Most and Least Expensive College Tuition by State

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A diverse group of college students
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This story comes from Move.org.

Whether you’re a prospective student or a proud parent, choosing the right place to go to college means deciding among many options that may or may not fit in your budget.

Where you live affects the cost of your college tuition, and most schools charge more for students from out-of-state. If you move to a different state, can you actually save money? Or is it worth staying close to home?

Compare the costs of in-state schools to your out-of-state picks before deciding. Also, consider a state’s average in-state net cost: in-state tuition for first-time students, plus living expenses, books and supplies, minus scholarships and financial aid.

The team at Move.org put together a list of states ranked by in-state tuition costs for public and private colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees and higher.

For inclusion into the average tuition cost for each state, public and private colleges met the following criteria:

  • Must offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees
  • Must operate on an academic year (non-open enrollment)
  • Must offer in-person learning (not online or “distance-education” only)

Numbered rankings were determined solely by in-state tuition, while out-of-state tuition and net cost were included for reference. The list starts with national averages, and then moves from lowest in-state tuition to highest, including Washington, D.C.

National average

College costs depicted
Zimmytws / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,368

Out-of-state tuition: $18,978

Net cost for first-time, in-state students: $16,188

Nationwide, the average net cost for first-time students is slightly higher than in-state tuition. In some states, students receive enough financial aid to drop net costs below the annual costs of tuition.

51. Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park
Kris Wiktor / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $3,468

Out-of-state tuition: $8,927

In-state net cost: $8,065

When it got nicknamed the Equality State, Wyoming followed through by having the lowest cost for college across the board. If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll still get out-of-state tuition about $10,000 less than the national average.

Even though in-state first-time students’ net costs jump up by about $4,600, it’s the lowest net cost in the nation, making it a much more affordable option.

50. New Mexico

Hot air balloons in New Mexico
Tim Pleasant / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $6,160

Out-of-state tuition: $9,978

In-state net cost: $9,966

New Mexico has more to be proud of than their delicious green chiles. The Land of Enchantment comes with the second-lowest college costs in the nation.

Resident students will be happy to know they’re spending $9,208 less than the national average. And if you’re looking for a new destination, even out-of-state students will spend about $9,000 less on tuition in New Mexico than the national average.

49. North Dakota

North Dakota
ZakZeinert / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $7,753

Out-of-state tuition: $9,845

In-state net cost: $11,371

In the Sioux State, you’ll pay the third-lowest in-state tuition costs in the nation.

North Dakota’s average in-state tuition falls $7,615 below the national average, making the Rough Rider State an easy place to stay for prospective students.

But even non-residents will see a far lower price for tuition, $9,133 less than the nation’s average.

48. Montana

Missoula, Montana
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $7,827

Out-of-state tuition: $13,724

In-state net cost: $11,302

The Treasure State’s tuition costs are the fourth-lowest in the nation, letting you keep more of your money to spend on outdoor gear (or to work less and get out more).

Montana’s in-state, net cost for first-time students is about $4,800 less than the national average. Out-of-state tuition falls $5,254 below the national average.

47. Mississippi

University of Mississippi
James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $8,547

Out-of-state tuition: $10,814

In-state net cost: $10,827

You won’t be singing the blues if you want to study near the Mississippi River. You can save quite a bit by staying in the Magnolia State, which has the fifth-lowest college in-state tuition cost.

Mississippi’s in-state tuition is $6,821 lower than the national average, and its out-of-state tuition is $8,164 less than the national average.

46. Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas skyline
Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $9,209

Out-of-state tuition: $11,286

In-state net cost: $11,977

Arkansas’s low in-state tuition makes it one of the cheapest places to attend college.

The Natural State is welcoming to both budget-friendly residents and out-of-state students, with average tuition coming in at $6,159 and $7,692 below than the national average, respectively.

45. Alaska

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Mikhail Varentsov / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $9,286

Out-of-state tuition: $15,359

In-state net cost: $13,051

The Last Frontier might end up as one of your first picks for places to live as a college student.

The Land of the Midnight Sun’s in-state tuition is $6,082 less than the national average. Even though Alaska’s average net costs are $13,051, that’s still $3,137 less than the nation’s average.

44. Hawaii

Lanikai Hawaii, aerial view
segawa7 / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $9,682

Out-of-state tuition: $14,618

In-state net cost: $14,165

If you need an island getaway, then studying in the Aloha State is a great way to save. Even for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are $4,360 less than the national average.

And if you were lucky enough to be born on the beautiful beaches and mighty mountains of Hawaii, your net costs are $2,023 less than the national average.

43. Arizona

Arizona State University
Thomas Trompeter / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $9,935

Out-of-state tuition: $15,184

In-state net cost: $14,435

If you’re ready to feel the heat, Arizona can be a great place to save money while studying. Compared to the national average, tuition is $5,433 less in the Grand Canyon State.

