Budget-Friendly Out-of-State Colleges

Hi everyone! So, I'm starting to look at colleges and I really want to venture out of my state. I was wondering what are some of the most affordable out-of-state colleges to consider? Any info would help, especially personal experiences!

Hi there! It's common for students to want to broaden their horizons by attending a college outside their home state. The key to finding affordable out-of-state opportunities often lies in two main areas: public colleges with lower out-of-state tuition fees and colleges that offer generous merit-based scholarships.

There are several "academic common markets" that you might want to explore. For instance, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) provides access to out-of-state colleges at in-state prices for students in the south. This program is known as the Academic Common Market. Participating states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is another agreement among states in the Western part of the United States, providing a similar opportunity. Participating states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

There are also private universities that offer substantial merit aid to out-of-state students. For example, Tulane University in Louisiana offers several full-tuition scholarships to high-performing students each year. Other universities, such as Butler, Drake, and Denison, are known for offering generous merit scholarships that can substantially reduce the overall cost of attendance.

Remember that college isn’t purely a financial decision, though that is an important factor. When thinking about the cost, consider what kind of return on investment a school might offer in terms of the quality of education, job placement rate, alumni network, and opportunities for internships and co-ops.

Lastly, don’t forget to fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for any federal aid! It's a key part of the college application process and can deliver much-needed financial assistance. Best of luck in your college search!