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How To Get In-State Tuition for College

There are a few basic requirements to qualify for in-state tuition, including maintaining physical presence in the state and showing intent to remain there indefinitely.

Taylor Medine Taylor Medine Edited by Ashley Harrison Updated November 2, 2022

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

Generally, going to school in your home state will likely be much less expensive than attending an out-of-state school. One of the biggest factors that affects this cost is tuition — the cost of in-state tuition tends to be much lower than out-of-state tuition.

However, in some cases it’s possible to establish yourself as a resident to qualify for in-state tuition.

Here’s what you should know about getting in-state tuition:

  • Basic in-state tuition requirements
  • What kinds of documents establish intent to become a resident?
  • How much can you save with in-state tuition?
  • Other questions about in-state tuition and residency for college

Basic in-state tuition requirements

The requirements to get in-state tuition can vary between schools and states. However, there are a few common requirements that you’ll likely need to prove, including:

  • Residency: You must maintain residency in the state for at least one year prior to classes starting.
  • Intent: You must establish a domicile in the state, which means it’s your permanent legal home state where you plan to stay indefinitely.
  • Financial independence: If you’re unmarried, under the age of 24, and your parents don’t live in the state, you’ll have to verify financial independence (such as through a full-time job). Dependent students will need to show that they receive financial support from a parent or guardian who has established a domicile in the state.

Some states also offer other pathways to in-state tuition for students who don’t meet these requirements. For example, in Virginia, you might qualify for in-state tuition if you:

  • Attended two years of high school in the state
  • Are a refugee living or have received a Special Immigrant Visa
  • Are a veteran living in the state
Tip: Special conditions might also exist for military service members and their dependents. For example, active-duty military members and their families might be able to establish residency and qualify for in-state tuition in less than a year.

Learn More: Private Student Loans and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

In-state tuition reciprocity programs

Another potential way to get in-state tuition is to participate in a reciprocity program that lets out-of-state students attend school at a lower rate. Here are a couple of examples:

  • The New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break program provides tuition discounts to residents of New England who go to schools in other New England states. These states include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
  • The Southern Regional Education Board’s Regional Contract Program allows qualified residents of certain states to pay in-state or reduced tuition at out-of-state schools when pursuing degrees in certain professional healthcare fields. Participating states include Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

There are also other options to cover out-of-state costs if you can’t qualify for in-state tuition, including scholarships, grants, or student loans.

If you decide to take out a student loan to pay for college, be sure to consider how much that loan will cost you in the future. This way, you can be prepared for any added expenses. You can find out how much you’ll owe over the life of your federal or private student loans using our student loan calculator below.

Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay

? Enter the total amount borrowed $
? Enter your annual interest rate %
or
? Enter the amount of time you have to repay your loan years
Total Payment $
Total Interest $
Monthly Payment $

With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan, assuming you're making full payments while in school.


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What kinds of documents establish intent to become a resident?

To be considered a resident by your school, you’ll typically need to provide documentation that ties you to the state. Here are several documents that your school might ask for:

  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Military records
  • Employment status
  • Tax returns
  • Voter registration
  • Property ownership records
  • Records showing sources of financial support

Learn More: Student Loan Limits: How Much in Student Loans You Can Get

How much can you save with in-state tuition?

The average tuition for an in-state student at a public four-year school is $10,230. This cost goes up to $26,290 for an out-of-state school — almost $16,000 more than an in-state school.

One of the main reasons in-state tuition is less expensive is because funding for public universities comes from state taxes. Because state residents pay these taxes, they’re able to attend public schools at a lower cost. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, haven’t contributed to this funding, so their tuition is higher.

Keep in mind: If you’re thinking about going to an out-of-state school, the higher cost of tuition isn’t the only cost to consider.

Even if you’re able to qualify for in-state tuition in another state, you’ll still need to cover your living expenses — such as college housing, transportation, and groceries — while attending school.

If you decide to take out a private student loan to help cover these costs, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for you. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from our partner lenders in the table below in two minutes.

