How to Afford out of State Tuition
Paying for a college education is a huge financial undertaking. That undertaking can become even larger by attending a college in a different state. Tuition at an of an out of state university can be double or even triple a comparable in state school. For people contemplating attending a college in a different state, it may be hard to figure out how to afford out of state tuition.
Why Is out of State Tuition More Expensive?
You pay taxes in the state you live, therefore contributing towards the funding of the universities. The increased tuition cost for out of state students is meant to make up for the lack of financial support through taxation in that state.
How to Afford out of State Tuition
- Waivers : Many schools attract high performing students through scholarships or tuition wavers. Partial or full waivers can reduce the cost of tuition to be equal to in state students.
- Good Neighbor Policy : Students living near the state border may still be able to get in state tuition rates. Some schools will offer scholarships or reduced tuition if the student lives within a certain distance of the school.
- Fill Out FAFSA: Students miss out on free financial aid from the government by not filling out the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). Students filling out the FAFSA may qualify for scholarships or low interest federal loans. Also, many colleges require a completed FAFSA to get work study assignments to earn money towards paying for college.
- Reciprocity: Reciprocal agreements between states allow a resident from one state to attend college in any of the other states in the agreement for the same rate as in state residents.
- Become A Resident: By fulfilling the requirements of becoming a resident of a state, one then qualifies for in state tuition cost. Becoming a resident of a new state typically requires you to live there for a year or longer. Therefore, this route may take some forward thinking.
Out of state tuition rates may seem like an insurmountable financial hurdle. But before giving up on your top college destination, one or more of the above methods may provide the answer to how to afford out of state tuition.
How about you, Clever Friends? Have you ever given up on going to a specific college because out of state tuition was to expensive?
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Brock is a software engineer by day and personal finance blogger at night. He is a fitness junkie and enjoys grilling and smoking meat. Married with two children, Brock strives to improve his skills as a husband and father, and is always on the lookout to stretch his family’s budget as far as he can.