5 Affordable Colleges For Out-Of-State Students

College is an important next step in furthering one’s education and career. But college can also be one of the most expensive decisions you’ll ever make. Trying to get that degree while not ending up with a boatload of debt at the end can be a challenge, and with national student loan debt in the trillions and climbing, finding a reasonably priced school is just as important as finding the perfect degree program.

Some people go the route of staying close to home for college, which is a reasonable and viable option. But if you want to spread your wings a bit and explore schools in other parts of the country, there are actually quite a few schools out there that have an out-of-state tuition that won’t break the bank, while still offering a top notch education. Here are five excellent, affordable colleges for out-of-state students.

Eastern Oregon University

Sitting in the heart of Oregon’s Blue Mountain range in the town of La Grande, Eastern Oregon University originally began as a teacher’s college in 1929. Its out-of-state tuition starts at approximately $19,600. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and an acceptance rate of almost 97 percent, this school could be a great choice for those students seeking a more intimate classroom base and specialized learning. Popular majors include Business Management, Marketing and Law Enforcement, as well as an Outdoor Leadership program that was implemented in 2016.

California State University – Long Beach

If beach style college life is the dream, Cal State Long Beach offers those beautiful California ocean views at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges. Tuition for out-of-state students starts at $16,000 and you’ll experience an amazing combination of both academic and outdoor life. The 322-acre campus is close to urban amenities and features beautifully landscaped grounds, with ocean and beach views just a stone’s throw away. The university has received national accolades for its efforts in improving graduation rates, and is highly sought after for students looking to major in the arts, business or engineering.

Western Washington University

Located in the town of Bellingham, Western Washington University’s tuition for non-residents is right around $20,000 a year. Not bad for a school that sits in one of the prettiest towns in Washington state, with coastal views and a downtown area full of hip shops and restaurants. Western Washington has been ranked as one of the top public master’s-granting schools in the Pacific Northwest, and has noteworthy bachelor’s programs in philosophy, politics and economics.

University of Alaska – Fairbanks

If you don’t mind a bit of cold weather, engineering and science students will find some of the best programs in the country at the University of Alaska – Fairbanks. Out-of-state tuition starts at $16,000 a year, and the campus itself is actually quite nice with tree-lined paths and a huge indoor recreation facility that boasts a rock gym, track and indoor pool. You’ll get the added bonus of witnessing the aurora borealis, which shows its brilliant colors across the night sky during colder weather.

Northern Arizona University

While slightly more expensive than some of the other schools listed, Northern Arizona University’s out-of-state tuition of just over $24,000 is still very reasonable compared to similar universities. Their beautiful 708-acre campus sits in the heart of Flagstaff, where you can not only enjoy desert life, but also get in a bit of skiing in the winter! The school offers more than 150 degree programs and prides itself on a collaborative atmosphere and personalized mentorship by faculty. Popular degree programs include business, marketing and education.