10 Best Values in Out-of-State Public Colleges

(Image credit: University of North Carolina)

Finding great value in a public university doesn’t mean a student is confined to his or her own state. Hundreds of public universities across the country compete feverishly to broaden their student body by enticing students from other states with attractive financial aid packages and scholarships and grants.

Annual tuition costs at leading public universities generally run 20% to 30% more for out-of-state students (total out-of-state charges average $29,657, according to the College Board), and it’s rising at schools that see out-of-staters as a growing revenue source. Still, out-of-state prices look cheap compared with the average price of a private education ($38,589). Among our list of 100 Best Values in Public Universities, these ten schools provide the best out-of-state value (see our methodology).

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

2. Binghamton University (SUNY)

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

3. SUNY Geneseo

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

4. The College of William and Mary

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

5. University of Virginia

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

6. University of California, Los Angeles

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

7. University of California, Berkeley

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

8. University of Florida

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

9. University of Georgia

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

10. University of Maryland, College Park

In-state rank

Total out-of-state cost

Undergraduate enrollment

Graduation rates

Average debt at graduation

Sponsored Content

More From Kiplinger

SLIDE SHOW: Top 10 Public College Values

TOOL: Compare All Top 100 Public Colleges

SLIDE SHOW: Top Values in Private Colleges, 2012

SLIDE SHOW: 10 Private Colleges With Lowest Student Graduating Debt

SPECIAL REPORT: Best College Values 2012

Sponsored Content

Wojno was formerly research director for data-intensive projects such as Kiplinger's college and mutual fund rankings. He has worked as a newswire reporter and newsletter editor for Dow Jones, covering convertible bonds, REITs and mutual funds. He also served as market research manager for Keane Federal Systems, an IT consultancy. He received a BA in communications and computer science as well as a MBA from George Washington University.