How to Apply for Out of State College Scholarships?

I'm considering applying to an out-of-state college and would like to know how to find and apply for scholarships that cater to out-of-state students. Any advice on where to start my search?

First and foremost, it's great that you're considering the financial aspects of attending out-of-state colleges. Seeking scholarships is indeed a smart move.

Firstly, the scholarship search should start with the colleges themselves. Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for out-of-state students. Information about these scholarships can typically be found on a university’s financial aid, scholarship, or admissions webpage. Make sure to research each school you're applying to and see what scholarships they may offer for out-of-state students. For instance, some public universities offer scholarships that can reduce out-of-state tuition to in-state tuition levels.

Next, you might want to venture out for state-based scholarships. For instance, some state governments, local businesses, and nonprofits provide scholarships for students who come from other locations to bring in talent and diversity. These scholarships often require a separate application and usually have specific criteria.

For example, if you are attending school in a state known for a specific industry, like film production in California, local businesses related to that industry might offer scholarships to out-of-state students who are seeking degrees in relevant fields.

Another important thing to look for is "Legacy Scholarships". Some colleges have scholarships for children of their alumni, regardless of where the student currently lives. If one of your parents attended the school you're considering, it's worth seeing if there's a scholarship you can apply to.

Newly renamed scholarship search platforms like Appily, and others like Fastweb, or Scholarship.com can also be incredibly helpful. These platforms allow you to create a profile with your interests, academic achievements, the colleges you're considering, and more, and then they'll match you with appropriate scholarships from various sources.

Applying for scholarships is usually a straightforward process, though it can be time-consuming. Be prepared to provide information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and perhaps to write an essay or two.

Remember, it's not always about the biggest scholarships; a bunch of smaller awards can really add up.

It's important to start this process early, as there are often deadlines to apply for these scholarships, which can be even earlier than the college admissions deadlines. And even if it takes a bit of time and effort, it's free money for college, which is worth it!

One final note, avoid scholarship scams. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship. If a scholarship opportunity is asking for a fee, it's likely not legitimate.

Best of luck with your college and scholarship applications!