<p>So this question gets asked a lot, and I think the previous posts have cleared it up rather well. Keep in mind that, on a case by case basis, their means of evaluating where or not to grant the “in state” classification will depend on if it appears they are just trying to save money. If the student is financing their own education they may be lenient with this, but if the parents are paying the bills, don’t expect the same leniency.</p>
<p>As far as if it is worth it…if you are going to take career planing seriously, YES. Penn State has a huge network of alumni (the largest in the world)…so if you network well DURING YOUR FOUR (maybe five like me) YEARS you shouldn’t have a problem find a job that can pay for your tuition. Also, apply for scholarships and grants as much as possible…there is nothing to be paid back, and it can seriously reduce you’re cost of education. Also, if you apply to be an RA after you freshman year, room and board is FREE (for a maximum of two years I think).</p>
<p>I say all this because these are the things I DID NOT do, but hind sight is 20/20 right? I was lucky enough that my parents we able to pay most of the out of state tuition, and after four years, I only had 20,000 worth of debt. Unfortunately, I decided to take a fifth year, and pay for it myself, which more than doubled that number. Had I planned better, I would have been prepared for it.</p>