An out-of-state student is someone who attends a college or university outside of their home state. This classification significantly impacts tuition costs due to the distinct differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. In many public institutions, out-of-state students often pay two to three times more than their in-state counterparts.

The financial landscape for these students carries unique challenges:

  • Higher Tuition Fees: Elevated tuition fees are a primary financial burden for out-of-state students. These increased costs can be overwhelming and require careful financial planning.
  • Limited Access to Financial Aid: Often, certain types of state-sponsored financial aid are reserved for residents. As an out-of-state student, access to these funds might be restricted, adding another layer of financial burden.

Out-of-state student scholarships are for students who choose to attend college out of their home state. This can be difficult, especially when considering leaving behind friends and family. In addition to researching scholarships, check out the Federal Student Aid program to fill out a free FAFSA application and see if you are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

We’ve handpicked scholarships for out-of-state students, including their deadlines and award amounts. Regardless of your education level and field of study, we’re here to show you our favorites based on extensive research and insider expertise. We’ll also explain the different scholarship types and how you can maximize your chances of winning, ensuring you feel prepared for the new educational journey that lies ahead.

Scholarships awarded to out-of-state students help reduce tuition costs and make studying in a new state more accessible. View our recommendations today!

Best Scholarships for College Students in 2025

Exclusive Scholarships found only on Bold.org!

Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship

Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who are interested in knowledge and understanding how the world works.

Award Amount: $40,000
Deadline: January 20, 2025
Winners Announced: February 20, 2025
Special Delivery of Dreams Scholarship

Special Delivery of Dreams Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to give back to students so that they can afford to pursue their education dreams and career goals.

Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 7, 2025
Winners Announced: April 7, 2025
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.

Award Amount: $3,200
Deadline: June 13, 2025
Winners Announced: July 13, 2025
Sturz Legacy Scholarship

Sturz Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the incredible life of Marian Sturz by supporting students who share her kindness, wonder, and strength.

Award Amount: $4,000
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Winners Announced: June 1, 2025
Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support financially underprivileged students of faith who are pursuing higher education at a college or university.

Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 29, 2025
Winners Announced: April 29, 2025
Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

This scholarship aims to help make higher education financially accessible to Georgia students so they can pursue the careers of their dreams.

Award Amount: $22,000
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Winners Announced: July 1, 2025
Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship

Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hipple by helping people who are struggling with addiction, or personally impacted by it, to achieve their educational goals.

Award Amount: $5,100
Deadline: March 1, 2025
Winners Announced: April 1, 2025
HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College

HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College

This scholarship aims to make college more accessible by supporting mothers who are seeking to further their education.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Winners Announced: July 1, 2025
Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship

Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who have been raised by parents who have made an impact on them and their ambitions.

Award Amount: $3,250
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Winners Announced: April 15, 2025
Tim Williams Automotive Student Scholarship

Tim Williams Automotive Student Scholarship

The scholarship seeks to support students who are eager to enter the auto repair industry who require financial aid for further education.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: April 22, 2025
Winners Announced: May 22, 2025
Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship

Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship

The Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship aims to support an undergraduate junior or senior with a devotion to serving those around them.

Award Amount: $1,800
Deadline: January 10, 2025
Winners Announced: February 10, 2025
Michele L. Durant Scholarship

Michele L. Durant Scholarship

This scholarship aims to monetarily assist women of color in pursuing higher education to free up their time and resources and allow them to focus on obtaining leadership roles and effecting necessary change.

Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Winners Announced: June 15, 2025
Leela Shah "Be Bold" Womens' Empowerment Scholarship

Leela Shah "Be Bold" Womens' Empowerment Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support women who are pursuing post-secondary education in order to build a better future for themselves.

