EmmanuelIf you’re dreaming of going to college in another state, you’re not alone. Many students seek out-of-state colleges for their specialized programs, exciting locations, or simply a fresh start. But there’s one big obstacle: cost. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly higher tuition rates than in-state students at public colleges and universities. That’s where scholarships and tuition programs come in to help make your goals achievable.
Why Are Out-of-State Colleges More Expensive?
When you attend a public university in your home state, your family’s tax dollars have already contributed to funding that school. Because of that, in-state tuition is often heavily subsidized. For out-of-state students, those subsidies don’t apply, so you pay closer to the school’s full price.
According to recent data, the average tuition for out-of-state students at public colleges is around $28,000, compared to roughly $11,000 for in-state students. That’s a huge difference — and it doesn’t even include housing, food, books, and personal expenses.
Scholarships for Out-of-State Students
The good news is that many scholarships are specifically designed to offset the extra cost of out-of-state tuition. Colleges want to build diverse student bodies and attract talented students from across the country. That’s why they often create scholarship opportunities just for non-resident students.
Types of Scholarships You Can Get
Merit-Based Scholarships:
These are awarded based on your academic achievements, standardized test scores, or exceptional talents. Many schools automatically consider out-of-state applicants for merit scholarships during the admissions process.
Out-of-State Recruitment Scholarships:
Some states and universities offer these to encourage students from other states to enroll. For example:
Boise State University’s Western Undergraduate Exchange scholarships
Kent State University’s out-of-state merit awards
Private and Local Scholarships:
Many community foundations or local organizations offer scholarships open to residents who attend college anywhere in the country. These can often be stacked on top of university aid.
Legacy Discounts:
If your parent or grandparent attended a particular college out of state, you might qualify for legacy scholarships or tuition discounts.
Tuition Reciprocity Programs
Not all out-of-state students pay full out-of-state tuition. That’s thanks to tuition reciprocity programs, which allow students to attend participating public colleges in other states at a reduced cost — sometimes even paying in-state rates.
Examples of Tuition Reciprocity Programs
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP):
Students from Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin can attend select schools in participating states at discounted rates.
New England Regional Student Program (NERSP):
Residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can pursue specialized programs in another New England state at a lower cost.
Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market:
For residents of 16 southern states, this allows you to enroll in programs not offered in your home state at in-state tuition rates in participating states.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE):
Students from 16 western states, including California, Arizona, Washington, and Colorado, can receive tuition at 150% of in-state rates — still a big savings over full out-of-state costs.
Important: These programs usually require you to apply separately. Always check deadlines and eligibility requirements.
Local Scholarships That Travel With You
Don’t overlook local scholarships offered by community foundations, civic groups, or local businesses.
Many of these scholarships are awarded based on where you live, not where you plan to go to school. So if you’re from Texas and want to attend school in Oregon, you can still use a Texas community scholarship to help pay for it.
Examples include:
Rotary Club scholarships
Local Chamber of Commerce scholarships
Community foundation grants tied to your hometown or county
Tips to Win Scholarships for Out-of-State Colleges
Start Early:
Many competitive scholarships have deadlines in the fall or winter of your senior year. Don’t wait until you get your acceptance letters.
Perfect Your Essays:
Scholarship committees want to see thoughtful, authentic essays. Highlight why you’re pursuing education out of state and how it fits into your goals.
Keep Your Grades Up:
Most merit scholarships require at least a 3.0 GPA, though more competitive full rides might look for a 3.7+ GPA or top 10% class rank.
Apply Broadly:
Don’t just rely on the school’s own scholarships. Look at national programs like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, or smaller niche scholarships related to your interests or career plans.
Fill Out the FAFSA:
Even if you think you won’t qualify for need-based aid, many schools and private scholarships require you to submit it. It also unlocks federal grants and low-interest loans.
Can You Get a 100% Scholarship (Full Ride) to an Out-of-State College?
Yes! While more competitive, full-ride scholarships do exist, even for out-of-state students. A full-ride typically covers tuition, fees, room, board, and sometimes even books or travel.
Types of Full-Ride Scholarships
University-Sponsored Merit Programs:
Some schools offer prestigious awards to attract top students, regardless of residency. Examples include:
University of Alabama’s Presidential Elite Scholarship (covers full tuition + housing stipend)
University of Mississippi’s Stamps Scholars Program
University of Kentucky’s Presidential Scholarship
National Competitions:
Programs like the Gates Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offer near-total cost coverage at the student’s chosen institution.
