College: In-state vs Out

Obviously, college is extremely expensive and stressful. Going to college in Utah is a good solution to those problems - however, missed opportunities are inevitable. When it comes to choosing a college, the question arises whether or not to stay in state.

5 Reasons to Stay In-State:
1. In-State Tuition: This poses a big advantage, especially since Utah has the program “Utah Scholars” (which helps out students who wish to stay in state).

2. Family and friends: Planning to go to college in-state is smart for people who get homesick easily. There are multiple cases where students have dropped their school because it is too far away. This is also easy on the family members of the students.

3. Save money on travel expenses: This one is pretty obvious. If a student stays in states the traveling expenses of seeing their family are pretty low. That means that they can visit more often. With Mom and Dad only an hour away, it makes it pretty easy to visit on holidays and long weekends.

4. Student acceptance: Often times students who have lived in the same place where they are going to school have an easier time getting accepted by other students. Plus, everyone likes a free tour guide.

5. Living Expenses: Students can live at home! Although this may not be ideal for most students, it is definitely a choice worth considering. Students who live at home can save an average of $10,000.






5 Reasons to Leave:
1. Independence: Students who go to school out-of-state tend to be much more independent. Going to school out-of-state forces the student to explore their new home and meet all of the new people around them. Independence is a super important part of growing up.

2. Meeting new people: Obviously, high school friends and family may not be around anymore. Going to college outside of state is a great way to create new life-long friends that might be considered a second family. Also, summer and breaks still allow the student to go home and visit their old friends and family.

3. A new environment: Sometimes, students choose to attend schools that are at a completely different elevation and have a completely different climate. It may take a little while to adjust, but there are many benefits that come with the change. Learning to do a variety of sports and school activities is a good way to explore and adapt to a new place.

4. Opportunities: A student is bound to be exposed to great things after they leave behind their home. Depending on whatever path they choose to take, there could potentially be a life-changing opportunity for the student to take.

5. Choice: Leaving the state is great because there are so many more colleges to choose from. Rather than choosing from only a couple, (Utah) the student can choose from colleges all over the country. Depending on whether they want to go to a top college or a private school, the choice is theirs.






In conclusion, the choice where to go to college is up to the student, however, some benefits might persuade a student one way or another. Hopefully these tips gave some insight. There are benefits to staying in state or going out but mostly depends on the student and what they want.



By: Mackenna Doilney and Murphy Georger