How To Get In-State Tuition at an Out-Of-State HBCU

There are multiple ways to score in-state tuition if you live in a different state than the historically black college and university (HBCU) you want to attend.

The key is to research the available options and see which one might help you snag this unique opportunity.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out what it takes to get in-state HBCU tuition as an out-of-state student.

Tips for Out-Of-State Students Seeking In-State Tuition at HBCUs

Do you want to attend an out-of-state HBCU and enjoy in-state tuition rates? Here are some tips for getting the best tuition rates at HBCUs.

Find HBCUs That Waive Out-of-State Fees

Some HBCUs encourage students from other states to attend by waiving out-of-state tuition costs.

For example, Harris-Stowe State University, an HBCU in Missouri, offers the 'Hornet Rate' ? or in-state tuition ? to eligible students.

To qualify, students must be first-time, full-time freshmen who reside on campus and either come from one of 14 U.S. states or are international students.

Coppin State University in Maryland also waives in-state tuition for eligible students.

As of Fall 2024, the university offered in-state tuition to new full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students from more than 30 states and U.S. territories.

Take Advantage of HBCU Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

Some HBCUs provide opportunities for students to win scholarships that significantly reduce costs, but the catch is the student must come from another state.

For instance, Alabama A&M University offers the Normalite Opportunity Scholarship.

This $8,610 award is for full-time, first-time freshmen who meet eligibility criteria ? one requirement being to reside outside of Alabama.

Look for Tuition Exchange or Reciprocity Agreements

You might encounter HBCUs located in states that have exchange or reciprocity agreements with other states. Here are some to consider:

Midwest Student Exchange

Public institutions from multiple states agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition for specific programs. Harris-Stowe State University is a participating HBCU.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market helps students in 15 Southern states save on tuition. Participating HBCUs include Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and Grambling State University.

Regional Contract Program

The Regional Contract Program lets out-of-state students pursuing professional health degrees in participating states enjoy in-state or reduced tuition. Tuskegee University is a participating HBCU.

Ask About Discounts for Relatives

It's common for colleges and universities to provide discounts for in-state and out-of-state students who are the children of alumni.

But at Clark Atlanta University, students can enjoy a discount for attending school with their siblings.

The Sibling Tuition Discount provides up to a 33% discount to siblings who attend as full-time degree-seeking undergraduates and are simultaneously enrolled.

Eligibility for this discount includes having a cumulative 2.5 GPA, being dependents of the same parent(s), and residing in the same household.

Consider Military Exceptions and Scholarships

Some HBCUs offer discounts for both in-state and out-of-state military students.

At Norfolk State University in Virginia, veterans, spouses, offspring, and other qualified military-related students are charged the school's in-state rate.

Jackson State University in Mississippi waives out-of-state tuition for eligible veterans, dependents, and service members.

Fayetteville State University in North Carolina offers the Military Tuition Scholarship for veterans, relatives, active duty service members without access to DOD Tuition Assistance, and more.

Students who qualify will receive a scholarship covering all tuition costs. Dining, housing, fees, books, and other school costs are not included.

What Is the Cheapest HBCU to Attend?

Elizabeth City State University is one of the cheapest HBCUs in the nation with an undergraduate in-state tuition rate of just $1,000 per year. Non-residents pay only $5,000 annually.

Fayetteville State University also charges $500 per semester to North Carolina residents and just $2,500 per semester to non-residents.

Other cheap four-year HBCU per-semester rates include Southern University at New Orleans ($3,736 in-state / $4,450 out-of-state) and Kentucky State University ($4,044 in-state / $6,067 out-of-state).

Some of the most affordable two-year HBCUs include Coahoma Community College ($1,650 per semester in-state) and J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College ($171 per credit in-state).

Which HBCU Has the Highest Tuition?

One of the four-year HBCUs with the highest tuition is Howard University, which charges just over $32,000 annually.

Morehouse College is also one of the more expensive HBCUs with a tuition cost of nearly $28,000 annually.

At Spelman College, students pay a little over $13,400 in tuition per semester. Clark Atlanta University charges just over $11,700 per semester in tuition.

Undergraduate tuition at Tuskegee University is a little under $9,800 per semester.

What Are Other Ways to Reduce Tuition Costs?

In addition to paying in-state rates at out-of-state HBCUs, it's good to take advantage of other opportunities to lower your tuition.

Consider applying for HBCU scholarships as well as scholarships for your field of study. Scholarships are great ways to cover school costs without a repayment requirement.

Another option is to apply for federal grants like the Pell or FSEOG. Both grants can help lower costs and don't have to be repaid.

The Federal Work-Study Program allows students to work part-time to earn money for school. You can also consider student loans, but keep in mind that they must be repaid.

If you work while enrolled in school, see if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program that will reimburse tuition costs following each semester.

Enroll in a Historically Black College or University Today

Are you ready to attend an HBCU in another state? Explore opportunities to reduce out-of-state tuition costs, and take advantage of other great ways to save. There's no better time to enroll at your HBCU of choice.