College can be a major financial commitment, but the cost climbs even higher for out-of-state students, making education affordability a bigger challenge. According to CollegeBoard, the average tuition and fees for out-of-state students at public schools are nearly triple what in-state students pay.
If you’re thinking about attending a university in another state, here’s what you need to know about the reasoning behind the cost gap and some strategies you can use to qualify for lower in-state tuition.
In case you’ve exhausted your federal financial aid, school aid package, and scholarship opportunities, and are currently in need of funding for school, here’s our list of top-rated private student loan lenders: Best Private Student Loans: Reviewed and Ranked.
Keep reading for more on in- versus out-of-state tuition!
| Company | Fixed Rates (APR) | Variable Rates (APR) | Rating (0-5) |
|---|---|---|---|
Terms & Disclosures
Information advertised valid as of 06/15/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s). All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC |
5.59% – 16.99% | 3.99% – 15.89% |
Terms & Disclosures
Information advertised valid as of 06/15/2026. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s). All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLC, NMLS#1263410 NMLS Consumer Access College Ave’s student loan products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or BTG Pactual Bank, N.A., member FDIC |
Terms & Disclosures
Borrow responsibly Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. 1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates. 2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal. 3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. 4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. 5. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. 6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered. 7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not. Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026. ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION. Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. |
5.59% – 16.99% | 3.87% – 16.50%% |
Terms & Disclosures
Borrow responsibly Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., and apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident). Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. 1. Loan application must be submitted to see available rates. 2. Although we do not charge you a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as provided in your promissory note — first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal. 3. Based on a comparison of the percentage of students who were approved with a cosigner to the percentage of students who were approved without a cosigner from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. 4. The borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae to receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction benefit. This benefit applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. 5. Advertised APRs for undergraduate students assume a $10,000 loan with a 4-year in-school period, a 6-month grace, and the longest loan term offered. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. 6. Savings comparison assumes a freshman student receives a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common variable rate as of January 2025 and the longest loan term offered. 7. Examples of typical transactions for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, two disbursements, a 4-year in-school period, and a 6-month grace: For a borrower with the shortest loan term, it works out to 16.16% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $296.32 and one payment of $41.82, for a total loan cost of $36,578.90. For a borrower with the longest loan term, it works out to 16.38% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 177 payments of $265.54 and one payment of $173.00, for a total loan cost of $48,448.58. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. A variable APR may increase over the life of the loan. A fixed APR will not. Information advertised valid as of 05/26/2026. ALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. CHECK SALLIEMAE.COM FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRODUCT INFORMATION. Sallie Mae loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. |
Terms & Disclosures
In-School Loans Disclosures
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval. Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
Auto Pay Discount
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment from a checking or savings account. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when loan payments are deferred during the interim period as a result of selecting the deferred repayment option.
Cosigner Release
To qualify for automatic cosigner release, the outstanding principal balance of your loan must be paid down to 50% or less of the original principal balance. The primary borrower must have made 36 months of required payments after the end of the Interim Period. The primary borrower must meet our eligibility and minimum credit requirements. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
To request cosigner release, the primary borrower must have made 12 consecutive, monthly on-time principal and interest payments (or an amount equal thereto) immediately preceding the cosigner release application. The primary borrower must satisfy certain eligibility and credit criteria at the time of application. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Grace Period
Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
Loan Cost Examples
Available interest rates are subject to change. Interest rates as of 03/19/2026. Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples:
1.) These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate (“”APR””): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,054.10.
2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest-only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,886.94. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $137.42 for 57 months.
3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $246.61) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.65% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $45,814.80. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00.
4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $268.03) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.39% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $48,245.40. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when the deferred repayment option has been selected and the loan is in the interim period. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0.
Loan Minimum
Residents of Hawaii must request a loan of at least $1,501.
Repayment Terms and Options
Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type.
Skip a Payment
Earnest clients may skip a payment through a single, one-month forbearance during a 12 month period. Your first request to skip a pay can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time full principal and interest payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Any unpaid accrued interest may capitalize (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance period by adding unpaid accrued interest to the outstanding principal as permitted by law and the terms of the loan agreement. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
No Fees
Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, returned check, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1.