The cost rises when you consider books, supplies and living expenses, but you’ll still spend $1,753 less than the national average in net costs.

42. Alabama

City scene from Mobile, Alabama
Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $10,633

Out-of-state tuition: $14,623

In-state net cost: $13,208

Alabama’s one of the most budget-friendly places to study in the U.S..

The Yellowhammer State’s in-state tuition falls $4,735 less than the national average; out-of-state tuition is $4,355 less than the national average.

Your net costs will be higher than tuition (which is common), but Alabama’s college costs work out to be nearly $3,000 less than the national average.

41. Idaho

Idaho state capital building
Charles Knowles / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $11,077

Out-of-state tuition: $16,256

In-state net cost: $14,903

The Gem State just cracks the top 10 list for “least expensive” colleges for in-state tuition.

On average, your in-state tuition for Idaho will be $4,291 less than the national average.

40. Oklahoma

Oklahoma City
Henryk Sadura / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $11,397

Out-of-state tuition: $15,925

In-state net cost: $12,771

You won’t have to put off paying for college as long in the Sooner State. With Oklahoma’s college costs, you can spend at least $3,000 less than the national average in tuition and net costs.

There’s still a sizable tuition cost difference for in-state and out-of-state students, but that’s how it is across the nation.

39. Louisiana

Louisiana musicians
GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $11,801

Out-of-state tuition: $15,631

In-state net cost: $14,651

For those looking to lock into Louisiana’s music or cuisine scene, paying for college can be a lot more reasonable than in the majority of states.

For folks from out of town, you’ll still pay about $3,300 less for out-of-state tuition than the national average to study as in the Pelican State. We’d call that a budget-friendly win.

38. West Virginia

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Andrei Medvedev / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $11,847

Out-of-state tuition: $15,646

In-state net cost: $12,420

When country roads take you home to the Mountain State, expect to pay $3,521 less on average in-state tuition than the national average of $15,368.

Even though first-time students’ net cost is more than in-state tuition, they’ll still pay $3,768 less than the national average net cost.

37. Texas

MD Anderson Cancer Center
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,012

Out-of-state tuition: $15,636

In-state net cost: $13,838

Not everything’s bigger in Texas. The Lone Star State falls below the national average across the board for costs.

But be mindful that your net cost will still be more than your tuition, so save up to see those big bright stars at night while you study.

36. South Dakota

Pierre, South Dakota
dustin77a / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,086

Out-of-state tuition: $13,037

In-state net cost: $16,145

If you want to study in the land of the Lakota, your out-of-state tuition price will be nearly $6,000 below the national average cost for out-of-state tuition.

South Dakota’s net cost for a first-time, in-state student is barely below the national average, but when you’re a college student every penny counts.

35. Nevada

Palm trees at sunset in Paradise, Nevada
aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,141

Out-of-state tuition: $16,758

In-state net cost: $18,096

When it comes to studying in the Sagebrush State, both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs look like a good gamble.

However, your net cost as a resident first-time student in Nevada will add up to be $1,908 above the national average.

34. North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,210

Out-of-state tuition: $16,643

In-state net cost: $13,295

If you’re looking to take flight to study in North Carolina, it’s a little easier on your budget than most.

The Tar Heel State is a better-than-average deal for college costs in all three categories. Your average net cost as a resident will be $2,893 less than the national average.

33. Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
Joe Guetzloff / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,650

Out-of-state tuition: $16,622

In-state net cost: $18,370

The Beehive State has a good tuition cost for both in-state and out-of-state students, but the net cost is $2,182 more than the national average.

You may avoid some higher rent costs by living outside of Salt Lake City, but you’ll need to factor supplies and other living expenses into your budget.

32. Kansas

Wichita, Kansas
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,673

Out-of-state tuition: $14,548

In-state net cost: $14,386

Things are cheaper than average in Kansas. The Sunflower State’s tuition is close to $2,700 cheaper than the national average for in-state tuition.

And if you’re coming to the Jayhawk State from out of town, you’ll pay about $4,400 less than the national average for out-of-state tuition.

31. Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, Piedmont Park skyline autumn
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $12,964

Out-of-state tuition: $16,314

In-state net cost: $14,478

If you’re feeling peachy, Georgia’s average in-state tuition falls $1,710 below the national average.

However, your net cost will be higher as a first-time student than your in-state tuition, meaning even if you qualify for financial aid, your living expenses will still cost more than tuition alone.

30. Colorado

Denver, Colorado
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $13,138

Out-of-state tuition: $19,114

In-state net cost: $17,296

If you’re a resident of Colorado, your in-state tuition will be $2,230 less than the national average in-state tuition.

