Is it smart to attend a school in your home state? Are the graduation rates lower for kids who stay "home?

Like Billy Madison, "Stay as long as you can!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFjDKhyz5Y Kidding. But seriously my advice is : (1) Go to community college (2) transition to a 4-yr (3) Be happy with a quarter of the debt you would have trying to go to a 4-yr or out-of-state. Trust me, you'll have time to be on your own (finishing up your degree) even if you are close to home. If your parents don't mind you sticking around for another 2-3 years, do that, then finish up at a University anywhere you want with loans, scholarships, or help. Or, attend a technical school / technical 4-year college right off the bat. Not the answer you want to hear but honestly you'll look back and laugh and wonder why you would even consider out of state or a 4-yr for your first couple of years. Hope that helps.