Earnest Private Student Loans are made by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. FinWise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest student loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland, CA 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770). FinWise Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.
Interest Rates Disclosure: |
5.59% – 16.99% | 3.99% – 16.85% |
Terms & Disclosures
In-School Loans Disclosures
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval. Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
Auto Pay Discount
You can take advantage of the Auto Pay interest rate reduction by setting up and maintaining active and automatic ACH withdrawal of your loan payment from a checking or savings account. The interest rate reduction for Auto Pay will be available only while your loan is enrolled in Auto Pay. Interest rate incentives for utilizing Auto Pay may not be combined with certain private student loan repayment programs that also offer an interest rate reduction. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when loan payments are deferred during the interim period as a result of selecting the deferred repayment option.
Cosigner Release
To qualify for automatic cosigner release, the outstanding principal balance of your loan must be paid down to 50% or less of the original principal balance. The primary borrower must have made 36 months of required payments after the end of the Interim Period. The primary borrower must meet our eligibility and minimum credit requirements. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
To request cosigner release, the primary borrower must have made 12 consecutive, monthly on-time principal and interest payments (or an amount equal thereto) immediately preceding the cosigner release application. The primary borrower must satisfy certain eligibility and credit criteria at the time of application. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Grace Period
Nine-month grace period is not available for borrowers who choose our Principal and Interest Repayment plan while in school.
Loan Cost Examples
Available interest rates are subject to change. Interest rates as of 03/19/2026. Earnest’s Loan Cost Examples:
1.) These examples provide estimates based on principal and interest payments beginning immediately upon loan disbursement. Variable annual percentage rate (“”APR””): A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,511.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed APR: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $27,054.10.
2.) These examples provide estimates based on interest-only payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $152.84) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.85% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $35,515.14. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $140.42 for 57 months. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $150.30) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (16.49% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $34,886.94. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $137.42 for 57 months.
3.) These examples provide estimates based on fixed $25 payments while in school. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $253.39) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.92% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $47,035.20. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $246.61) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.65% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $45,814.80. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $25.00.
4.) These examples provide estimates based on deferred payments. Variable interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $275.17) and a 16.85% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.67% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $49,530.60. For a variable loan, after your starting rate is set, your rate will then vary with the market. Fixed interest rate: A $10,000 loan with a 15-year term (180 monthly payments of $268.03) and a 16.49% interest rate without Auto Pay (14.39% APR) would result in a total estimated payment amount of $48,245.40. Your actual repayment terms may vary. Other repayment options are available. It is important to note that the 0.25% Auto Pay discount is not available when the deferred repayment option has been selected and the loan is in the interim period. The calculation assumes that the “in-school” period is 4 years (48 months) and includes our 9 month grace period, during which the monthly payment will be $0.
Loan Minimum
Residents of Hawaii must request a loan of at least $1,501.
Repayment Terms and Options
Repayment terms and repayment options available vary based on loan type.
Skip a Payment
Earnest clients may skip a payment through a single, one-month forbearance during a 12 month period. Your first request to skip a pay can be made once you’ve made at least 6 months of consecutive on-time full principal and interest payments, and your loan is in good standing. The interest accrued during the skipped month will result in an increase in your remaining minimum payment. The final payoff date on your loan will be extended by the length of the skipped payment periods. Any unpaid accrued interest may capitalize (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance period by adding unpaid accrued interest to the outstanding principal as permitted by law and the terms of the loan agreement. Please note that skipping a payment is not guaranteed and is at Earnest’s discretion. Your monthly payment and total loan cost may increase as a result of postponing your payment and extending your term.
No Fees
Earnest does not charge fees for origination, late payments, returned check, or prepayments. Florida Stamp Tax: For Florida residents, Florida documentary stamp tax is required by law, calculated as $0.35 for each $100 (or portion thereof) of the principal loan amount, the amount of which is provided in the Final Disclosure. Lender will add the stamp tax to the principal loan amount. The full amount will be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Certificate of Registration No. 78-8016373916-1.
Earnest Private Student Loans are made by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. FinWise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest student loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland, CA 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770). FinWise Bank and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America.
