myUface Blog

In the United States, large, “public” universities – universities that are supported in part by the government – are, generally speaking, supported by state governments.  The University of Texas, for example, receives some level of financial assistance from the government of the State of Texas.  Each state usually has a few university systems – with many different campuses scattered throughout the state – each receiving state money.  In Colorado, for example, you have both the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.

Now, state governments support these “public” universities so that they might provide quality, affordable university education to residents of that particular state.  The universities, in turn, offer what is called “in-state” tuition to residents.  In-state tuition is a discounted tuition rate offered only to residents of a particular state.  Residents of another state have to pay more to attend that particular university.

So, for example, if I live in Denver, Colorado, the tuition to go to the University of Colorado would be approximately $7,000; if I live in Boston, Massachusetts, the tuition would be approximately $26,000.  THAT’S A DIFFERENCE OF $19,000 / YEAR, OR $76,000 OVER FOUR YEARS!

Holy Cow!

“But,” you say, “What does this possibly have to do with me?  I don’t live in Colorado, or any other state.  So all you’re telling me is that I’ll be stuck paying the higher tuition.  Thanks a lot!”

Not necessarily!  Some university systems have established rules that allow them to offer in-state tuition to international students.  This is one of the largest potential sources of financial aid.  As the above example shows, if you are accepted to a state university that provides you with in-state tuition, essentially you’re receiving a scholarship worth – in the above example, at least – $76,000!!!

A few things to know about in-state tuition discounts for international students:

• Not every state school offers them
• Sometimes you have to wait for your second year to be eligible for the discount
• Many in-state tuition discount programs operate like scholarship competitions, with only the best students getting the discount.  There may even be a separate application process to get the discount.

The bottom line is, if you’re applying to a “state” or “public” university – and we’ll have a post later this week on the different kinds of U.S. universities – make sure to ask them if they have a program that offers in-state tuition to international students.