Still, public schools are worth a closer look as you assess which colleges are affordable for your family. Even if you don’t qualify for the new scholarship program, New York’s average in-state tuition of $7,710 for the 2016-17 academic year makes it the 12th-cheapest nationwide, based on data from the College Board.
If you’re out of state, public colleges are often less of a bargain, David Levy, editor of Edvisors.com, told CNBC earlier this year. The premium for nonresident students is steep, he said, and state residency rules can require a student to live locally for more than a year to qualify for the in-state rate.
According to College Board data, public colleges in these 10 states have the least expensive average in-state tuition:
10. Mississippi
Average in-state tuition and fees: $7,410
Five-year change: 23 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $20,260
9. North Carolina
Average in-state tuition and fees: $7,200
Five-year change: 19 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $23,750
8. Alaska
Average in-state tuition and fees: $7,130
Five-year change: 23 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $21,800
7. Idaho
Average in-state tuition and fees: $7,010
Five-year change: 16 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $21,250
6. Nevada
Average in-state tuition and fees: $6,910
Five-year change: 7 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $20,720
5. New Mexico
Average in-state tuition and fees: $6,620
Five-year change: 14 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $19,050
4. Utah
Average in-state tuition and fees: $6,580
Five-year change: 17 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $19,840
3. Montana
Average in-state tuition and fees: $6,410
Five-year change: 2 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $22,100
2. Florida
Average in-state tuition and fees: $6,360
Five-year change: 6 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $21,570
1. Wyoming
Average in-state tuition and fees: $5,060
Five-year change: 15 percent
Average out-of-state tuition and fees: $16,220