Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

In-State or Far Away - Where Does the Majority of Students Go for College?

I've been wondering if most students attend colleges in their home state or go out of state. Can anyone share some statistics or experiences?

9 months ago

According to a report from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, a large majority of U.S. college students opt for in-state institutions. As per the most recent data available, approximately 58% of freshmen chose to attend colleges in their home state. This proportion, however, can vary widely by state. In states with a strong public university system like California and New York, the percentage of students staying in-state for college can be as high as 80-90%.

However, the trend can be different based on several factors such as the availability of the desired major, financial considerations, and specific career goals. For students seeking specialized programs or elite institutions, out-of-state or even international destinations might be more common.

It's important to mention that these are general trends and the final decision should be made considering personal factors and individual circumstances. Just because many students opt to stay in-state doesn't mean it's the best option for everyone. It's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options and decide what's best for your specific situation and goals.

A balanced approach might be to apply to a mix of in-state and out-of-state colleges, giving yourself a range of options when it comes to the decision-making process. Find the right college for you, keeping in mind factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and cost.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.