Interest Rates Disclosure: |
|
3.29% – 15.99% fixed-rate APR w/ autopay included | 4.64% – 16.73% variable-rate APR w/autopay included |
|
|
5.59% – 16.99% | 3.99% – 17.99% |
|
|
5.59% – 16.99% | 6.75% – 17.99% |
|
Table of Contents
Why is out-of-state tuition more expensive?
Out-of-state tuition is more expensive because public colleges and universities are primarily funded by state taxes. In turn, these institutions offer lower tuition rates to in-state residents whose families contribute to the school’s funding through taxes.
In contrast, the families of out-of-state students haven’t paid into the state’s education system, so they’re charged higher rates. This pricing model allows states to prioritize access and affordability for their own residents while still allowing students from other states to attend, albeit at a premium.
Private colleges and universities don’t receive state funding, at least not directly. As a result, they typically offer the same tuition rate to all students, though some may have tiered pricing for other reasons.
In-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost gap
For four-year public universities, the average cost of in-state tuition and fees is $11,610 per year, according to CollegeBoard’s 2024 Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid report. In contrast, those same colleges charge an average of $30,780 for out-of-state tuition and fees.
Total annual costs, which also include housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses, come to $29,910 for in-state students and $49,080 for out-of-state students.
That said, those expenses can vary from state to state, primarily due to differences in state funding, cost of living, and available public resources.
Here’s how the averages break down for each state:
| State | 2024 – 2025 avg. in-state tuition | 2024 – 2025 avg. out-of-state tuition |
| Alabama | $12,220 | $30,080 |
| Alaska | $9,270 | $26,320 |
| Arizona | $12,830 | $34,990 |
| Arkansas | $10,110 | $26,180 |
| California | $11,310 | $38,130 |
| Colorado | $13,180 | $35,910 |
| Connecticut | $17,190 | $36,060 |
| Delaware | $15,690 | $37,230 |
| Florida | $6,360 | $21,690 |
| Georgia | $8,520 | $26,500 |
| Hawaii | $11,180 | $32,180 |
| Idaho | $8,860 | $27,300 |
| Illinois | $15,320 | $28,160 |
| Indiana | $10,640 | $32,700 |
| Iowa | $10,870 | $29,960 |
| Kansas | $10,290 | $25,470 |
| Kentucky | $12,140 | $26,790 |
| Louisiana | $10,360 | $23,300 |
| Maine | $12,360 | $31,830 |
| Maryland | $11,160 | $27,180 |
| Massachusetts | $15,280 | $34,510 |
| Michigan | $15,920 | $42,280 |
| Minnesota | $13,860 | $27,470 |
| Mississippi | $9,720 | $22,130 |
| Missouri | $12,350 | $26,060 |
| Montana | $8,250 | $30,770 |
| Nebraska | $9,730 | $22,770 |
| Nevada | $9,370 | $26,210 |
| New Hampshire | $17,360 | $34,310 |
| New Jersey | $17,050 | $32,110 |
| New Mexico | $9,150 | $26,770 |
| New York | $8,730 | $22,890 |
| North Carolina | $7,470 | $23,740 |
| North Dakota | $10,470 | $14,790 |
| Ohio | $13,430 | $30,420 |
| Oklahoma | $9,810 | $24,360 |
| Oregon | $14,130 | $38,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $16,330 | $31,780 |
| Rhode Island | $15,690 | $34,750 |
| South Carolina | $13,210 | $34,840 |
| South Dakota | $9,190 | $12,740 |
| Tennessee | $11,310 | $25,630 |
| Texas | $11,260 | $30,090 |
| Utah | $8,000 | $24,740 |
| Vermont | $17,490 | $40,500 |
| Virginia | $15,660 | $38,650 |
| Washington | $11,850 | $36,960 |
| West Virginia | $9,590 | $24,810 |
| Wisconsin | $10,130 | $30,230 |
| Wyoming | $6,960 | $22,740 |
When a client does not have the money set aside for their child to attend an out-of-state or private school, I encourage them to prioritize public, in-state colleges and universities. If they are interested in out-of-state schools or their child is looking to pursue a specialized program that is not offered in-state, it’s essential to plan ahead so we can explore options to reduce or offset the additional cost.
