Out-of-State
Out-of-State does not mean Out of Reach
Being a parent to a student, or the actual student, considering attendance at an out-of-state college can be challenging. Local resources for exploring and understanding out-of-state options may not always be available. So consider the following if your family would like to plan for out-of-state enrollment.
Connect Early
If a student has a college or university in mind, we recommend that students and families contact that institution as early as possible. Key questions may include: What are the factors considered for students applying for out-of-state admission? What is the cost for out-of-state students? Is living on campus required for first-year students? What is the cost for living on-campus?
Inquire about Scholarships
“How might financial aid and scholarships help an out-of-state student afford their educational pursuit?” is another great question for students and families as they explore out-of-state educational options. Colleges and universities often have higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some colleges and universities provide scholarships to those students who are most academically prepared. Post-secondary institutions may also take a student’s economic background into consideration, with some providing funding for students and families that may come from a low-income background or be below certain income thresholds.
Visit the Campus
If you are able to visit the campus, this often provide students with a greater sense of the institutional fit of the campus to the needs and wants of the student and their academic and professional goals. If physically visiting the campus is a challenge, be sure to spend lots of time on the college or university’s websites. Most institutions now have virtual tours and encourage your students to reach out and get in contact with people that can answer the questions that come up along the way.