In-State vs. Out-of-State Colleges in the U.S.: Pros and Cons

Choosing a university is never easy. There are many different factors to consider, including how close you want to be to home, whether you want a campus or city university, and whether you prefer a private or public school. The list goes on. One of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to apply to an in-state or out-of-state university.

Whether you study in-state or out-of-state ultimately depends on you. Some people prefer to stay close to home, while others want to venture farther away and attend college in a state they are less familiar with.

If you are not sure which option is right for you, we have outlined the pros and cons of each to make your decision a little easier.

What Are In-State and Out-of-State Universities?

Each of the 50 U.S. states has its own public higher education institutions, which are run by state governments and funded by state tax revenue.

Residents of a state can attend any public university in that state and pay in-state tuition, which means they can study at a lower cost. Students from outside the state must pay out-of-state tuition for the same university, and that tuition is much higher.

In-State Universities: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Attending an In-State University

Lower Travel Costs

If you choose to attend a university in your home state, your travel costs may be significantly reduced.

You may be able to drive or take a train home instead of flying long distance. This could save you thousands of dollars each year, and it means you can go home whenever you need to.

Lower Tuition Costs

Public state universities offer residents in-state discounts of up to $24,000 per year. Eligibility rules vary from state to state, but in general, your family must have lived in the state for at least one year to qualify for in-state tuition.

More Comfortable

If you choose to study in your hometown, you will likely already know the area, the weather, and the local demographics.

A familiar environment can be helpful when starting university and dealing with all the changes that come with it. You can focus on other parts of college life, such as classes and clubs, instead of figuring out your way around.

On the other hand, you may discover places you have never been before, which can give you a completely new perspective on your hometown.

You Will Be Close to Home

Studying close to home certainly has its advantages. You can visit your family almost anytime, which means you will not miss important birthdays, holidays, or events. You can also enjoy home-cooked meals and bring any leftovers back to university.

In addition, if you are prone to homesickness or loneliness, you can easily make a quick trip home. It is good to have family and old friends nearby if you need them.

Disadvantages of Attending an In-State University

Limited Choices

Although the savings from attending an in-state university may sound attractive, you may have to give up your dream school because your state might not have many universities to choose from.

Some states, such as California, have many public universities that appear in the World University Rankings, while others, such as Wyoming, have only one.

It May Be Less Exciting

Although college itself is exciting and offers new experiences, moving to another state often gives you a greater sense of independence. You may also already be quite familiar with the area, so you could miss out on the new culture and lifestyle that come with moving away.

Out-of-State Universities: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Attending an Out-of-State University

You Will Experience a Different Culture

The lifestyle and culture in another state may be very different from those in your home state. That means you can enjoy many new experiences and try new things.

You Will Become More Independent

Although you may feel a little homesick from time to time, living away from home will help you become much more independent and responsible. You will experience living in a completely unfamiliar place with people your own age, and you will get to choose how to spend your time.

More Universities to Choose From

While your home state may have some highly respected universities, studying out of state gives you much more freedom to choose your dream school. Out-of-state universities may be much larger or offer more suitable programs. You can choose the one that fits you best.

Disadvantages of Attending an Out-of-State University

Tuition Is More Expensive

If you attend an out-of-state university, you will pay out-of-state tuition, which is usually much higher than in-state tuition. However, some states offer discounts for students who move there from other states. This does not apply to every school, so check with your university first.

Higher Travel Costs

Obviously, flying to a state on the other side of the country is more expensive than taking a one-hour train ride home, so if you are moving far away, take some time to factor this into your budget.

You Will Not Be Able to Go Home Often

Given the higher travel costs, you are less likely to visit your family often if you study at an out-of-state university. If you are very homesick, this may not be the right choice for you.

How Will This Affect Costs?

Accommodation

Although accommodation costs vary by university, you can save a lot of money if you plan to live at home and attend a university in your home state. Student housing can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 depending on where you are in the U.S.

However, many students who study at in-state universities choose to live in student housing to fully immerse themselves in student life.

Tuition

If you decide to study out of state, tuition will increase significantly. According to Education Data, the average annual tuition at four-year public schools is $10,440 for in-state students and $26,820 for out-of-state students.

Cost of Living

It is worth considering the cost of living when deciding where to go to university.

Compared with studying at a university in a small town or city, living costs are usually much higher if you plan to study in a major city such as New York or Los Angeles.

You should also note that the cost of living can differ between city and campus universities.

Travel Expenses

As everyone knows, flying from one side of the U.S. to the other is not exactly cheap. Take some time to consider what it will cost to travel to and from university, including trips home for summer and winter break.

According to Business Insider, the average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. is about $359. It is easy to do the math: even if you only go home twice a year, you would still spend about $1,436 a year on travel.