Applying to College? Beware the Out-of-State Sirens' Song.

In Greek myth, the Sirens, half-woman/half-birdlike creatures crooned such sweet melodies to passing sailors that they would abandon ship, become so enraptured with the Sirens’ song that they would completely forget to eat, eventually starving.

Flagship state schools such as the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, Penn State, and those in the University of California system have never caused any seafaring gents to die of hunger, but their name recognition, desirability, athletic prowess, and status as “research” institutions have lured many out-of-state applicants to unwisely pay hefty tuition bills, while passing up better-value opportunities at private colleges.

Let’s look at a few examples. Annual, out-of-state costs at the University of Michigan run more than 50 grand, and roughly double what Michigan residents pay. UCLA charges nearly $25,000 more to those who hail from outside the Golden State. Penn State, a bargain for PA residents, climbs to $43,000 for outsiders, and after accounting for (need-based and merit-based) financial aid, proves as more expensive than Franklin & Marshall, Lafayette, or Lehigh—three elite colleges in the same state. That’s right, on top of the steep non-resident markup, prestigious public schools of this ilk rarely offer significant financial aid packages and rely on out-of-staters who can and will pay the maximum tuition.

This practice is far from nefarious. Public institutions have been hit hard with budget cuts in recent years and do not sport the gargantuan endowments of many private schools. Out-of-state students capable of paying the full bill have become a desirable source of revenue.  The less admirable side is that students from out of state sometimes have an admissions edge if they have the funds behind them. Not exactly a shining example of egalitarianism.

None of this is to argue against attending any of these terrific schools if you’ve done your homework and feel you’ve found an ideal fit. Flagship universities offer worldwide name recognition, gigantic alumni bases for networking, and the excitement of 100,000-seat football stadiums on Saturdays. However, for those with finite financial resources (i.e. most of us), you may find an equally strong private school that is far more likely to offer a sizable financial aid package.

If you’re in need of funds yet give into the allure of a flagship school, you may not end up on an island, withering away, listening to a bunch of mutant bird-women harmonize, but you are almost guaranteed to end up with a more cumbersome than necessary tuition bill.

College Transitions is a team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process. As counselors and published higher education researchers, we aim to bring perspective (and some sanity) to college planning, and we strive to provide students with the support they need to enroll and succeed at a college that is right for them. Please visit our website—www.collegetransitions.com—to learn more.