"When planning your budget, don’t forget to take into account the indirect costs of a college education, including books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses."
—Valerie Collignon, associate director of admissions at The University of Tampa
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.
"Consider all available options when determining how to cover educational expenses, including scholarship opportunities in your local area and within your program of study. Apply for the amount of student loans needed to cover educational expenses, but do not borrow funding in excess of their costs."
—Theresa Cry, associate director of financial aid at VCU
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.
