Looking for affordable colleges for out-of-state students

Hello guys! I'm from Texas, but I'm thinking of experiencing college life in other states. Problem is, out-of-state tuition can be brutal. Does anyone have recommendations for states or universities where the out-of-state tuition is more affordable? Any advice appreciated.

One place to look is at public universities in states that are part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or the Midwestern Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Resident students of member states can access reduced out-of-state tuition rates in other member states, though not all institutions or programs participate.

In the WUE, students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools, compared to about 200%+ at many other state schools. WUE member states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and many others—all states west of Texas. As for the MSEP, it includes Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, and a few others in the Midwest.

For specific universities, the University of Wyoming, for example, offers relatively low out-of-state tuition across all their programs. Similarly, the University of South Dakota has a different pricing model for out-of-state tuition where it's much closer to the in-state tuition.

Finally, something else to consider is the “public ivies." Some of these public institutions, like the University of Virginia or the University of Michigan, may have relatively high sticker prices for out-of-state students. However, they also meet 100% of demonstrated financial needs and might be affordable depending on your financial situation.

Remember, the sticker price isn't always what you'll end up paying. Financial aid can greatly offset the cost. Filling out the FAFSA and using each school's Net Price Calculator can give you a more accurate picture of what you might have to pay.