In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Texas
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- Average in-state tuition at public Texas universities was around $8,000 in 2021.
- Students meeting Texas residency requirements pay about one-third less than nonresidents.
- Out-of-state students can receive in-state tuition via reciprocity, waivers, and other exemptions.
Pursuing a college education in Texas is worthwhile for many reasons, including the state’s more affordable tuition rates and its lower cost of living.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2020-2021, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for in-state students in Texas was $8,016 at a public four-year institution. Out-of-state students paid $25,471.
Although Texas has over 200 public and private institutions to choose from, tuition rates vary for residents and nonresidents. Read on to learn more about Texas’ in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.
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How Much Is In-State Tuition in Texas?
In Texas, in-state tuition and fees vary by institution. The chart below outlines the difference between public and private tuition and fees based on 2021 NCES data.
The average in-state tuition for public four-year universities was about $8,000. Public two-year colleges charged a lower tuition of around $2,800. On the other hand, private four-year institutions in Texas cost much more, with average tuition and fees at approximately $36,000.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Public four-year | $8,016 |
| Public two-year | $2,828 |
| Private four-year | $36,014 |
Can I Get In-State Tuition in Texas?
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), students who meet Texas residency requirements pay approximately three times less than their out-of-state peers. Establishing residency can help you pay substantially less across your two or four years of education, making it an attractive option for many students.
For those who don’t currently live in the Lone Star State, Texas law lays out requirements for getting in-state tuition:
- If still considered a dependent for tax purposes, your parents or guardians must move to the state and establish residency 12 months before you enroll.
- If already identified as an independent, you can move to the state and establish residency 12 months prior to enrollment.
To prove Texas residency, you must provide evidence of an establishing residence (through a rental or purchase) and provide evidence that you lived at the property for at least one year before enrolling.
How Much Is Out-of-State Tuition in Texas?
Regardless of what college or university you decide to attend, you will find that out-of-state tuition and fees are significantly higher than in-state tuition.
The table below lists the average tuition and fees for public and private institutions. Out-of-state students who attended a public college in Texas in 2021 paid about $25,400. Students who opted to attend a private four-year school paid about $10,500 more. In contrast, students who attended a two-year university spent around $7,700.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Public four-year | $25,471 |
| Public two-year | $7,764 |
| Private four-year | $36,014 |
Can Out-of-State Students Get In-State Tuition Rates in Texas?
In addition to the residency pathways outlined earlier in this article, the state of Texas provides three additional routes for you to qualify for in-state tuition.
Reciprocity Programs
Many states participate in reciprocity agreements that allow their students to get in-state tuition in other states in exchange for doing the same. As a member state of the Academic Common Market, Texas currently only offers in-state tuition to students in qualifying states who want to earn a graduate degree in Texas.
High Academic Achievement
In addition to qualifying for academic merit scholarships, students with strong academic performances may qualify for waivers that allow them to pay in-state tuition. Ways of standing out include high GPAs, good AP scores, and high SAT or ACT scores. College for All Texans works to provide Texas resident tuition for those not in the state and several college scholarships.
Exemptions and Exceptions
Some public colleges and universities in Texas offer exemptions and exceptions for you if you meet specific requirements, regardless of residency status. The University of Texas at Austin provides a comprehensive list of current tuition exemptions
Additionally, several schools in Texas allow online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. Texas Tech University provides this provision for online-only students, as does the University of Texas at San Antonio. If you’re considering online learning at a Texas institution, you should check with prospective schools to see if this exception is available.
What’s the Difference Between In-State and Out-of-State Tuition in Texas?
In-state tuition refers to the tuition rates that students who are legal residents of a state pay when attending public colleges or universities within that state. Out-of-state tuition is the rate students pay when they are not legal residents of the state where they attend an institution.
Residents of a state contribute to that state’s taxes and benefit from more affordable college tuition. Nonresidents who do not pay state taxes pay much higher tuition rates to make up the difference.
The graph below shows the differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition in Texas for public four-year and public two-year institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition in Texas
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher than in-state tuition?
The main reason out-of-state tuition is more expensive than in-state tuition is simple: taxes. Residents in every state contribute to their state’s taxes, which means they benefit from reduced educational costs.
How long do you have to live in Texas to qualify for in-state tuition?
Twelve consecutive months of residency must be established before enrolling in Texas institutions to qualify for in-state tuition in Texas. This applies to dependent or independent students.
Which states waive out-of-state tuition with Texas?
Nonresident students living within 100 miles of the Texas border and attending certain Texas institutions can receive a waiver through the Bordering States program. Neighboring states include Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
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