
International students often pay out-of-state tuition at U.S. public universities, which can be more than double the in-state rate. However, some states and universities have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families, and certain avenues exist for international students to qualify for in-state tuition. These include establishing residency in a state, receiving tuition waivers, and applying for visas like the EB-5, which can help international students qualify for in-state rates and reduce overall costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of tuition at a private college in 2021 | $38,070 |
| Average out-of-state tuition at public colleges in 2021 | $27,560 |
| Average in-state tuition at public colleges in 2021 | $10,740 |
| Average out-of-state tuition at Massachusetts state schools in 2022-23 | $28,813 |
| Average in-state tuition at Massachusetts state schools in 2022-23 | $10,036 |
| Annual in-state tuition for the University of California, Los Angeles | $14,478 |
| Annual tuition for international students at UCLA | $47,052 |
| Number of states that have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families | 20 |
| States with tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families | California, New York, Texas, Florida |
| Requirements for establishing residency in Texas | Live independently, reside in Texas for at least 12 months, establish legal residency by working 20 hours per week or owning/operating a business |
| Options for international students to qualify for in-state tuition | EB-5 visa program, tuition waivers, grants, scholarships |
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What You'll Learn
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities
- Immigrant families can access tuition-friendly legislation in some states
- International students can qualify for in-state tuition with an EB-5 visa
- International students can get an out-of-state tuition waiver with academic awards
- In-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition for international students

International students pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities
International students are usually required to pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities, which can be more than double the cost of in-state tuition. For example, the annual tuition fee for international students at UCLA is $47,052, whereas the in-state fee is $14,478. However, there are some ways that international students can reduce their tuition fees to the in-state rate.
One way is to establish residency in a state that offers in-state tuition to international students. The requirements for establishing residency vary by state, but it typically involves residing in the state for a prescribed amount of time, which can range from 12 months in Texas to an unspecified amount of time in California, New York, and Florida. Some states may also require proof of a residential address, tax returns, or for financially dependent students, proof that their parents have established residency in the state.
Another way for international students to qualify for in-state tuition is through tuition waivers. These can be awarded for working as a teaching or research assistant, or through competitive scholarships. The availability of these waivers varies by state and school, so it is important for international students to research their options early in the college application process.
Additionally, international students may be able to qualify for in-state tuition through the EB-5 visa program, which allows investors and their families to adjust their immigration status and no longer be subject to international tuition rates. Concurrent filing can help EB-5 investors qualify for in-state tuition sooner.
Finally, international students can also consider attending community colleges or private colleges in the US, which may offer more affordable tuition options.
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Immigrant families can access tuition-friendly legislation in some states
International students often pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities, which can be double or triple the in-state rate. However, immigrant families can access tuition-friendly legislation in some states. As of 2023, nearly half of the states, including California, New York, Texas, and Florida, have passed such legislation. The requirements for establishing residency for in-state tuition can vary by state and school. For example, Texas requires independent living, 12 months of residency, and proof of legal residency through employment or business ownership. Massachusetts is the 24th state to grant immigrants without legal status access to in-state tuition, but critics argue that states cannot afford this given the influx of immigrants and the associated costs.
International students can also qualify for in-state tuition through the EB-5 visa program, which allows investors and their families to adjust their immigration status and no longer be considered international students. Additionally, some states offer in-state tuition to students who have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from a public or accredited private high school. However, not all states allow students on F and J visas in high school to qualify for residency. International students can also receive out-of-state tuition waivers through academic excellence awards, teaching or research assistant positions, or competitive scholarships. Community colleges in the US also offer more affordable education options. Grants and scholarships can further reduce the financial burden of a US education.
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International students can qualify for in-state tuition with an EB-5 visa
International students typically pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities, which can be double or triple the in-state rate. However, international students can qualify for in-state tuition rates through various methods, including establishing residency, receiving tuition waivers, and applying for certain visas, such as the EB-5 visa.
The EB-5 visa is an immigrant investor program that provides a pathway to permanent US residency for foreign nationals who make a substantial capital investment in a US commercial enterprise and create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. The minimum investment amount is typically $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA) and $1,050,000 in a non-TEA, although these amounts are subject to adjustments for inflation.
