Cost of attendance

<p>Do all U.S colleges have separate attendance costs for in-state, out-of-state students and international students?
While recently browsing the UCLA website, I realized that the college imposes a hefty "nonresident" tuition on out-of-state students.
Can someone please explain what this is?
I was previously under the impression that a universal "tuition fee" is applicable to all students, irrespective of their status of residency and the only fee that varies is the cost of living.
But it seems that I'm wrong; and I'm worried now! :(</p>

<p>UCLA has a difference for in-state and out-of-state because it’s a public school. I believe all public schools do this because in-state residents have to pay taxes to the state and whatnot.</p>

<p>The difference only applies to public schools I think. Private schools have the same tuition for everyone.</p>

<p>Public schools have discounts for in-state residents because a portion of their funding comes from the state revenues. If you live in one of the states, you’ll be eligible for this discount. Otherwise, with all private schools and publics not in your state, you have to account for the “non-resident” tuition fee.</p>