"Students considering SUNY Cortland from outside NY state should know about the Future New Yorker Award—worth $5,200/year. All full-time, out-of-state students automatically receive it, provided they meet basic criteria."
—Karen Gallagher, director of financial aid at SUNY Cortland
The rising cost of college is no secret—especially for students looking to go out of state. Fortunately, many states offer reciprocity agreements that allow students to attend college out of state while paying in-state tuition. This map represents the four major tuition reciprocity compacts in the United States, plus some other opportunities.
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC do not belong to any reciprocity compact, but they offer tuition discounts all their own. Contact your counselor or prospective school’s financial aid department for more info.
Two states—North Dakota and South Dakota—belong to both the Western Undergraduate Exchange and Midwestern Student Exchange.
"While each institution will have its own scholarship process, it’s important to remember to look for independent scholarships as well. Many financial aid websites will have links to external scholarships that students can apply to. Whether it’s $1,000 or $10,000, every bit helps."
—Allison Wedell, admissions counselor at Rowan University
A Financial Aid Story
- Estimated costs for 2015–2016: $23,679*
- Expected Family Contribution: $0
- Financial Need: $23,679
- *Full-time out-of-state tuition plus double-occupancy room/board and 20-meal plan.
State awards, private scholarships, and institutional funds helped make up Tim’s financial aid package:
- In-state tuition voucher $5,158
- Scholarship from Tim’s church $2,500
- Presidential Scholarship $3,000
- Pell Grant $5,550
- Federal Student Loan $5,550
- Federal Work-Study $3,550
- Total Financial Aid Package $25,308
- Tim can use leftover funds to reduce his loans or purchase books and supplies.
