In the year 2000, a significant 80 percent of students enrolled in prestigious public universities were residents of that state. However, between 2000 and 2012, while overall enrollment increased, the majority of new students at large, selective institutions were from out of state. Consequently, the availability of in-state spots has diminished. For instance, at the University of Alabama, the number of out-of-state students has seen a staggering fourfold increase, leading to a situation where most incoming freshmen are now non-residents. While Alabama has successfully expanded its capacity for both in-state and out-of-state students, other institutions, such as U.C. Berkeley, have opted to reduce in-state enrollment. During the same period, in-state tuition costs have skyrocketed from $3,964 to $13,200.
As reported by The Times, many schools prefer to adjust the ratio of in-state to out-of-state students to boost revenue instead of raising tuition rates, which are often publicly regulated. Notable examples include Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Auburn University, and Michigan State University, all of which have significantly reduced the number of spots available for in-state freshmen while increasing openings for non-residents and international students.
The University of North Carolina stands out in this trend, as state law mandates that in-state students must constitute at least 18 percent of the student body, resulting in strong in-state enrollment. Unfortunately, for many parents seeking affordable college options for their children, the outlook appears grim.
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In summary, while in-state tuition options are dwindling at many public universities, some institutions, like the University of North Carolina, still maintain strong enrollment for resident students. This trend poses challenges for parents hoping to secure affordable education for their children.