Cheapest Out of State Tuition Colleges [2025 Guide]
Going to college in a different state can be an exciting opportunity for students. It allows them to experience new places and cultures while pursuing their education.
Many young people dream of leaving their home state to explore different parts of the country during their college years.
The main drawback of attending an out-of-state school is the higher cost. Tuition for non-residents is often two to three times more expensive than for in-state students. Despite this, some students still choose out-of-state colleges. They may be attracted to schools with strong programs in their field of study or unique learning experiences. Some simply want to live somewhere new for a few years.
Luckily, there are options for affordable out-of-state tuition at certain colleges across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Out-of-state tuition is typically much more expensive than in-state rates
- Students choose out-of-state schools for new experiences or specific programs
- Some colleges offer more affordable options for non-resident students
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Methodology
The Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges Each State ranking is based on affordability (average net price)
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website, College Scorecard, Payscale, and school websites.
Cheapest Accredited Out-of-State Tuition 2025
Dine College
Location: Tsaile, AZ
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,361
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,048
In-state Tuition and Fees: $1,410
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $1,410
Median Total Debt After Graduation: Data unavailable
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,188
Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, NC
Admission Rate: 74%
Average SAT Score: 1003
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,912
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $13,312
In-state Tuition and Fees: $3,356
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,356
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,463
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,026
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Location: Pembroke, NC
Admission Rate: 90%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,544
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $15,183
In-state Tuition and Fees: $3,495
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,495
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,407
Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Admission Rate: 81%
Average SAT Score: 915
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,218
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $16,342
In-state Tuition and Fees: $3,906
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,906
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,987
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,144
Wayne State College
Location: Wayne, NE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,057
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,752
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,786
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,786
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,075
Mississippi University for Women
Location: Columbus, MS
Admission Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: 1050
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,701
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,008
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,866
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,866
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,128
Minot State University
Location: Minot, ND
Admission Rate: 93%
Average SAT Score: 1025
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,168
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,273
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,508
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,508
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,609
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,759
Delta State University
Location: Cleveland, MS
Admission Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: 1055
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,627
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,506
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,605
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,605
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,390
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,991
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Location: Portales, NM
Admission Rate: 28%
Average SAT Score: 961
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,899
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,929
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,863
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,843
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $16,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,550
Mississippi Valley State University
Location: Itta Bena, MS
Admission Rate: 65%
Average SAT Score: 870
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,169
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,606
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,414
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,414
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $28,413
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,919
Chadron State College
Location: Chadron, NE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,690
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,842
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,834
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $7,834
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,875
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,002
Sinte Gleska University
Location: Mission, SD
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 447
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,154
In-state Tuition and Fees: $4,714
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $4,714
Median Total Debt After Graduation: Data unavailable
Median Earnings (10 years): $20,948
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Location: Goodwell, OK
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,124
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $14,525
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,634
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,385
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $12,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,933
Mayville State University
Location: Mayville, ND
Admission Rate: 71%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 767
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,966
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,873
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $11,131
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,585
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,828
What Are Affordable Non-Resident College Fees?
Some public colleges offer lower fees for students from other states. This is unusual, as most state schools charge much more for non-residents. The reason? State schools get money from local taxes. People living in other states don't pay these taxes.
But a few colleges want to bring in students from different places. They set up plans to make their schools cheaper for out-of-state students. This helps create a mix of students from all over.
These schools with lower non-resident fees are rare. They give students more choices when looking at colleges in other states.
Affordable Paths to Higher Education
Starting at a community college can be a smart way to save money on a Bachelor's degree. Students can finish basic courses at lower costs before moving to a university. This approach often lets students boost their grades and take advantage of transfer deals. These deals can guarantee a spot at a university if certain conditions are met.
Top private schools like those in the Ivy League sometimes offer free tuition to students from families with less money. While it's harder to get into these schools than state colleges, don't ignore them because of price. It's worth looking into their financial help for families who need it.
• Community college benefits:
- Lower costs for general courses
- Chance to improve grades
- Possible guaranteed transfer spots
• Ivy League opportunities:
- Free tuition for some low-income families
- Strong financial aid packages available
Students should check both public and private school options to find the best fit for their budget and goals.
Budget-Friendly State Universities
Many state universities offer affordable education options for students. Those open to studying in different states can find great deals on out-of-state tuition. But price isn't everything when picking a school. It's smart to look at the whole picture - how well the school fits you, the quality of classes, and what resources they offer.
To save money on college, try these tips:
- Talk to financial aid offices
- Look for scholarships
- Consider working part-time if you can manage it
Doing this research now can help you avoid heavy student debt later.
If you need extra money for school, student loans are an option. Start with federal loans first. After using up scholarships, grants, and federal loans, private loans can fill in gaps.
Here's a smart way to pay for college:
- Free money first (scholarships, grants, work-study)
- Federal student loans
- Private loans last, if needed
Federal loans have some perks:
- No credit check needed (except for PLUS loans)
- No cosigner required
- Help available if you struggle with payments
When comparing schools, these tools can be helpful:
- College Navigator: Find schools that fit your needs and budget
- College Scorecard: Compare costs, majors, and other details
Some affordable state schools to consider:
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University | $8,552 | $19,606 |
| University of Florida Online | $6,072 (net price) | Varies |
| San Diego State University | Varies | Varies |
These schools offer good value:
- Marshall University: Located in West Virginia, serves about 9,000 full-time students
- University of Florida Online: High earnings after graduation ($71,588 median)
- San Diego State University: Strong graduation rate (80%)
Affordable Out-of-State Colleges: Insights from the Rankings
Choosing a college can be daunting, especially for students seeking affordable out-of-state options. Our latest rankings reveal surprising insights into institutions that prioritize affordability while maintaining quality education. Here's what we found:
The Leaders in Affordability
Schools like Diné College and Elizabeth City State University top the list with out-of-state tuition as low as $1,410 and $7,356, respectively. These institutions prove that students don’t have to break the bank to access higher education.
Small Schools, Big Savings
Smaller colleges, such as Sinte Gleska University and Oklahoma Panhandle State University, also offer low tuition fees, making them attractive choices for students who value a more personalized learning environment. With tuition under $8,500, these schools combine affordability with accessibility.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing student success. Schools like Wayne State College (72% retention rate) and Fayetteville State University (46% graduation rate) demonstrate that lower tuition can go hand-in-hand with strong academic support systems.
Economic Value After Graduation
Colleges such as Minot State University and Mayville State University offer affordable tuition while boasting median graduate earnings exceeding $45,000 annually. These institutions deliver a solid return on investment, proving that affordability and economic outcomes can align.
Final Thoughts
Low out-of-state tuition opens doors for students to explore opportunities beyond their home states. However, when choosing a college, students should also consider net price, retention rates, and career outcomes. These factors, combined with affordable tuition, create the ideal mix for a successful college experience.
