<p>granted I'm not a parent, but I go to UPitt and I am from Massachusetts. The college is about 75% in state, but I really had no problem fitting in. The only draw back is that during breaks and the summer most of my friends are 5, 6 or even 10 hours away from me by car. I end up talking to them on the phone and online mostly and just went back to hanging out with my friends from home. I think it depends on the person. Some peopel it has nothing to do with the fact that they are out of staters at a state school it's the fact that they can't handle being so far away from the familiarity of their home.</p>
<p>My nieces went to my alma maters--UOregon & UCDavis (from HI). Both have made good friends from all over the nation. Niece who went to UCD had boyfriend from Sacramento, as well as friends from HI, CA & OOS. Niece who is at UO has friends from all over too, including many from OR who have her spend time at their homes during vacations.
When I went to UO (undergrad), I had friends from HI, OR & other places. Never had any problems because I was OOS & was invited to spend & enjoyed hollidays with OR residents instead of flying to HI. Similar situation when I went to UCD for law school. Ended up with boyfriend from IL & many CA & OOS friends (mostly non-law students), including suite-mate from Sweden.<br>
My son is considering applying to UO & Colorado State U, &
Wash State U, Honor's Colleges. May also apply to ASU & UAz Honors colleges, hoping for merit aid. My friend's daughter went to UWash & had a great time. She's established residency, has a job there & loves it there. Her son is going to (private) USD, where he will soon being as freshman.
Not aware of anyone who had problems because they were OOS at a state U.
In our state, there are is only one state U really, with a branch on another island, so many kids in our state do end up OOS, often at other state schools.</p>