LenderFixed Rates From (APR)
Variable Rates From (APR)Loan amountsLoan terms (years)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.62%+10 5.74%+10 $2,001 to $400,0007 to 20
  • Fixed APR: 4.62%+10
  • Variable APR: 5.74%+10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $2,001 to $400,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: 0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 12 on-time principal and interest payments
  • Loan servicer: Launch Servicing, LLC


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.99%+1 4.89%+ $1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)5, 10, 15
  • Fixed APR: 4.99%+1
  • Variable APR: 4.89%+
  • Min. credit score: 720
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $350,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Loan types: Any private or federal student loan
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, loyalty
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Firstmark Services


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.49%+2,3
4.49%+2,3 $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance5, 8, 10, 15
  • Fixed APR: 4.49%+2,3
  • Variable APR: 4.49%+2,3
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 10, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 24 months
  • Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC

custom choice

Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
3.65%+ 5.46%+ $1,000 to $99,999 annually
($180,000 aggregate limit)
7, 10, 15
  • Fixed APR: 3.65%+
  • Variable APR: 5.46%+
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $99,999 annually ($180,000 aggregate limit)
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, flat/full repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available to borrowers in all 50 states. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services
  • Min. income: Does not disclose

edvestinu student loan refinance

Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
7.52%+7 6.89%+7 $1,000 to $200,0007, 10, 15
  • Fixed APR: 7.52%+7
  • Variable APR: 6.89%+7
  • Min. credit score: 750
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $200,000
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum income of $30,000.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.37%+8 5.86%+8 $1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance5, 10, 15
  • Fixed APR: 4.37%+8
  • Variable APR: 5.86%+8
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,001 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, reward for on-time graduation
  • Eligibility: Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.89%+ N/A$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid15
  • Fixed APR: 4.89%+
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid
  • Loan terms (years): 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services (AES)


Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
View details
4.509 - 14.83%9 5.37%9 - 15.709 $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance10 to 20
  • Fixed APR: 4.509 - 14.83%9
  • Variable APR: 5.37%9 - 15.709
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 10 to 209
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee, non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.
  • Customer service: Phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: Borrowers can apply after graduation, 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments, and meeting certain credit requirements.
  • Loan servicer: Sallie Mae
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Other questions about in-state tuition and residency for college

Here are the answers to several commonly asked questions regarding college residency:

Can I live in one state and claim residency in another?

In most cases, you can’t live in one state while claiming residency in another. However, there are two possible ways to qualify for in-state tuition while maintaining residency in another state:

  • Participate in a reciprocity agreement that lets you pay in-state tuition at an out-of-state school
  • Receive financial support from a parent who lives and works in the state where you want to go to school
Tip: For more information about the requirements for in-state tuition, be sure to contact the school or the state’s Department of Education.

Check Out: Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans: Know the Difference

Which state has the cheapest out-of-state tuition?

Wyoming offers the least expensive out-of-state tuition, according to the College Board. The average out-of-state tuition for a full-time student at a four-year college in Wyoming is only $5,790.

Florida has the second-lowest out-of-state tuition with an average tuition of $6,370 for a full-time student.

Learn More: Gap Years and COVID-19: What You Need to Know About Student Loans

Can international students or undocumented students establish residency?

International students might be able to establish residency and qualify for in-state tuition if they meet the requirements.

For example, international students could get in-state tuition in Texas if they show proof of domicile in the state or if they provide certain waivers.

Undocumented students and DACA recipients might also be eligible for in-state tuition in 19 states. These include:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington

Check Out: How to Get a Student Loan With No Credit Check

Will FAFSA cover out-of-state tuition?

Yes, after you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can use whatever federal student loans and other federal financial aid you might qualify for to cover out-of-state tuition.

It’s also a good idea to apply for as many scholarships and grants as you might be eligible for as they don’t have to be repaid.

After you’ve exhausted scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans could help fill any financial gaps left over.

Tip: You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a private loan. Some lenders offer student loans for bad credit, but these loans generally come with higher interest rates compared to good credit loans.

If you’re struggling to get approved, consider applying with a cosigner. Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

Learn More: Taking Out Student Loans Without a Cosigner

Can I get in-state tuition if my parents live there?

This depends on how long your parents have lived in the state and whether you’re a dependent. If your parents have lived there for several years and you rely on them financially, you might qualify for in-state tuition. However, rules can vary by state, so be sure to check with your school.

If you decide to take out a private student loan to help cover your college costs, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find the right loan for your needs. This is easy with Credible — you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

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About the author
Taylor Medine
Taylor Medine

Taylor Medine is a Credible authority on personal finance. Her work has been featured on Bankrate, Experian, The Balance, Business Insider, Credit Karma, and more. She’s also the author of The 60-Minute Money Plan, a self-published intro to budgeting guide for people who hate budgeting.

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