In-State vs. Out-of-State College: Pros & Cons

Choosing the college of your dreams can be an exciting yet stressful endeavor. One of your biggest decisions is whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state college. From tuition to travel costs and the desire for fresh, new experiences, you must consider plenty of factors when choosing where to go.

You’ll also want to consider the benefits of in-state and out-of-state private schools compared to public schools.

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s a good idea to take your time when deciding. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of out-of-state college versus in-state college.

Pros and cons of in-state college

First, let’s talk about sticking closer to home. Attending a state university has many attractive benefits but, as with anything, also has a few downsides. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of in-state college

• Lower tuition. Public in-state colleges usually offer attractive resident discounts, significantly lowering tuition costs. The rules to qualify for these discounts differ for each state, but typically, you must be a state resident for at least one year to qualify.
• Lower travel costs. If you choose to live with family and commute to school, your only travel expense would be getting to and from school daily. However, even if you choose to board at an in-state school, going home for the holidays is likely just a train ride away — far more economical than traveling between states.
• Closer to family and friends. One great benefit of attending an in-state college is that you’ll be near your circle of friends and family. Heading to college is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life, but it can be quite hectic. 

With the heavy workload, balancing your studies and social life, plus all the added responsibilities of independence, things can become very stressful. While all this is a part of the whole experience, it’s good to have some familiar faces to help you get through the process.

Cons of in-state college

• Fewer college options. One downside of going to an in-state college is that you’ll have fewer colleges to choose from. This becomes even more of a challenge if you live in a state with a lower population. For example, Alaska has only four public colleges. This might limit your options for degree programs, especially if you’re looking into a more niche area of study.
• Less independence. Although living at home or closer to home can make things a lot more comfortable for some people, it can also limit your level of independence. Becoming more responsible and independent is a major part of your overall college experience.
• Less excitement. You’re finally leaving high school behind. If you’re like many other college students, you’re probably most excited about the chance to be in a new environment. Leaving for school means different weather, new culture, new friends, and fun activities to try out. Staying in the same state for college can still be fun (and can still be quite a ways from your hometown), but if you’re really looking for that fresh, new experience, it may not be as exciting as going out of state.

Pros and cons of out-of-state college

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, an out-of-state school might be a great fit for you. College, in itself, is quite an adventure, but moving even one state away can truly enrich your experience. Take a look at these pros and cons of out-of-state college to help with your decision.

Pros of out-of-state college

• New experiences. Moving to a new state for college will expose you to a new culture (really!). You’ll also be further away from your regular circle of friends and family, which should encourage you to form new friendships. Not to mention the change in weather — for instance, you could move from a warmer state to one with plenty of snow. Moving out of state will naturally give you more opportunities for new experiences, since you’re likely already familiar with much of your home state. It’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone.
• More college options. Attending college out of state gives you a much larger pool of schools. This can be very beneficial if your preferred degree program is more niche and is not offered in many states. Also, students living in smaller states might not have many well-known or prestigious colleges nearby. It might be worth looking out of state if this concerns you. For example, a big city like New York has plenty of popular colleges.
• More degree options. Of course, more college options mean more degree choices available to you. The colleges in your home state may not offer the degree you wish to pursue. This means you’ll either need to choose another course of study or look to a different state. If your heart is set on a particular degree, an out-of-state college might be your best bet.
• More independence. Living further from home challenges you to learn to do things on your own. This is a great way to develop new life skills. Aside from your degree, this is one of the most lasting benefits of attending college.

Cons of out-of-state college

• Higher tuition costs. This is probably the biggest con of attending school out of state for some people. Enrolling as an out-of-state student can double (or even triple) your college tuition costs compared to in-state rates. However, some states offer special discounts to students from other states, so it’s worth researching these kinds of discounts.

• Expensive travel costs. You’ll likely want to spend spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the major holidays with your family back home. Just keep in mind that the cost to travel between states can quickly add up — even if it’s only a few times a year. Most students tend to go home for the holidays, which means colleges are much quieter, and there’s not much to do. It’s a good idea to plan well in advance if you want to travel home for the holidays.
• Homesickness. Moving states can be amazing for meeting new people, having new experiences, and developing new skills. But making new friends takes time, and sometimes you just crave the familiarity of a hearty home-cooked meal on a particularly challenging day. Some amount of homesickness is to be expected if it’s your first time living away from family, so it’s best to plan for it. Scheduling phone or video calls with family and regularly scheduling vacation plans to visit home are great ways to handle homesickness.

What qualifies someone for in-state or out-of-state college?

An in-state college offers much lower tuition when compared to out-of-state schools. For many public institutions, you must be a resident in the state for at least one year before graduation to qualify for lower in-state tuition rates. In many cases, at least one parent must also live in that specific state for you to qualify.

Once you live in one state and attend college in another, you’re considered an out-of-state student. This is simply because your parents are not paying state taxes in the state you’re attending college.

Is out-of-state college worth it?

One of the biggest drawbacks of out-of-state universities is the higher tuition costs. Out-of-state tuition costs are often significantly higher than in-state costs and often don’t include books and boarding.

For context, the national average for in-state tuition at a four-year public college is almost $11,000 per year. Compare this with $28,000 per year for the average out-of-state tuition.

For example, if you choose to attend the University of California-Santa Barbara as an in-state student, your tuition fee would be $14,406 (compared to $44,160 as an out-of-state student).

In-state tuition fees at the University at Buffalo in New York are currently $10,526, compared to $28,196 for out-of-state fees.

So, is it worth it to attend college out of state?

Well, it depends. The freedom and independence, the wide selection of colleges and degrees, and the exciting new experiences are all tempting (and very valid) reasons to go out of state. Ultimately, it will boil down to your personal preferences. 

College is a great place to explore and indulge in new experiences, but it’s also the kickoff point for your future career and adult life. If you’re taking student loans or other financial aid to pay for college, carefully weighing your decision is especially important. 

You want to have fun and gain access to more career opportunities, but it’s good to start thinking about your financial future, too. Who knows? Changing states might lead you to a high-paying career where you can easily repay college debts.

Find the best college for you with help from College Rover

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make as a new high school graduate is where you’ll attend college. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of out-of-state college and in-state college to ensure you make the best choice.

Finding the right college can significantly impact your future career and financial state. Scanning through an endless list of public universities and private colleges can quickly become overwhelming. Visit College Rover today to start your college search with ease, and explore different degree programs, extracurricular activities, and more.