How can I find out-of-state college scholarships?

I'm considering colleges outside my home state and need to figure out how to afford the higher tuition costs. What scholarships are available for students going out of state, and how do I apply for them?

Firstly, make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can determine your eligibility for federal and state aid, as well as school-based need-aid at certain colleges. Remember that starting from 2023, the expected family contribution (EFC) was replaced with the student aid index (SAI). The SAI aims to be a fairer way of determining a family's financial need by accounting for negative values — in other words, acknowledging when a family's financial situation is such that even the base expectations can't be met.

When it comes to scholarships, there are many different types aimed at out-of-state students. Here are a few examples:

Institutional Scholarships: Some out-of-state colleges award scholarships to non-resident students based on academic performance, leadership qualities, or unique talents. Often, these are automatically awarded upon admission, though some may require a separate application. For example, the University of Kentucky offers several scholarships specifically tailored to out-of-state students such as the Provost Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship.

National Scholarships: Start with large, nationwide scholarship databases like The College Board’s Big Future or Scholarship.com where you can filter by state.

Field of Study Scholarships: There are also scholarships available that are specifically aimed at students pursuing particular fields of study. For example, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) awards scholarships to outstanding accounting students.

Keep in mind certain search tips while hunting for scholarships. Don't discount smaller, local scholarships – these typically have less competition than national ones. Be sure to read the scholarship requirements thoroughly before applying and tailor your application to address the specific criteria and values of the scholarship. Finally, be wary of any scholarship that requires payment or guarantees a reward - they could be scams.

Lastly, if you're considering a couple of specific out-of-state colleges, hop onto their financial aid pages on their websites. They will often have a list of scholarships that you might be eligible for. Many universities have their own scholarship search tool that will allow you to filter by your circumstances (out-of-state, first-gen, etc).