Colleges Offering Out of State Scholarships?

I'm considering schools far from home but worried about the extra cost. What are some colleges that offer great out of state scholarships for students? Any specific financial aid programs that would cover the additional tuition?

There are numerous universities that offer attractive scholarships for out-of-state students. Here are a few examples:

1. University of Alabama: The Presidential Scholarship at UA covers full tuition for out-of-state students with a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 36 or an SAT score of 1600. The lower tiers of the academic scholarships also provide substantial benefits.

2. Arizona State University: ASU offers the Provost's Scholarship to non-Arizona residents. The award can range from $4,000 to $12,500 annually depending on your academic credentials.

3. University of Arkansas: The Academic Scholarship Program offers awards up to $12,000 per year for out-of-state students. You're automatically considered for these scholarships when you apply for admission and meet certain academic criteria.

4. Auburn University: Auburn's Presidential Scholarship can cover up to $72,000 over four years for out-of-state students who have exceptional academic credentials.

5. University of Kentucky: The Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship is geared towards non-Kentucky and non-Ohio residents, and offers between $8,000 and $15,000 per year dependent on GPA and test scores.

Each of the aforementioned scholarships generally depends on specific GPA/test score combos, but you might also find merit scholarships that factor in things like extracurricular achievements, conquest over adversity or essays.

To understand what kind of financial aid you'd get, use the net price calculator of the different colleges you are interested in. Like these scholarships, other financial aid you qualify for might be able to cover the extra out-of-state tuition.

Make sure to also explore external scholarship opportunities, which can be pursued independently of the school you choose to attend. Organizations, companies, and foundations often provide these scholarships, which can help you supplement whatever financial aid package you may receive directly from a college. Remember to apply early and often to maximize your chances.

Lastly, it's important to consider applying to some colleges that may meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, as these can turn out to be affordable even for out-of-state students. Examples of such colleges include Vanderbilt, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Duke among others. While these schools are highly competitive, if accepted, your total cost could potentially be lower than in-state options depending on your family's financial situation.