<p>Every major state university that I know of – Michigan, Virginia, Berkeley, Illinois, UNC, William and Mary, etc. – charges out of state students two or three times more than they charge in state students. So this is unlikely the primary reason for the sconnie/coastie divide (to the extent that it’s even real). The more likely reason for the divide is the existence of the more expensive private dorms, which tend to segregate and increase the visibility of wealthier students. I don’t think you’ll find similar set ups at other large state colleges, although I may be wrong.</p>
<p>Finally, I have a real problem with out of state students and parents complaining about paying higher tuition. If you don’t like it, then vote with your feet and go elsewhere, such as your own state university. It’s a free country. I say this as an out of state parent myself, and one who is about to pay full freight (and whose daughter will be housing in a public dorm).</p>