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In-State vs Out-of-State Tuition: Is Moving to Another State Worth It?
G
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 1, 2026
Out-of-state tuition averages 2.5x more. But some states let you establish residency in 12 months. Here is how to decide.
The Price Gap
The average difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is roughly $15,000-20,000 per year. Over four years, that is $60,000-80,000 extra.
| University | In-State | Out-of-State | 4-Year Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| U of Michigan | $17,228 | ~$55,000 | $151,000 |
| UC Berkeley | ~$14,000 | ~$44,000 | $120,000 |
| UVA | $20,986 | ~$55,000 | $136,000 |
| UT Austin | $11,678 | ~$41,000 | $117,000 |
| U of Florida | ~$6,400 | ~$28,600 | $88,800 |
When Out-of-State Makes Sense
1. The program does not exist in your state. Specialized programs may only be at specific schools.
2. Financial aid closes the gap. Many universities offer merit scholarships to out-of-state students.
3. Regional tuition agreements:
- WUE (Western): 16 western states, 150% of in-state
- NEBHE (New England): Reduced rates for unavailable programs
- MHEC (Midwest): Midwestern states, reduced rates
- SREB (Southern): In-state rates for specific programs
4. You plan to establish residency. Most states: 12 months = resident. Strategy: attend CC year one (establishing residency), then university at in-state rates.
Strong In-State Value States
- Florida: $6,400/yr at UF, FSU, UCF
- Texas: $9,700-11,700/yr at UT Austin, Texas A&M
- California: $7,000/yr at CSU, $14,000 at UC
- Georgia: $5,800/yr plus HOPE/Zell Miller scholarships
- North Carolina: $7,200/yr at UNC, NC State
The CC Workaround
Attend a CC in your target state for one year:
- Costs $2,000-5,000
- Establishes residency
- In-state tuition when you transfer
- Saves $60,000-150,000 vs. 4 years out-of-state
Next Steps
- Compare tuition across all states on GradeToGrad
- Find CCs in your target state — guides for every state