Are State Schools Still Worth It?
Did you pop a few state schools on your family's college list, check the “safety school” box, and move on?
After all, everyone knows state schools are practical, familiar, budget-friendly.
What’s not to love, right? Easy win…
… or is it?
Here’s the curveball:
Those “safe” bets might not be so safe after all.
In fact, for some teens, they’re the least strategic move—financially, academically, socially, and emotionally. 🤯
Opting for a state school on autopilot is a bit like pulling off the highway and grabbing a “value meal” at that sketchy diner with the faded sign because it seems like a safe bet. But then… no fries (those cost extra), the “special sauce” is 75 cents, and the burger is dry enough to double as a hockey puck.
What looked like a great deal now feels like a letdown—and you regret dismissing that other place just a few hundred yards down the same road because it looked fancier… and you assumed it’s got to be more expensive than what you’re willing to pay for lunch.
So before you hand out any more college-list gold stars, let’s unpack the biggest myths about state schools—and the surprising truths that could save your teen (and your wallet) a whole lot of heartache.
First Up: What Is a State School, Anyway?
We throw around “state school” like everyone knows what it means—but let’s break it down, quick and clear:
state school
(n.) a college or university publicly funded by a state’s government and tax dollars, typically offering lower tuition rates for in-state students.
On the other hand, private colleges often started out as mission-driven religious institutions.
Here’s a fun fact most families don’t know:
Baptist/Protestant heritage: That’s Baylor, Wake Forest, and Samford
Catholic founding: Think Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Boston College
Jewish heritage: Include Brandeis, Yeshiva and Hebrew Union College
Methodist roots: You’re looking at schools like Duke, Emory, and Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Mormon affiliation: Brigham Young University (BYU)
Quaker values: Check out Swarthmore 🕊
Unitarian beginnings: Look to Harvard, Tufts, and Antioch College
Sure, most of these schools have become more inclusive over time—but those roots can still shape culture, traditions, and even today's campus policies.
And don’t forget HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)—many were founded by religious groups or abolitionists to serve Black students when other schools wouldn’t, and that legacy of resilience and community still runs deep.
Meanwhile, a lot of state schools started as land-grant institutions. They were built to teach practical stuff—agriculture and engineering, public health and home ec—real hands-on, career-building skills meant to uplift whole communities.
That’s why schools like NC State or Ohio State have that “roll up your sleeves” energy—whether students are learning to teach third grade, cure diseases, or design bridges.
Knowing this backstory? It gives you insight into how a school thinks, what it values, and who’s likely to thrive there.
Now, let’s break down the biggest myths are what state schools are—and aren't.
“State Schools Are Cheaper.”🧾
Sure, in-state tuition can be a steal on paper. But did you know:
💸 Out-of-state costs often match (or exceed!) private school prices. (Hello, U of Chicago and your $77K/year tuition.)
🎁 Merit aid: State schools are as stingy as possible, prefering to give their $ to out-of-state students (who pay more to attend). Private colleges typically give way more away in aid.
📈 Fees? These have been growing at rocket-speed year after year—even when tuition stays stable or unchanged.
💸 Translation: If you’re not looking at the full “cost of attendance,” you're not seeing the full financial picture. That $24k bargain might quietly become a $42k surprise.
Plus, because they are often more affordable for in-state students, their enrollment percentages are getting lower and lower, making them harder to get into.
“My Kid Will Definitely Get In—we pay taxes to support those schools.” 😅
Oh how I wish.
Let’s talk UNC Chapel Hill:
82% of spots go to in-state applicants. By law.
That means just 18% of seats are left for the rest of the country (actually, world). 🙀
I’ve worked with teens who had perfect ACT scores and glowing resumes… but they didn’t make the cut—because they weren’t local.
Meanwhile? My in-state students with solid (but less-than-perfect) apps? Admitted.
But here’s the twist: Because in-state tuition is often more affordable, more families are applying there. And that flood of applications? It's making in-state schools more selective (and competitive!) than ever before.
Admissions at state schools aren’t just academic. They’re political, strategic, and highly geographical.
“Bigger Is Better.”
Many state schools are massive—we’re talking tens of thousands of students, packed lecture halls, and long lines for everything. Texas A&M alone has over 77,000 students—that’s more than the entire population of Santa Barbara, California.
Sounds like a buzzing college town, right?
Maybe… unless your teen is a little more reserved, a little more sensitive to chaos… or simply someone who craves connection.
One study even showed that when rats (yes, rats!) were packed too tightly in a space… they started isolating and avoiding each other.
Humans? We're not so different.
So ask yourself: 🧠 Is my teen energized by big crowds and constant motion… or do they need room to breathe, space to grow, and a few familiar faces who truly see them?
“If I Haven’t Heard Of It, It Must Not Be A Good School.”
Most families don’t even know these exist. But they do—and they’re incredible options if you know where to look.
Here in North Carolina, I’m talking:
UNC Pembroke
Western Carolina
Fayetteville State
Yep, real gems hiding in plain sight.
These schools offer:
👩🏫 Smaller classes
🧑🎓 Professors who know your kid’s name
🤝 Tight-knit, community-driven campus life
💸🎁 And sometimes… tuition so low it feels like a scholarship in disguise—thanks to state funding meant to boost enrollment in more rural areas and attract strong students.
If you’re open to less flashy names, you just might find the perfect fit—financially and personally.
Want a business school example? Check out my SKEMA Business School video right here (and since it's not a state school, it's an incredible deal for anyone in the US).
“Getting in is the hard part—after that, everything falls into place.”
Even when your teen gets in, big state schools don’t always deliver the kind of college experience your family imagined.
Teens might be commuting 30+ minutes to campus after freshman year from affordable, off-campus housing. Or they might struggle to get a counselor or health clinic appointment when they need one. At some of these big schools, it’s easy to feel more like a number than a name.
Meanwhile, some private schools (like Villanova) guarantee housing for all four years—and keep enrollment numbers capped to prevent overwhelm.
📌 Reminder: More students = more crowding, red tape, and waiting in lines.
It’s Not About Size or Prestige—It's about Fit
My sorta introverted youngest daughter was sure she’d go to the biggest public school in our state. And that was the plan…
But after visiting, we all realized it wasn’t her place.
She’s now headed to a private college with under 2,000 students—and we’re working the aid offers so it costs nearly the same as a public university.
The difference in experience? Night and day.
✨ Smaller dorms
✨ Beautiful, cozy campus
✨ Professors (no TA's) who will know her name
And the vibe? A thousand times better.
It’s not just about academics or brand names—it’s about fit.
The bottom line…
State Schools Can Be Great—But It's Not The Only Choice
Here’s what I want for you and your teen:
✅ A school where they feel seen.
✅ A campus where they belong.
✅ An experience you can afford without selling a kidney.
Don’t default to state schools just because they seem “safe” or “cheap.”
Dig deeper. Look beyond the surface. Consider private schools and smaller publics, too.
Because what looks like a deal today… might cost more—in money and experience—later.
And if you’re applying to NC institutions, grab my map and list of NC colleges and universities (public + private) to help you expand your search! (no opt-in required)
With love, sharper insights, and better suggestions than “just go in-state,”
Christy
👋 Hi, if we haven't met yet, I'm Christy. I help students craft standout essays so they can submit their best possible applications with confidence.
Wanna chat? www.calendly.com/easiercollegeessays/30min