3 strategies to qualify for in-state tuition
If you’re planning to attend a public school in another state, there are some steps you can take to qualify for in-state tuition. Depending on your situation, however, it may not be automatic. Here are three strategies to consider.
1. Establish residency
The process for establishing residency will vary from state to state. For example, you typically need to live in the state with one parent for at least one year, but that timeline can range from six to 24 months. Additionally, the requirements may vary for independent students.
Here are just a few examples:
- Arkansas: Must live in the state for six months.
- Massachusetts: Must live in the state for 12 months for colleges and universities, but only six months for community colleges.
- Minnesota: Must live in the state for a full calendar year.
- Nebraska: Independent students must live in the state for 12 months, but there’s no minimum for a dependent student’s parents.
You may also need to establish intent to make the state your permanent home, even after graduation. Potential ways you can do this include:
- Registering to vote in the state.
- Filing state and federal income taxes with an address in the state.
- Obtaining a state driver’s license.
- Opening a local bank account.
- Registering a vehicle in the state.
Before you start applying for a college in another state, check the requirements to establish residency to determine whether it’s feasible. You can usually find the information on the college’s website.
2. Tuition reciprocity agreements
Most states participate in tuition reciprocity agreements, which allow out-of-state students to attend a college or university in a participating state without paying out-of-state tuition rates.
That said, the terms of each program can vary. For example, some may offer in-state tuition rates to eligible out-of-state students, while others may offer a discounted rate that’s still more than what in-state students will pay. Most programs limit reciprocity to eligible programs and schools, so it’s essential to review the terms to determine whether you’re eligible.
Here’s a look at each regional tuition reciprocity agreement, the basics of what it provides, and the participating states.
| Program | Program details | Participating states |
| Academic Common Market | Qualified students in eligible specialized programs can attend an out-of-state college and pay in-state tuition rates | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia |
| Midwest Student Exchange Program | Qualified students will pay no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate for certain programs; private institutions offer a 10% discount | Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin |
| New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break | Qualified students in eligible programs will pay no more than 175% of the in-state tuition rate; the average annual savings is currently $8,600 | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont |
| Professional Student Exchange Program | Qualified students in one of 10 professional health programs can get discounted tuition at out-of-state schools; total savings range from $36,500 to $142,800 | Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming |
| Regional Contract Program | Qualified students pursuing professional health degrees can attend out-of-state colleges and pay in-state tuition rates (or reduced private school tuition rates) | Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina |
| Western Regional Graduate Program | Qualified students pursuing an eligible out-of-state graduate certificate, master’s, or doctoral program will pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition rates | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming |
| Western Undergraduate Exchange | Qualified students will pay no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate for eligible programs | Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming |
Some states, including Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, don’t participate in tuition reciprocity programs. That said, individual schools may set up their own reciprocity programs with other states.
3. Tuition waivers and scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer financial aid to out-of-state students in the form of tuition waivers and scholarships. A tuition waiver directly reduces your tuition bill, while a scholarship can be used to cover tuition costs or other educational expenses.
Depending on the educational institution, you may qualify for a scholarship based on your grades, community service, athletic abilities, or other achievements.
Schools may also offer tuition waivers for a wide range of students, such as:
- American Indians
- Honorably discharged veterans
- War orphans
- National Guard service members and their surviving dependents
- Family members of disabled veterans, veterans missing in action, and prisoners of war
- Low-income students
- Children of university employees
- Foreign students
- Academically gifted students
- Research students
As you evaluate your college options, review scholarship and tuition waiver opportunities to learn more about your eligibility.
Takeaways
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.
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.
About our contributors
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Written by Ben LuthiBen Luthi is a Salt Lake City-based freelance writer who specializes in a variety of personal finance and travel topics. He worked in banking, auto financing, insurance, and financial planning before becoming a full-time writer.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.
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Reviewed by Chloe Moore, CFP®Chloe Moore, CFP®, is the founder of Financial Staples, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, and serving clients nationwide. Her firm is dedicated to assisting tech employees in their 30s and 40s who are entrepreneurial-minded, philanthropic, and purpose-driven.