Award Amount: $4,221
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Winners Announced: May 31, 2025
Travis Ely Collegiate Angler Memorial Scholarship

Travis Ely Collegiate Angler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Travis Ely by supporting students who share his passion for angling as they pursue higher education.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: February 17, 2025
Winners Announced: March 17, 2025
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Winners Announced: May 15, 2025
Kendall Ross Culinary Scholarship

Kendall Ross Culinary Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Kendall Ross by supporting the next generation of talented chefs.

Award Amount: $7,440
Deadline: February 18, 2025
Winners Announced: March 18, 2025
Student Referee Scholarship

Student Referee Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to reward exceptional student referees who exemplify integrity, dedication, and a passion for sportsmanship.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 3, 2025
Winners Announced: April 3, 2025
Beacon of Light Scholarship

Beacon of Light Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who are pursuing higher education so they can afford to complete their degrees and go on to make a difference in the health and wellness of others.

Award Amount: $700
Deadline: August 19, 2025
Winners Announced: September 19, 2025
Ella's Gift

Ella's Gift

In memory of Ella’s fighting spirit, this scholarship aims to support and empower female students who have faced challenges related to mental health and substance abuse, helping them to pursue and achieve their educational goals.

Award Amount: $2,100
Deadline: March 21, 2025
Winners Announced: April 21, 2025
Josh Edwards Memorial Scholarship For Creative Artists

Josh Edwards Memorial Scholarship For Creative Artists

This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Josh Edwards by supporting students who share his calling to artistic endeavors.

Award Amount: $800
Deadline: July 7, 2025
Winners Announced: August 7, 2025
Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support college students who face the dual challenges of academic pursuit and familial responsibilities during a difficult time.

Award Amount: $11,475
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Winners Announced: May 31, 2025
Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship

Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brad Hinshaw by supporting students who have been impacted by cancer.

Award Amount: $600
Deadline: April 15, 2025
Winners Announced: May 15, 2025
Arkansas Women in Accounting Scholarship

Arkansas Women in Accounting Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Linda Wallingsford Holmstrom by supporting the next generation of women in accounting as they pursue their professional goals.

Award Amount: $2,200
Deadline: June 9, 2025
Winners Announced: July 9, 2025
Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.

Award Amount: $32,023
Deadline: April 9, 2025
Winners Announced: May 9, 2025
Paula C. Collie Future Educators Scholarship

Paula C. Collie Future Educators Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Paula C. Collie by supporting students who are pursuing degrees in education.

Award Amount: $625
Deadline: April 1, 2025
Winners Announced: May 1, 2025
Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship

Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students who are forging new paths for their families by obtaining college degrees.

Award Amount: $1,100
Deadline: July 23, 2025
Winners Announced: August 23, 2025
Amber D. Hudson Memorial Scholarship

Amber D. Hudson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Amber D. Hudson Memorial by supporting students who are pursuing careers related to nutrition.

Award Amount: $1,100
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Winners Announced: July 15, 2025
Global Girls In STEM Scholarship

Global Girls In STEM Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support deserving girls who are dedicated to pursuing STEM careers so they can achieve their dreams and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: February 8, 2025
Winners Announced: March 8, 2025
Good Vibes Only Scholarship in Memory of C. Spoon

Good Vibes Only Scholarship in Memory of C. Spoon

This scholarship seeks to support BIPOC students so they can succeed in all of their endeavors and advocate for the importance of mental health in overcoming generational trauma.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 17, 2025
Winners Announced: April 17, 2025
graphic of map showing a route for moving

Different Types of Out-of-State Scholarships

College students attending school in a new state can apply for several types of scholarships. We’ve broken down the most common kinds below. 

Merit-Based Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship awards out-of-state students who excel in a specific academic area, such as their grades, standardized test scores, or extracurricular involvement. Merit-based scholarships typically ask for proof of merit, such as a transcript that meets the program’s minimum GPA requirements. 

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships target students who demonstrate financial need and couldn’t otherwise pursue their educational goals without financial support. Students seeking need-based scholarships can apply for federal assistance or may qualify for other programs, including privately funded or through their school. 

