What does out of state tuition exactly mean?

Question

dumb question I know but im thinking about tranferring to a 4 year college and when i see out of state tuition costs, they are usually double the cost of instate tuition. I am attending a 2 year community college this year and the next, then have to transfer to a 4 year college after that. I originally planned on going to a local 4 year, but I have interest in moving out to go to an east coast 4 year college. But will I be paying for the out of state tuition cost when i move?

Answer 1

Out of state tuition means that if you're going to a college out of your home state, then you'll be paying more. Reason being is that state taxes that are paid from your parents and your paychecks go to fund these in state colleges.  If you're from Maryland and decide to go to Virginia Tech, you're going to be paying more because your family doesn't pay those state taxes that help fund the school.

It's dumb, and it costs an arm and a leg to go to a college out of state.

Now if you're moving, you have to have 6-12 months of living in that state before you get in state tuition.  The time period dependson the college, so you'll have to contact them for details.  They'll ask you to prove the amount of time you've been living there.  Either by records of rent, gas bills, etc.  Just ask your college what's necessary. You may have to pay for out of state tuition before you can live there long enough to get the in state tuition.

Answer 2

Yep.  Tuition fees are always lower for those who live in state and in the country.  In many cases (but not all) it's because the State is somehow subsidising the education of students from that state.  Charging out of state students more is a way to encourage people to go to school at home and keep their skills in their home state/country.

I wanted to do my Masters through a University in Scotland but it was going to be almost double the cost of doing it at home so that is where I ended up.  Its just a fact of education.

Answer 3

Yes you would be paying out of state tuition if you move.  Also be away you would remain an out of state student for the duration of your time there.  Just be aware, because you live in a state doesn't make you a legal resident....  as long as you are in school, you can't count that time to make you a resident.