Special Talent or Leadership Scholarships:
Schools sometimes provide full tuition for extraordinary leadership, artistic, or athletic talents.
What GPA Do Most Scholarships Require?
The answer depends on the type of scholarship:
Scholarship Type Typical GPA Needed
Merit-based full rides 3.7+ or top 10%
General academic scholarships 3.0 – 3.5
Local or niche scholarships Varies widely (some have no minimum)
Tip: Even if you don’t have a 4.0 GPA, apply anyway. Many scholarships look at holistic factors, including essays, community service, leadership, or overcoming adversity.
Which U.S. Universities Give the Best Scholarships for Out-of-State Students?
Here are some standout examples:
University of Alabama – Known for generous automatic scholarships for high GPA and test scores. Out-of-state students with high credentials often pay close to in-state rates or less.
Miami University (Ohio) – Offers significant merit scholarships to non-residents, some covering up to full tuition.
Arizona State University – The New American University Scholarship program awards out-of-state students based on GPA and standardized test scores.
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Offers automatic out-of-state scholarships and is a partner in the Academic Common Market.
University of Kansas, Iowa State, and other Big 12 schools – Frequently offer competitive out-of-state merit scholarships.
Private colleges like Vanderbilt, Rice, and USC offer need-based aid that often meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, regardless of residency. This can make them more affordable than some out-of-state publics.
Can You Get a Full Ride with a 3.5 GPA?
It’s possible, though more competitive. A 3.5 GPA is strong, and paired with excellent essays, leadership, or special talents, it can still qualify you for major scholarships. Many universities set their automatic scholarship cutoffs around a 3.5 for significant awards.
Also look for:
Regional or community foundation scholarships, which may have more lenient GPA requirements.
Scholarships for specific majors, which often prioritize passion and potential over perfect grades.
What Are College Student Scholarships?
College student scholarships are financial awards that help pay for tuition, fees, books, or living costs. Unlike loans, they do not have to be repaid.
There are thousands of scholarships, categorized by:
Merit: Based on academics, leadership, or talents
Need: Based on family income
Identity: Such as scholarships for women, first-gen, or underrepresented groups
Interests: For specific majors or career paths
Residency: Where you live, which can still be applied out-of-state
Do You Have to Be in College to Apply for Scholarships?
No! Many scholarships are designed for:
High school seniors preparing for college
Transfer students from community colleges
Current college students seeking aid for sophomore, junior, or senior years
It’s smart to keep applying every year you’re in school. New scholarships open up for students already enrolled in college, especially departmental or major-specific awards.
What If You’re at a Community College or Vocational School?
You’re still very much eligible! Many scholarships explicitly encourage students starting at community colleges or trade schools. Plus, if you plan to transfer to a four-year out-of-state university later, you can stack scholarships at that stage too.
Bonus Tips for Winning Scholarships (Especially for Out-of-State Students)
Use Scholarship Match Tools:
Sites like Fastweb, Cappex, or the College Board’s Scholarship Search can help you find awards open to out-of-state applicants.
Highlight Why You’re Going Out of State:
Scholarship committees want to know your reasons. Maybe your chosen program isn’t offered in your state, or you want unique research or internship opportunities.
Apply for Local Awards at Home:
Even if you’re leaving your state, your hometown organizations often still want to support you.
Watch Deadlines Closely:
Out-of-state merit scholarships often have earlier deadlines than regular admissions — sometimes as early as November 1st for priority consideration.
Build a Scholarship Resume:
Track your awards, leadership roles, community service, and jobs. This makes filling out applications easier.
Tailor Your Essays:
Generic essays rarely win. Show specifically how each scholarship helps you pursue your goals in another state.
Conclusion
Attending college in another state can seem financially out of reach. But with:
- Tuition reciprocity programs
- Generous merit scholarships
- Local community awards
- Federal need-based aid through FAFSA
…your dream is very much possible.
Don’t limit your search. Cast a wide net, start your applications early, and keep your options open between public and private institutions. With the right scholarships, an out-of-state college can be just as affordable as staying close to home.
Inyene
Enwongo