However, the Centennial State is a slightly worse deal for out-of-state tuition compared to the national average ($136 more), and the average net cost for in-state students amounts to $1,108 more than average.

29. Washington

University of Washington
cpaulfell / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $13,740

Out-of-state tuition: $17,427

In-state net cost: $14,593

The Evergreen State is the first state to fall below the national average for all three categories: In-state tuition, out-of-state tuition, and net-cost for first-time students.

Between those cost categories, you’ll save about $1,500 compared to the average cost of college in the U.S..

28. Nebraska

University of Nebraska
Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $14,468

Out-of-state tuition: $15,710

In-state net cost: $16,915

Compared to the national average, the Cornhusker State is a good deal for both in-state and out-of-state tuition.

In fact, if you’re looking to move to Nebraska, you’ll pay about $3,200 less than the national average for out-of-state tuition.

27. South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
Bf11photo / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $14,472

Out-of-state tuition: $19,324

In-state net cost: $15,061

South Carolina is a good deal, as long as you’re paying the in-state rate. Your net costs are $1,100 below the national average.

For out-of-state tuition though, non-residents still cough up $346 more than the national average to study in the Palmetto State.

26. Florida

University of Central Florida
Jillian Cain Photography / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $14,615

Out-of-state tuition: $17,713

In-state net cost: $17,310

The Sunshine State is the first to land in the bottom half of the most-expensive in-state college tuition list.

Even when you’re in-state, the net cost of living as a first-time student exceeds the national average net cost ($16,188) by nearly $1,200.

25. Kentucky

A theater in Bowling Green, Kentucky
JNix / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,128

Out-of-state tuition: $20,153

In-state net cost: $13,662

The Bluegrass State is a pretty good deal compared to the national average for in-state tuition and net cost.

But if you’re from out of town, you’ll be paying $1,175 more than the national average for out-of-state tuition.

24. California

Berkeley, California
Chao Kusollerschariya / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,143

Out-of-state tuition: $19,561

In-state net cost: $16,648

California’s not known for being cheap, but its average in-state college tuition actually lands $225 below the national average of $15,368. With that in mind, it’s easier to stay in the Golden State for some schooling.

23. Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri
Scruggelgreen / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,276

Out-of-state tuition: $17,236

In-state net cost: $16,532

The Show-me State is the closest to charging the national average for in-state tuition — within $100.

However, the net cost in Missouri falls slightly above the national average ($16,188).

22. Michigan

Kettering University
James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,796

Out-of-state tuition: $18,961

In-state net cost: $14,786

The Wolverine State, surrounded by the Great Lakes, will cost first-time resident students $14,786 on average.

21. Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware
mandritoiu / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $15,932

Out-of-state tuition: $20,482

In-state net cost: $17,981

The Diamond State’s in-state tuition is only $564 higher than the national average, but its net cost is $1,793 more expensive on average.

For out-of-state students, the cost for tuition in Delaware is $1,504 above the national average.

20. Maryland

Annapolis, Maryland
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $16,439

Out-of-state tuition: $20,889

In-state net cost: $16,871

The Old Line State has quite the upcharge for out-of-state tuition, costing $4,450 more than in-state tuition, and nearly $2,000 more compared to the national average.

But with Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, and the United States Naval Academy, Maryland’s appeal remains high.

19. New Jersey

Firestone Library at Princeton
Jay Yuan / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $16,530

Out-of-state tuition: $19,173

In-state net cost: $15,475

Tuition prices aren’t necessarily great in the Garden State.

But the net cost for residents is $713 less than the national average, so your living expenses and financial aid situation can help you stay home to root for the Devils.

18. Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pinkcandy / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $16,570

Out-of-state tuition: $17,547

In-state net cost: $16,543

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you can beat the national average net cost by $355, making it an easier budget choice for someone straying from home.

Minnesota’s colleges charge $1,202 more for in-state tuition than the national average.

17. Virginia

Virginia Tech
Rui Serra Maia / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $16,955

Out-of-state tuition: $21,212

In-state net cost: $18,242

Virginia has a high out-of-state tuition cost compared to the rest of the country, coming in at $2,234 more than the national average.

If you’re coming from another place, it may hurt your wallet a bit to know it will cost you a whopping $4,257 more than a resident of The Old Dominion.

16. Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee
jdross75 / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $17,015

Out-of-state tuition: $21,080

In-state net cost: $16,979

Tennessee is appealing for many reasons, one of which is its lively music scene. But to hear the honky-tonk rockin’ while you’re studying, you’ll pay a bit more.

The Volunteer State has a higher-than-average cost across the board, but in particular, out-of-state students will pay $2,102 more than the national average.

