Inti Navia 
What’s better? Going out-of-state for college, or staying close to home?
It’s an age old question, and not one that has an easy answer. It ultimately falls to what each and every person’s situation looks like, and so I looked no further than to the teens around me.
Jonathan Galindo, an in-coming freshman to Harold Washington College, gave his thoughts on staying in the Windy City. “It’s just easier for me financially and emotionally. My friends and family are here… plus everything feels at arms range for me in Chicago, and overall I just love the city.” He added, “I still would’ve loved to go out of state just to surround myself in a new environment.”
Makes sense. You want to do what’s best for you financially, and staying in-state helps a lot with that. That doesn’t mean you’re going to stay in Chicago forever, but for now, it’s where you might feel comfortable, and what’s best for your future.
Fontina Battaglia, an in-coming freshman to Saint Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, had a different perspective. “I chose to go out of state because I don’t like my parents,” she said. If your situation at home is too much, do what you need to do. College can be the perfect opportunity to start off fresh and get away from those you don’t want to spend time with. Battaglia also noted that she is ready for change. She added, “There were better opportunities outside of Chicago, and I was interested in living in a different area.”
As many of you enter the college application and decision making process, the reasons mentioned are some factors to consider. It can depend, but typically, out-of-state colleges are more costly than in-state options. If you think your path is headed away from Illinois, apply for as many scholarships as you can! Out-of-state tuition cost was definitely a factor for me. It also played a big part in why I opted to attend Columbia College here in Chicago this fall. If you are interested in more information on this topic, visit the website bestcolleges.com and read The Student’s Guide to In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition.
For those of you who have already made your college choice, I want to hear your thoughts. Did you opt to stay in Chicago or not? DM me and let me know!
By Inti Navia, Senior, ChiArts
All Platforms: @intinavia
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