With so many excellent colleges and universities across Texas, the idea of going out-of-state sounds silly to some people. However, let’s not forget there’s a wide-open world out there, and the Lone Star State is only one part. A pretty big one, but a part nonetheless.
While there’s nothing wrong with choosing an in-state university, there’s equally nothing wrong about going out-of-state instead. Both have their pros and cons. The following is a brief breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of attending out-of-state college this fall:
Pros
More options
The list of academic options expands once out-of-state schools are on the table. You could enroll in an online MFT program in California, take an Advanced Analytics course in Illinois, or go to film school in New York. No one ever needs to feel limited by the course options and degree specializations offered by nearby universities. While the number of choices can seem overwhelming at first, the freedom to pick is worth the responsibility of choosing.
Greater diversity
Houston was recently named the most diverse city in the United States, but diversity is relative. What’s more, it goes beyond people to include architecture, climate, geography, and more. Going to an out-of-state college gives Houstonians a chance to see even more of what the world has to offer. In doing so, those who call Houston home can put their own city’s diversity into proper perspective.
More independence
Going to college out-of-state takes us outside our comfort zone. Unable to rely on family for support and too far from friends to hang out, students have no choice but to fend for themselves and meet new people. In doing so, they develop the independence needed to thrive in the adult world. Those who stick close to home have to be more proactive about abandoning the nest, which is easier said than done when concurrently dealing with the stress of school and uncertainty about the future.
Cons
Higher price
Most universities provide financial incentives for in-state students, and most states offer financial assistance to their own citizens. These options are not provided to out-of-state students. What’s more, many universities charge out-of-students extra for tuition. Those considering out-of-state college will need to weigh the cost comparisons before making their final choice.
Admittance challenges
Getting accepted into a university is usually easier for in-state students. That’s because most state schools prioritize their own state’s citizens over others. Exam metrics, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities all have more weight to them when it’s someone trying to enroll from out-of-state. Furthermore, many schools are more particular about the ability to pay tuition if you’re from out-of-state, expecting guaranteed payment for the semester before your first day of class.
Far from home
Feeling homesick is a real experience for many out-of-state college students. These emotions – especially when academic challenges are at their peak – can be a lot to process for first-year students. It’s essential to factor homesickness into the equation before choosing to go out-of-state. Lastly, the travel expenses required to visit home now and then will also be something to factor into the cost.
To Go or Not Go
Attending an out-of-state university can be an exciting prospect at first blush. However, a lot of conditions and qualifiers come attached, so prospective students need to be mindful before blindly picking one option over another. For most folks, the decision will require the assistance of counselors, advisors, parents, and others who have the experience to provide helpful guidance.
If you’re still undecided, there’s always a third option: take a year off. It’s called a gap year and many people do it as a way to step back and reassess their future. But keep in mind, there are many pros and cons of gap years too!
