Hi, CC! I’m a senior right now working on some applications. I’m thinking about applying to some out of state universities, and I’m wondering if it is worth it to go out of state for a public university. Money is not an issue, and many of the state schools I’m applying to may give some sort of merit aid, but is it worth it to go to a state school from out of state? Some of the ones I’m considering are: UCLA, USC, Arizona, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, UF, UGA, USC Columbia, and Washington.
How would it be socially going to a state school from out of state and is it worth it? Thanks so much!
In my personal opinion, I think that if the state you are living in already has a good state university or one that’s similarly ranked to the ones you want to apply out of state, it probably is not worth it. Unless you are applying to one of those really competitive state universities, it usually isn’t worth it. But well, that’s just me. You do you, bro
I live in Wisconsin. UW-Madison has a good reputation. It has a large contingent of OOS students from New York state especially. But it gives little to no merit aid and I don’t know that it would make sense to attend the school if it would be any kind of financial stretch for your family.
USC (CA) is private so that doesn’t count. If you can afford it, great school.
UCLA is zero aid (ditto UCB) for OOS. Combine that with impacted majors and it doesn’t make sense.
U Mich - maybe
Arizona does give OOS merit aid including OOS tuition waivers if stats are high enough. Also good Honor’s College.
UF: not at OOS prices. FSU gives OOS waivers for high stats. Not sure about UF
USC Columbia and Washington: unfamiliar
If price isn’t an option and you have stats to get in UCLA, USC, or U Mich, then look at top 40 privates that will cost the same or less with financial aid.
Tulane: Gives good merit aid.
Rice, Emory, Vandy, Duke: tougher admit but same price as UCLA.