"Don’t rely on one form of financial aid to get you through four years. Combine scholarships and grants with student loans to ensure you never miss a payment. Keep applying for scholarships, also—many universities have money designated for upperclassmen."
—Katie Jenkins, UNT College of Arts and Sciences advisor
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.
"Ask your counselor about financial aid; many have lists of scholarships you may not know about. Don’t forget to contact potential schools about specific financial aid programs like work-study or, at UNT, the Emerald Eagle Scholars."
—Chrisana Black, associate director of financial aid at UNT
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:
- Academic Common Market (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.
