In 2000, a remarkable 80 percent of students attending prestigious public universities were residents of the state. However, between 2000 and 2012, while enrollment numbers surged, the majority of new students at these large, selective institutions were from out-of-state, resulting in a noticeable decline in available spots for in-state applicants. For instance, at the University of Alabama, the population of out-of-state students has skyrocketed, with the majority of freshmen now coming from outside the state. Although Alabama has managed to accommodate both in-state and out-of-state students, other institutions, such as U.C. Berkeley, have experienced a reduction in in-state enrollment alongside an increase in non-resident students. In the same timeframe, in-state tuition has seen a dramatic rise from $3,964 to $13,200.
According to The Times, many universities prefer to adjust the ratio of in-state to out-of-state students to boost revenue rather than increasing tuition rates, which are often publicly regulated by state legislatures. Schools like Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Auburn University, and Michigan State University have all reduced the number of spots available to incoming in-state freshmen while expanding opportunities for out-of-state and international students.
On a brighter note, the University of North Carolina has maintained a strong in-state enrollment due to a legal requirement that mandates at least 18 percent of the student body be composed of in-state students. This offers hope to parents like us who are searching for affordable college options for our children, though many of us might still be facing challenges in this endeavor.
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In summary, the landscape of in-state tuition for our children is changing, with many schools prioritizing out-of-state students to increase revenue, leaving parents concerned about future affordability.