As a junior planning my college applications, I'm curious about which out-of-state schools are most generous with scholarships. Are there particular states or schools known for providing good financial aid to non-residents?
For out-of-state students looking for robust scholarship programs, there are a variety of universities worth considering.
The University of Alabama is known for offering generous merit-based scholarships to out-of-state students. These scholarships are primarily dependent on GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Depending on your academic record, you could potentially cover a substantial proportion of your tuition.
Similarly, the University of South Carolina has an impressive array of scholarships for out-of-state students, including the McNair Scholarship which covers full tuition, fees, and provides a stipend for room and board.
Arizona State University and University of Arizona both have scholarship programs specifically targeted towards non-residents. ASU's New American University Scholarship awards non-residents based on academic merit and the University of Arizona's Wildcat Recognition Award can provide up to $12,000 per year for out-of-state students.
In terms of private universities, Tulane University is notable; it pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, international and domestic, on top of offering a range of merit-based awards.
Scrolling through universities' financial aid and scholarship webpages will also provide a clearer picture of what each school can offer you. Remember to take net price into account, too—all colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website, which can give you a decent estimate of how much you're likely to pay after scholarships and financial aid are taken into account. The best financial fit is not just the school with the highest scholarship amount, but the one that's the best deal after factoring in all costs and aid.
Always keep in mind that each student's financial aid package can be different depending on their individual circumstances, and that merit-based scholarships often require you to maintain a certain GPA or fulfill other requirements to keep funding. Try to find scholarships that are a good match for your individual abilities and achievements.
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