Hi, I’m currently a sophomore in IB. I was just wondering, would it be smarter and cheaper to do undergrad in-state then move to another university later? I live in FL, and I was thinking I could go to UF or UCF for undergrad and then aim for higher out-of-state universities afterward. Does this seem like a good choice? Or should I apply for higher out-of-state universities as a junior/senior right away? Thank you!
Bump…?
It is a common misconception to believe that in-state public universities are axiomatically more affordable than private (and even some public OOS) schools (both in- and out-of-state). MANY private institutions provide GENEROUS merit- and especially need-based financial assistance. In fact, for non-affluent families, very substantial need-based grants are frequently available.
Since your NET costs (what you and your family will have to pay, which may mean loans) is what really counts, I suggest you use the Net Price Calculator, for all your “target universities,” to ascertain which are actually affordable. Obviously, it’s very important to be thorough and accurate in submitting NPC data.
What’s the cheapest depends on your test scores and your family income.
For instance, if your family makes less than 75k, the “meet 100% need” schools will be cheaper than UF or UCF since they’ll assess room and board + books + transportation. Up to 180k, HYPSM are cheaper than a state school.
With an ACT 32 and a 3.5W you get an automatic full tuition scholarship plus honors college and honors dorms + perks at UAlabama TUscaloosa (see the forum on this website) and if you major in CS or engineering they add a $2,500 stipend and you can try for a STEM-MBA program. Other colleges have competitive full tuition or full ride scholarships. Pitt Honors is very comprehensive if you’re among the top 1% who get a 34…
If you’re neither top 2% score-wise nor middle class to lower income, in-state publics are your best bet financially-speaking.
As to whether it’s “necessary” to go out of state: no, absolutely not.
Also, note that outside of merit aid, you will be full pay at OOS publics, whereas applying to OOS privates, especially those 400+miles from home, will give you a little boost for admissions.
Do you want a large university? If you’re interested in small, liberal arts colleges, you would get a very nice financial package from New College of FL. Otherwise, there’s no harm in applying to some reaches if you’re satisfied with your in-state public options as safeties. What’s to lose? If you want to increase your options, choose some colleges with free applications, and see whether they offer you merit aid. Eckerd waives application fees, before a cutoff date. They are often very generous with merit aid. If you want to go elsewhere, Fordham, Willamette, Whitman, et al have free applications. Some have non-binding early notification that includes merit scholarship announcements.
Thank you for all of the advice!