Tips for getting scholarships for out-of-state colleges?

I'm considering attending an out-of-state college and I'm wondering how scholarship opportunities differ from those for in-state schools. Are there particular scholarships I should target?

Applying for scholarships as an out-of-state student can be a challenging process, but there are several strategies you can employ to find financial aid for your higher education journey.

Start by targeting college-specific scholarships. Colleges often offer their own scholarships (both merit and need-based) to incoming students. These awards are usually available to out-of-state students. Be sure to check the financial aid webpage of your chosen college and see what scholarships they have to offer. Some colleges offer generous aid packages that can bring the cost down to in-state or even less.

Secondly, treatments of out-of-state students can vary greatly from one state to another. Some states offer scholarships to out-of-state students if they meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, the New England Board of Higher Education's Tuition Break program provides a significant tuition discount to residents from New England states attending public colleges and universities within the region, but outside their home state.

Moreover, keep an eye out for large, national scholarship programs. These organizations typically don't restrict their scholarships to in-state students because they recognize that students might choose to attend college anywhere in the country. Platforms such as Appily can be very valuable in your search for these kinds of scholarships.

Private scholarships based on specific criteria (such as the applicant's intended major, background, or hobbies) can also be a boon for out-of-state students. These scholarships aren't usually tied to a specific college or state, so they can provide funding wherever you choose to attend.

Lastly, check for reciprocity agreements, which are contracts between states offering discounted tuition rates for out-of-state students. For example, the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) offers discounted tuition rates for students in participating states.

In conclusion, it's essential to apply to as many scholarships as possible and start your search early. While in-state students might have some advantages, there are plenty of opportunities for out-of-state students to secure scholarship funding for college.