even if you live in another state. Some colleges charge online students the same as in-state students, while others reduce the usual out-of-state tuition. Keep in mind that online programs might have extra fees, like a technology fee. But even with these fees, it can still be much cheaper than paying full out-of-state tuition.

The Takeaway

If you’re set on attending college out of state, there are affordable schools and universities that can help make paying for college more manageable. There are also programs available that can reduce tuition costs if you qualify.

If these programs don’t cover all of your college costs, it’s smart to explore additional funding options like scholarships, grants, and federal aid.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.


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FAQ

What is the cheapest out-of-state tuition for public universities?

The cheapest out-of-state school is Louisiana State University at Shreveport, with tuition and fees at $7,519, according to U.S. News. Other budget-friendly options include Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, Mississippi University for Women, and University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

How can I get in-state tuition as an out-of-state student?

There are a few ways you might qualify for in-state tuition as an out-of-state student, including:

Establishing residency in the state
Taking advantage of tuition discounts or reciprocity agreements between states
Earning scholarships that cover the difference

Before you set your sights on an out-of-state school, make sure to explore these options to see which one works for you.

Do private colleges offer out-of-state discounts?

Yes, some private and public colleges offer discounts for out-of-state students. For example, the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) gives a 10% discount to qualifying out-of-state students attending private colleges and universities.

Is out-of-state tuition worth the cost?

While going to a school in a different state can cost more, it might be worth it depending on the career path you choose. By finding scholarships or qualifying for discounted tuition rates, you can lower some of the extra costs that come with being an out-of-state student.


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