15. Ohio

Columbus, Ohio
Randall Vermillion / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $17,130

Out-of-state tuition: $19,851

In-state net cost: $17,600

Ohio comes in at 15th place on the most-expensive in-state tuition list.

The Buckeye State comes in with a net cost of about $1,400 more than the national average, and nearly $1,800 more than the national average for in-state tuition.

14. Oregon

Oregon Health and Science University
ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $17,176

Out-of-state tuition: $21,915

In-state net cost: $17,366

The Beaver State bears a higher-than-average cost for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

In fact, Oregon’s out-of-state tuition is nearly $3,000 more than average. But for the bountiful beauty of this green state, the price may be worth it.

13. Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin
Ian M Johnson / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $17,218

Out-of-state tuition: $19,725

In-state net cost: $16,347

You don’t have to be a diehard cheesehead to want to study in Wisconsin. But The Badger State’s college costs are more expensive than the national average across the board.

Although it’s worth considering that in-state net costs are only $159 above the national average.

12. Illinois

University of Illinois
Leigh Trail / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $17,489

Out-of-state tuition: $21,049

In-state net cost: $14,511

If you’re a fan of Chicago, or the Prairie State at large, then you’ll be looking at an in-state tuition cost $2,121 higher than the national average.

However, when financial aid is considered, the average cost actually drops $1,677 below the national average ($16,188), which is the second-best net cost difference in the top 25 most-expensive states.

11. Maine

Bangor, Maine
jiawangkun / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $18,855

Out-of-state tuition: $22,239

In-state net cost: $17,056

Maine is yet another New England state that costs more than the U.S. average for in-state tuition.

The Pine Tree State’s appeal will cost first-time students $17,056 on average.

10. New York

Cornell University
Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $19,738

Out-of-state tuition: $21,667

In-state net cost: $17,440

Of course the Empire State can’t miss out on being one of the most expensive places in the country.

However, its out-of-state tuition cost still falls nearly $15,000 below the cost of its neighbor Rhode Island’s out-of-state tuition.

9. Iowa

downtown Ames, Iowa
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $20,208

Out-of-state tuition: $21,453

In-state net cost: $17,238

Plan on going to the Hawkeye State for school? You’ll be paying one of the top 10 highest prices in the nation, which may be worth it for football and state fair fans.

8. Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut
James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $20,977

Out-of-state tuition: $27,653

In-state net cost: $17,668

Connecticut is known as the Constitution State, and with it comes one of the more expensive average college tuitions.

Coming from out of state? Expect a nearly $7,000 increase compared to in-state tuition.

7. New Hampshire

New Hampshire
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $21,579

Out-of-state tuition: $26,404

In-state net cost: $21,466

New Hampshire is the perfect place for fans of skiing and leaf-falling sightseeing, but is that enough for you to pay $6,211 above the national average for tuition?

The Granite State’s one of the many New England states to rank high for expensive tuition costs.

6. Indiana

Indianapolis
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $22,010

Out-of-state tuition: $25,280

In-state net cost: $18,117

The Hoosier State comes in at $6,642 more than the national average for in-state tuition.

Indiana’s deeply entrenched sports legacy makes it one of the top spots for college basketball players and fans.

5. Pennsylvania

Fisher Fine Arts Library, University of Pennsylvania
Daderot / Wikimedia

In-state tuition: $23,618

Out-of-state tuition: $26,088

In-state net cost: $21,646

Pennsylvania rounds out the top five most expensive colleges with an average in-state tuition of $23,618.

The Keystone State boasts some of the most important American historical sites in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, which may be worth the price of admission.

4. Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C.
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $27,531

Out-of-state tuition: $28,075

In-state net cost: $25,559

The capital of America ranks in fourth place for its average tuition of $27,531.

Of course, being surrounded by politics and U.S. history makes the price more worthwhile for some folks.

3. Massachusetts

MIT
Travel_Adventure / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $29,564

Out-of-state tuition: $31,995

In-state net cost: $24,523

Coming in at the third most expensive, the Bay State’s average cost of in-state tuition is $29,564.

Massachusetts’s high cost might be too much for some, but it’s the price to bask in the Old Colony State’s glory.

2. Vermont

Burlington, Vermont
Erika J Mitchell / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $30,858

Out-of-state tuition: $34,925

In-state net cost: $23,915

The Green Mountain State’s cozy appeal comes with a big price tag, especially for out-of-towners.

The forested New England state may be known for its maple syrup, but its high tuition isn’t so sweet.

1. Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island
Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

In-state tuition: $33,230

Out-of-state tuition: $36,601

In-state net cost: $28,503

There’s nothing tiny about Rhode Island’s college tuition.

With the most expensive average tuition at $33,230, the Ocean State hosts some of the oldest universities in America.

But is that worth $17,862 more than the average state’s in-state tuition? That’s a personal budget choice.

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