Looking for scholarships for out-of-state colleges?

I'm planning on applying to several out-of-state colleges. I know tuition can be higher for out-of-state students, so I'm hoping to find some scholarships to help with that. Any recommendations for how to search for specific programs to apply?

Your plan to supplement your education cost with scholarships is a smart one. There are multiple ways to find scholarships, and here are a few tips to get you started.

Firstly, when you apply to out-of-state colleges, the institution itself may offer scholarships to non-resident students. Some schools offer merit scholarships to out-of-state students to attract a more geographically diverse student body. These scholarships are often competitive, and you usually need to have strong grades and test scores to qualify. When you are applying to these colleges, it would be a good idea to review their financial aid pages on their websites or reach out directly to their financial aid office to see if there are any non-resident scholarships available.

Secondly, don't ignore local scholarships. Check if any local companies, foundations, or organizations in your community offer scholarships that can be used at an out-of-state college. Often local scholarships have a smaller applicant pool which could increase your chances of winning. This might mean checking with your high school guidance counselor, local library, or even local branches of larger national organizations like the Rotary Club or the Lions Club.

Online platforms can be useful as well for scholarship searches. Appily (formerly known as Cappex) is one such platform where you can find scholarships tailored to you. Remember to be cautious and avoid scholarship scams. If a scholarship requires you to pay a fee to apply, it's most likely not legitimate.

Lastly, consider national scholarships which are open to students from all states. There may be more competition for these, but the payoffs can be substantial. Some prominent ones include the Gates Scholarship, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship. Remember, there are scholarships for all sorts of unique qualities and interests, so don't limit your search.

Finding scholarships can take time, so start your search early and apply to as many as possible to increase your odds of getting one. Good luck!