Should I Go to College Out of State? 4 Things to Consider

One of the biggest factors for students to consider when choosing which college to attend is the location. There are thousands of degree-granting institutions across the country and thousands more internationally. With so many schools to choose from, the options can seem endless and overwhelming.

Going to college out of state is a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be a hard one. By asking the right questions and having the right things in mind before choosing, you can move away from your home with confidence that you will succeed in your new environment.

Here are four things to consider before going out of state for school.

Calculate the cost.

Before committing to several years of living away from home, the first step in your decision process is to consider the cost of attending each school on your list.

Studying at an out-of-state college can hold additional costs. Some universities charge higher tuition rates for students coming from out of state. After researching the tuition cost as well as financial aid and fees, look into the price of traveling home. Consider expenses like gas, airfare and whether you can afford to bring your car and keep it on campus. Be sure to look at the school schedule to determine how often you can travel home and if you’ll be able to afford it as often as you’d like.

Consider your family ties.

Many college students don’t consider their family ties as a factor when moving away from their state. Before leaving home, it is important to understand how strong your emotional connection is to your family and hometown.

How far is your immediate family from the college? Do you have any extended family near the college or within driving distance? How long will your school schedule require you to be away from them? Will you be able to visit your hometown often or will you have to stay at school over important dates and holidays? These are all important things to think about if you are going to live on your own for several years.

Research the area.

Moving away from home means adjusting to a new town. Before you move to the college and see the surrounding area for yourself, research its culture and what life looks like there.

Is the town similar to yours at home? Do you want a different atmosphere than you’ve had before? What is the weather like in the area? Does the town have lots of activities and places to visit with your friends? Consider what you want to experience during your time there to determine if the school is right for you.

Prioritize community.

College offers the unique opportunity to meet people from all over the country and make new, lifelong friends. Establishing a sense of community is crucial in college, especially when you’re moving out of state.

Does the university you’re looking at have ways you can get connected and meet people living on your campus? Do they have a wide variety of clubs and sports to choose from or are the options more narrow? Campus life has a big impact on you not only socially but spiritually, too. Be sure to consider if the university is Christian or secular, and research churches in the area to ensure there are ones that fit your spiritual needs.

An out-of-state school isn’t the right fit for everybody. The extra expense and distance from your family can cause stress without proper preparation and planning. However, by considering your options and weighing the costs, you can enjoy your new adventure with confidence and experience all college has to offer.