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Tips on Paying In-State College Tuition for Out-of-State Students


State colleges and universities offer affordable tuition and other expenses to people who live in that state. In fact, it is one of the most affordable ways to get an advanced education. However, out-of-state students usually have to pay a higher cost to attend the same school. These tips on paying in-state college tuition for out-of-state students can help you afford your dream university more easily than you imagine.

Establish In-State Residency

The most obvious yet most complex method for getting in-state college tuition is to actually become a resident of that state before you apply. This is a lot more complicated than simply moving to the state a few weeks before you intend to go to college. Every state and sometimes individual schools have their own residency rules to follow. They are more complicated because the majority of high school graduates are not financially independent. If you are, you can move and become an in-state resident easily. If not, you need to establish a longer period of living there and taking care of at least a portion of your expenses.

Get a Family or Legacy Exemption

A legacy student is one whose parent, grandparent, or other family member attended the school in the past. If you want to go to the same university even though your family moved to a different state, it may be possible to get in-state tuition instead of paying more. Ask the admission or financial aid office to learn more about these opportunities.

Consider a Regional Exchange Program

 Different regions of the United States have exchange programs that allow students from one state to attend school in another without paying higher tuition costs and fees. Check opportunities at the National Student Exchange website. In some cases, a state that cannot attract enough students from its own population will extend out-of-state prices to nearby areas.

Military Members and Family Member Exemptions

Active military members and their dependents do not have to wait to establish in-state residency if they move due to their service. Also, they can claim the state they are based in and their home state when it comes to paying college tuition. While this does not give free access to all universities across the country, it does increase the chance of paying less for your education. Be sure to take advantage of other military educational benefits and scholarships available to family members.

Look for Out-of-State Scholarships

Some colleges and universities specifically offer scholarships to people who live out of state and still want to attend their state school. You will need to research the individual school to find out if they have these types of opportunities. In most cases, you will still need to impress them with your academic or extracurricular achievements.

Out-of-state students who want to attend the state university can get in-state tuition levels if they explore all their options and meet unique qualifications. There are more opportunities than you may think that do not require you to establish residence in the state itself.