How to Pay Out of State Tuition
Last Updated: August 21, 2025
BIG Ideas:
- Out of state tuition at public universities for non-residents is more than double that for residents.
- Many states offer tuition reciprocity programs that allow out-of-state students to get discounts on tuition.
- Establishing residency where the college is located and applying for scholarships and grants can help you lower the cost of attending an out-of-state college.
You did it! You researched colleges and programs, considered your interests and passions, and finally solved for the mysterious X – where you’ll attend college and build your exciting future.
There’s just one small problem – the school is a public university located out of state and will probably cost you a lot more. Like more-than-double more.
Sadly, it’s true.
According to Education Data Initiative, the average out-of-state tuition in the United States is $28,297 compared to $9,750 in-state. And that doesn’t factor in other costs involved with living out of state, like transportation costs to and from school.
That brings up a math problem you’ll need to solve – how the heck to pay for it.
Here are some tips to help you figure it out.
Establish residency. Public universities offer discounts to in-state residents primarily because students or their parents who live there pay taxes that are used to subsidize educational expenses. So, if you can establish residency by moving in with a family member who lives in the state where your college is located, you could get in-state tuition rates. You could also consider taking a gap year and moving to the state before you attend the school. This could also give you time to establish residency and get a job that can help you save money for school. Keep in mind, however, that each state may have specific requirements for determining whether a student qualifies for in-state tuition and, in some instances, the college itself may have additional requirements Be sure to check with your college to confirm residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition.
Take advantage of tuition reciprocity programs. Essentially, these are agreements between states that allow out-of-state students who live in a participating state to get discounts or in-state tuition rates. That means you could end up paying only half of what you’d pay for out-of-state tuition. Check with the school you plan on attending to see if they offer tuition reciprocity with your state.
Ask about exemptions for special circumstances. Some schools may offer discounted out-of-state college tuition for special circumstances. For example, there may be an exemption for financial need or if you participate in a certain program offered by the school. Check with your school to see what may be available to you.
Apply for grants and scholarships. There are scholarships and grants specifically designed to help defray the cost of out-of-state tuition. Talk to your school’s financial aid office about opportunities and check out these tips for finding scholarships and grants, also known as FREE MONEY.
Apply for federal aid and private loans. Federal aid is based on financial need. To determine your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. After you’ve exhausted federal aid, you can apply for a private loan with a private lender to help make up the difference between the cost of attendance and the aid you receive.
Brazos is Here to Make Your College Plans Possible
For more than 40 years, Brazos Higher Education has been helping make education more affordable for students. As a non-profit, we offer great rates on private student loans that can save you money. Contact us to learn more.
