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Should I Defer a Year So I Can Receive In-State Tuition?

Sometimes in-state tuition is worth changing your college plans for. Our experts have advice on taking a year off to get in-state tuition.

Joan Isaac MohrJoan Isaac Mohr
Vice President and Dean of Admissions

Quinnipiac University
You need to check with the state in which you want in-state tuition to see what the rules are. For instance, some states require that you graduate from a high school in that state. I recommend that you call the admission office at the state school you wish to attend and ask. Additionally, if getting in-state tuition is your only motivation to take that year off, give it serious consideration as to what you will do during that year and how likely it will be for you to relocate and support yourself for that time. You also need to be sure you’ll be admitted to the college you’ve chosen—you don’t want to waste your chance to be admitted to some amazing college now by deferring your application process to next year. And realize that many colleges may make it as affordable as an in-state college based on scholarship and financial aid possibilities. Think it through; talk with your guidance counselor about it and be sure to talk to the college you’ve set your sights on!

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Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN