Every year, high school seniors have a decision concerning where they will attend college, or if they will even attend college at all. On average, over 60% of high school seniors go to some sort of college after school, but what parts of that 60% stay in state or go out of state?

  There are many differences between in-state and out-of-state colleges, including cost, distance, and the types of people you will meet.

  First, arguably the largest difference between in-state and out-of-state colleges is cost. Attending a college in-state is almost always cheaper, barring some sort of scholarship. In 2022, the average tuition at an in-state school was $10,740 per year; however, for an out-of-state school, the average tuition was $27,560. That difference between cost makes out-of-state schooling over 2.5x more expensive on average. 

  Furthermore, out-of-state colleges are generally farther away from a student’s hometown. For some this is a downside but others desire more distance from what they have always known. Nevertheless, out-of-state colleges are generally farther away, and that is something that should be taken into consideration when deciding where the next four years will be spent. 

  Lastly, no-matter what college is decided, new people will be met, however, an out-of-state college will likely have a wider variety of new people. For example, if someone were to attend Sauk, they will likely not meet as many new people as another person would if you were to attend Wisconsin, Iowa, or any other out-of-state school for that matter. 

  With plans to attend an in-state college next year, senior William Aulwes said, “I myself am going to Illinois State next year, so that is an in-state school. The distance away from home doesn’t make much of a difference to me, but it will be nice to be within a couple hours of home. I am also looking forward to meeting new people there as well.”

  Those who are planning to attend out-of-state colleges will likely have similar experience in meeting new people and making new friends. 

  Senior Antonio Tablante shared, “Since I am going out-of-state, the tuition is normally more, but since I am on a partial athletic scholarship I have a good situation set-up financially. Since it’s so far away, people from all over the place are going, so I am going to meet new people, too. The distance between home and South Dakota is a lot, but it will just be something I will adjust to over time.”

  Everyone wants something different out of their college experience. Attending a school in-state or out-of-state will have different outcomes, but both are great options in furthering one’s education, career, and life-long relationships.