The EB-5 visa offers several advantages for international students. Firstly, it provides certainty to the admission process, eliminating the risk of visa denial or consulate closure associated with traditional student visas. Secondly, it removes the restrictions imposed by student visas, allowing students to pursue off-campus jobs or internships without employer sponsorship. Additionally, the EB-5 visa can lead to permanent residency and a Green Card, which can further enhance a student's potential by providing access to federal loans, scholarships, and grants.
Concurrent filing for EB-5 investors is a strategy that allows eligible students to adjust their immigration status and potentially qualify for in-state tuition sooner. Once the necessary forms are filed, EB-5 investors and their dependents are no longer considered international students and are exempt from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS).
It is important to note that the requirements for establishing residency or qualifying for in-state tuition may vary by state and institution. Therefore, international students should consult their respective institutions to understand the specific guidelines and requirements for obtaining in-state tuition status.
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International students can get an out-of-state tuition waiver with academic awards
International students typically pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities, which is significantly more expensive than in-state tuition. However, international students can sometimes get an out-of-state tuition waiver with academic awards. These waivers are usually merit-based or need-based.
Merit-based waivers are granted to students with outstanding academic achievements or those who demonstrate exceptional talent in specific areas, such as the arts or athletics. For example, Kennesaw State University in Georgia offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students who excel academically and submit a 300-word essay. Similarly, the University of Alabama offers merit scholarships to non-resident students who score highly on the ACT or SAT and maintain a high GPA. Idaho State University also offers competitive Non-Resident Tuition Waivers (NRTWs) to academically superior students in under-subscribed majors.
Need-based waivers are provided to students who can demonstrate financial need. The amount of the waiver is based on the student's financial situation. Some schools may also offer a combination of merit and need-based waivers. For instance, the University of Alabama's merit scholarship also covers the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.
In addition to academic awards, international students may be able to receive in-state tuition rates in certain states through tuition waivers. These waivers can include those for working as a teaching or research assistant or through competitive scholarships. The eligibility and availability of these waivers vary by state and school, so it is important for students to research their options early in the college application process.
Furthermore, international students can explore other avenues to reduce the cost of their education. Grants and scholarships can help offset the financial burden of a US education. Community colleges in the United States also offer more affordable education options.
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In-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition for international students
In the United States, international students are usually required to pay out-of-state tuition fees to attend public universities. Out-of-state tuition rates are typically significantly higher than in-state rates. For instance, the annual in-state tuition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is $14,478, while the annual tuition for international students is $47,052.
However, there are ways for international students to qualify for cheaper in-state tuition rates. One way is to establish residency in a particular state. Requirements for establishing legal residence vary by state, but may include living in the state for a specified period of time, working a certain number of hours per week, or owning or operating a business. For example, in Texas, an individual must reside in the state for at least 12 months and establish residency by working an average of 20 hours per week or owning a business.
Another way for international students to receive in-state tuition rates is through tuition waivers or scholarships. Some states and schools offer tuition waivers for international students who work as teaching or research assistants, or through competitive scholarship programs. Additionally, international students may be able to qualify for in-state tuition rates by obtaining certain types of visas, such as the EB-5 visa, which allows investors and their families to be considered for in-state rates.
It's important to note that the availability of these options may vary depending on the state and the individual institution. International students should research the specific requirements and guidelines of their desired schools to understand their options for obtaining in-state tuition rates. While it may be challenging, it is possible for international students to take advantage of the cost savings offered by in-state tuition rates.
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Frequently asked questions
In-state tuition is the rate students with a permanent residence pay to attend a public or state school.
Out-of-state tuition is the rate a non-resident of the state, including international students, pays to attend a public or state school. Out-of-state tuition typically costs more than in-state tuition and can often be double or triple the price.
International students usually pay out-of-state tuition at US public universities. However, there are some ways that international students can qualify for in-state tuition rates. Some states have passed tuition-friendly legislation for immigrant families, and certain states may allow you to receive in-state tuition if you have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time. International students can also qualify for in-state tuition through the EB-5 visa program.
International students can save money on tuition fees by applying for grants and scholarships. They can also consider studying at community colleges, which offer more affordable options for education.































