Out-of-State Tuition Hacks: State-to-State or Island-to-State

Amanda Rhoden
Oct 2
3 min read

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Whether it’s crossing state lines or moving from a U.S. territory to the continental U.S., these tips can help you save big.

College is about chasing your dreams, and sometimes those dreams lead you out of state. But with that choice often comes a hefty price tag.

For families in Puerto Rico, that might mean heading to the continental U.S. For families already in the States, it could mean crossing state lines. Either way, out-of-state tuition can add thousands to the bill. The good news? With the right strategies, you don’t always have to pay full sticker price.

1. Private Colleges Can Cost Less Than Publics

It sounds backward, but many private colleges with large endowments actually cost less than state schools.

At Princeton, more than 80% of undergraduates graduate debt-free because financial aid packages replace loans with grants.
Amherst, Vanderbilt, and Davidson run similar “no-loan” programs.

👉 Tip: Don’t rule out private colleges; many meet financial need with grants, not loans. (See #2 to estimate what that could look like for your family.)

2. Run the Net Price Calculator (NPC) at Every School

Every college is required to post an NPC on its website. Enter your income, household size, and student stats to see your estimated cost after aid.

The College Board’s BigFuture NPC lets you compare schools side by side.
A $60,000 college might project $15,000 for one family but $45,000 for another.

👉 Tip: Sticker price isn’t the real price, run the numbers.

3. Learn How Automatic Merit Works

Many universities offer automatic merit scholarships, meaning they consider your teen’s GPA and/or test scores during admission, without requiring a separate scholarship application.

At the University of Alabama, out-of-state freshmen can qualify for major awards. For example, a student with a 3.5 GPA, combined with a strong SAT/ACT score, may receive between $15,000 and $28,000 per year, depending on the tier.
Arizona State University automatically considers admitted freshmen for its New American University Scholarship, based on GPA and academic record.
The University of Kentucky also awards automatic academic scholarships to admitted students who meet certain GPA/test score combinations.

⚠️ These awards often depend on applying by specific deadlines (sometimes Early Action), and higher GPAs or test scores = larger awards.

👉 Tip: Always check the “Scholarships” section on each school’s admissions or financial aid page to see their current merit chart.

4. Residency After Year One

In some states, students from U.S. territories can establish in-state residency after 12 months — cutting tuition nearly in half.

Examples: Texas, Florida, and occasionally New York.
Proof (driver’s license, taxes, voter registration) may be required.

👉 Tip: Ask the admissions or residency office before your teen applies.

5. Public Universities That Are Already Affordable

Some public systems are lower cost even without waivers:

Florida’s primary state campuses (UF, FSU, UCF) are among the most affordable in the U.S.
CUNY (New York City) keeps tuition lower than most other big-city universities.
Several Texas publics, including Texas A&M, combine relatively low tuition with strong academic programs, making them a solid value.

Final Thought

Whether your teen studies in Puerto Rico, crosses state lines, or heads to the continental U.S., the right path is the one that balances fit, affordability, and opportunity.

If your teen is considering out-of-state options, keep these strategies in mind:

✅ Compare net price (not sticker price)

✅ Target schools with strong aid and merit awards

✅ Ask about residency possibilities after year one

👉 Want a personalized list of affordable colleges that fit your teen’s goals? Book a free consultation with Future Bound today.

👀 Coming up next on the blog: Colleges Where Students Graduate with the Least Debt