Just to add to bclinton’s comments about UVa - UVa did not increase their percentage of out of state students. The undergrad population has been 65 to 70% in-state for at least the last 35 years. To head off pressure from the Legislature to reduce the number of OOS, UVa agreed to increase their total enrollment in phases of both in-state and OOS, while keeping the same ratio. UVa could do that because they were smaller in enrollment than most other flagships. The high OOS tuition has been critical to continue to fund financial aid and to make up for state budget cuts. There have been huge increases in international students, who are not eligible for UVa’s financial aid.
Fortunately, UVa has extremely loyal alums who make huge contributions each year. The OOS on average tend to be larger donors, because some in-state alum feel they are already funding the U. with their taxes.
UVa’s Law and Grad Business programs are in financial “silos.” That means they do not receive state funds. They run their own finances, except they are assessed a percentage each year to fund common services provided by the U. (such as grounds maintenance).
UVa’s Board was given much more flexibility in running its own affairs and setting its own tuition rates, without control by the State. Some undergrad programs charge up to $5K more a year in tuition than other programs, for both in-state and OOS. The Va. Governor selects all of UVa’s Boardmembers, unlike some flagships where they have different processes of appointment or election.