By Erin Bendig
Published 13 April 2023
Choosing where to attend college involves many factors, one of which is cost. CollegeBoard reports that the average published tuition and fee for 2022-23 is 2.25 times higher than it was 30 years ago at public four-year institutions, increasing from $4,870 to $10,940 since 1992-93. Consequently, with in-state tuition this high, going out of state to attend college can be out of the question for many, as out-of-state tuition can cost double the amount of tuition paid by in-state students.
The average cost of in-state tuition varies between states, ranging from $6,370 in Florida to $17,650 in Vermont, according to CollegeBoard. Here are the nine states with the cheapest average in-state tuition for public universities, a valuable consideration for maximizing educational investment.
Cheapest States for In-State College Tuition
The following states have the cheapest average cost of 2022-23 in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions, per CollegeBoard.
9. Nevada
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,590
Nevada’s state colleges and universities include Nevada State College, located in Henderson, only 15 miles from the famous Las Vegas Strip, the University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University Of Nevada, Reno.
8. New York
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,560
Notable public colleges in New York include University at Buffalo, SUNY at Binghamton and Stony Brook University. The state is also home to the United States Military Academy, located in West Point.
7. Georgia
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,330
Located in Athens, the University of Georgia is the state’s oldest institute of higher education. The state is also home to Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, the largest college in Georgia.
6. Idaho
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,180
The University of Idaho, the state’s land-grant research university, has a mission to shape the future through innovative thinking. The state’s other public universities include Boise State University, the largest university in Idaho, and Idaho State University.
5. Utah
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,660
Utah State University is one of the highest level research institutions in the country. The state is also home to the University of Utah, located in the capital, Salt Lake City.
4. Montana
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,460
Notable colleges in Montana include the University of Montana and Montana State University.
3. North Carolina
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,360
North Carolina State University is the largest university in the Carolinas, with more than 36,000 students.
2. Wyoming
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,440
The University of Wyoming is surrounded by the rugged Rocky Mountains. The university’s mission is to provide accessible and affordable higher education.
1. Florida
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,370
The oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida is Florida State University, founded in 1851.
The Value of a College Education
Regardless of the cost, a college education can provide greater long-term financial return. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $2.8 million over their careers, approximately $70,000 annually, which is significantly more than those with only a high school diploma.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition
A major consideration for attending college in-state versus out-of-state is the cost. Generally, out-of-state tuition can be significantly higher
If you choose to attend a college or university in your state of residence, it is essential to provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition. Requirements can vary by state, but most require residency for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. If you are a dependent, your residency status is usually tied to your parent(s), who must also show proof of domicile.
