<p>It depends on the state. For example, it’s easier to get into a UC if you live outside California (because you don’t get financial aid and you pay very high out of state tuition fees). However, it’s, much much more difficult to get into any UNC university from outside North Carolina.
Some states in the Midwest, Texas… have automatic admission to their State’s public universities for all students from their state: if you meet a GPA/ACT or GPA/SAT threshold, you’re in. This does not apply for OOS students so it may be harder for them to get in.
In-state public universities keep their need-based financial aid (State grants, etc) for the students from their state. NTherefore OOS public universities are usually unaffordable unless your parents have money or you qualify for merit aid. Not all public universities give merit aid and not all give enough. Check the University of Alabama forum since it’s basically the best deal (re: rank/aid).
Applying to a private college far away makes admission slightly easier (especially if you’re from an underrepresented state at that college) and may result in a better financial aid package.
In some other cases, applying to a private college in-state or out-of state makes no difference for admission or financial aid packaging.</p>