Why establishing residency for in-state college tuition is so challenging

If picking a college comes down to the financial bottom line, then an in-state public school is often the best deal.

“In-state tuition is half to two-thirds lower than out-of-state,” said Mark Kantrowitz, author of “How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid.”

Since the start of the pandemic, students and their families are increasingly wary of the cost of a degree and hefty student loan debt that often goes along with it. That makes public college look even more attractive.