Please help me with my college search

<p>Okay, this is kind of hard to discuss because I am so lost at this point. I really wanted to go out of state and go to the south because that's where I want to live when I'm older. I thought, what better opportunity to go there than college. After all my research, I've determined that I can't go out of state because I won't be able to pay for it, that's what everyone on here has told me. I'm from Indiana and Purdue Lafayette and IUB are GREAT schools, I know. But high school has not been the best experience for me. I just wanted to move on and get away from everyone. I know that Purdue and IUB are big schools, but I also know a lot of people that go there from my hs and they say that a lot of their classes are with their old hs classmates. So many people from my school go to those schools and I don't want to be with my hs classmates after high school. I know that's not such a big deal to everyone, but it is to me. Any advice on what to do?</p>

<p>Indiana has reciprocity with some other states that can help to keep your college costs lower. Try searching “Indiana college reciprocity” to see if any of the schools are of interest to you. You are not going to get very far south doing that, but there is reciprocity with many schools in Missouri and also Kansas.
Are your stats high enough to qualify you for scholarships at places like U of Alabama or Arizona State U that give generous merit aid for certain stats? If you qualify, Berea college in KY is free if you are accepted, but I believe you have to be fairly low income to qualify. There are likely to be some options also at some out of state smaller schools where you might qualify for merit aid depending on your stats. Also, again depending on your parents’ income you may qualify for financial aid. Good Luck!</p>

<p>My stats are not the best:
I am a junior now and will probably finish with a 3.3 GPA. I have gotten a 25 on my ACT without preparing for it. I am registered to take it again in a couple weeks and have been practicing. I am shooting for a 27. I am also going to be to be taking the SAT soon and will probably be around 1600. I’m in the top 50% on my class. I’ve taken 3 AP classes.</p>

<p>Look up the total costs for out-of-state students at all public colleges in that area. Some might be reasonably affordable - possibly close to your own state flagship. West Virginia University’s out-of-state costs are about $31k, for example, while IU Bloomington is $23k for Indiana residents. Iowa State is just under $30k for out-of-state students. They have received a lot of positive attention recently, for their efforts to control unnecessary costs and focus on providing an affordable, quality education.</p>

<p>You don’t need to worry. You are a good student. I really hope I can help you, here are some universities with the lowest out of state costs in the nation:</p>

<p>-West Texas A&M University
-Louisiana State University at Alexandria
-Midwestern State University
-Missouri Southern State University
-University of South Dakota
-South Dakota State University
-Northern State University
-Mayville State university
-Bemidji State University
-Minot State University</p>

<p>Also: Check out Ohio University, WVU, and Iowa State (in low 30’s). </p>

<p>Two pieces of advice: Don’t stress high costs too much. The net price is usually significantly lower after merit scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. In addition, still consider Indiana, Purdue, and Lafayette. they have phenomenal reputations and with tens of thousands of students, the odds of seeing old classmates would be quite low. You will find the right school for you, don’t panic! You have plenty of options!</p>

<p>Thank you so much, you’re definitely the best help yet! </p>

<p>You are so welcome! I’m happy I could help. You will do great, best of luck!</p>