The process of applying for college is never simple, especially if you are considering an out-of-state university. Even though paperwork may seem like the biggest obstacle, in truth, the tuition is what drives most students away from attending out-of-state colleges.
According to US News data, the average in-state tuition for 2020-21 was $9,687, while out-of-state studies averaged at $21,184, more than double in cost. However, there are certain ways in which you can fight your way into attending an out-of-state college if you found the right one for yourself. Let’s take a look at what you can do to kick-start the application process and minimize your tuition costs in doing so.
- Apply for In-State and Out-of-State Scholarships
The first thing you should do is look for scholarships, both in-state and out, which focus on students who want to attend an out-of-state college. There are numerous scholarships for different types of students, their performances, affinities, and future professional development plans.
Using the best essay writing service 2021 can also help you write a solid motivational letter and application papers to help you land the scholarship. However, make sure that any scholarship you plan to apply for can indeed be used to study in an out-of-state college from where you live.
- Check your Regional Consortium Viability
Numerous universities and college institutions in the US belong to regional consortiums and have mutual agreements on student exchange and tuition rates. You should do some research and look for reciprocity programs that can help you attend an out-of-state college from where you are.
These programs are great not only for freshmen but also for people looking for Master’s and Ph.D. programs out of state. Either look for a good college to attend first or look for your college through the list of schools with reciprocity programs.
- Look for Universities with Out-of-State Programs
Some universities simply have established benefits for students from other states coming to study in their colleges. You should look for colleges with out-of-state programs which are designed to make it easier and more affordable for students to attend.
A good example is the University of Texas and its out-of-state undergraduate scholarship program. Finding such a college can significantly reduce your costs of moving and studying, not to mention the application process itself.
- Look for Universities which Value Good Past Performance
There is a good reason to keep your GPA around 3.5 in high school since good performance can net you solid scholarships later on. Plenty of universities offer lucrative scholarships to students with good high school grades, so if you have been studying a lot, use that now.
The University of Alabama offers an annual offset of $20,000 to out-of-state students with a 3.5 GPA and good SAT/ACT scores for example. If your high school grades are not up to snuff, don’t worry. Institutions such as the Oklahoma State University also offer good benefits.
- Research your In-State Options as Backup
While it may not be what you’ve planned on, attending an in-state university still counts as being a college student. Regardless of how well-off you are financially, depending on where you live, the perfect college for you may be just around the corner.
Write a list of unis and colleges in your area and in-state so that you can do proper research on each before passing them up. You can use free essay samples to better write and format your list of colleges and their features before deciding on what to do next. Consult your parents, get in touch with some students on social media if you can, and reach out to colleges to ask them questions directly.
Carving your Path as a College Student (Conclusion)
Attending college in itself is a life-changing experience, so it’s only natural that you would want the best for yourself. Whether you land into an in-state or out-of-state university, the work you do there will be some of the best personal development you’ll ever experience.
Look for out-of-state opportunities at an in-state price as much as you can before deciding on what to do next. However, don’t let a lack of out-of-state options stop you from attending an in-state college instead – both options are equally valuable and worth your time.
About the Author
Elizabeth Baldridge is a specialist copywriter, content editor, and article writer who built her career as a digital content marketer and creator. Elizabeth is passionate, dedicated, and professional in her pursuit to create the best-written content on the web. In her spare time, Elizabeth likes to do research on the industries she writes in as well as write posts in her blog-like journal.