Career or Major-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are for students at out-of-state colleges pursuing a specific major or career path. For example, students who want to become pilots can apply for aviation scholarships. Likewise, students can find scholarship programs for nursing, teaching, social work, and other career paths. 

Student-Specific Scholarships

Student-specific scholarships consider applicants based on factors like race, religion, gender, medical history, and similar criteria. These opportunities aim to increase inclusion and make education more accessible for certain students. 

International-Based Scholarships

International scholarships are for students without US residency who want to attend a domestic college or university. Some may only consider students from a specific country or encourage any international student to apply. 

College-Specific Scholarships

US colleges and universities often provide scholarships for incoming first-year college students who meet specific requirements. They may consider your previous academic work, test scores, or athletic accomplishments. Still, each school will vary, so it’s best to check with your financial aid department to learn about the available college scholarships. 

Finding Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

1. Researching Online Scholarship Databases

Searching for scholarships as an out-of-state student can be overwhelming, but online scholarship databases make it easier.

Why Use Online Scholarship Databases?

  • Comprehensive Listings: Many online databases gather scholarship opportunities from various sources, creating a central hub that saves you time and effort. Some, like Bold.org, offer exclusive scholarships that are available only on their platform, making the opportunities more unique and tailored to your needs.
  • Tailored Searches: Many databases allow you to filter searches by criteria such as location, field of study, or eligibility requirements.
  • Updated Information: Reliable databases regularly update their listings to reflect current scholarship offerings and deadlines, ensuring you have access to the latest opportunities.

2. Exploring Institutional Resources and Local Community Scholarships

When looking for scholarships for out-of-state students, it’s important to consider more than just national opportunities. Institutional resources at the colleges you’re interested in often have a wide range of funding options specifically designed for out-of-state candidates.

Tap into Financial Aid Offices

Schedule a meeting with the financial aid office at your chosen institution. They usually have comprehensive information about scholarships that cater to out-of-state students, as well as options that might not be widely advertised.

Connect with Scholarship Committees

Many colleges have dedicated scholarship committees responsible for managing school-specific awards. These committees can provide insights into application processes and criteria unique to their programs.

Exploring local community scholarships can also be very beneficial. Scholarships from local organizations typically have fewer applicants, which may increase your chances of receiving funding.

Reach Out to Community Organizations

Check with local clubs, non-profits, and civic groups in your hometown or region.

Investigate Local Businesses and Foundations

Many businesses and foundations provide scholarships as part of their commitment to community development. Contact them directly or visit their websites to find out about available opportunities.

map of all US states

How to Apply for Out-of-State Scholarsh1. Start Early

Many scholarships have early deadlines, and starting early gives you ample time to find the best opportunities.

2. Tailor Your Applications

Personalize each scholarship application.  Generic applications are easy to spot and often less compelling.

3. Highlight Unique Aspects

Leverage the unique perspectives and experiences that come with being an out-of-state student.

4. Seek Guidance

Utilize school resources such as career counselors or financial aid advisors.

5. Proofread Diligently

Ensure your application is free from grammatical errors and typos.

6. Follow Instructions Carefully

Adhere strictly to application guidelines. Missing a requirement or failing to follow instructions can result in disqualification.

7. Stay Organized

Keep track of deadlines, required materials, and submission formats for each application.

graphic showing a student preparing to move to the city

Tips for Winning an Out-of-State Scholarship

If you want to increase your chances of winning an out-of-state scholarship, follow these top tips during the application process. 

Tip 1: Start Your Scholarship Search Early

Perhaps the most overlooked part of the scholarship application process is the advantage of applying early. By giving yourself more time, you can find additional scholarship programs and give yourself more room to create the best possible applications. 

Tip 2: Apply for Several Scholarships

You can apply for as many scholarships as you want. In fact, the more you apply for, the better your chances of securing one. Take advantage of all the available opportunities and submit applications for as many as possible. 

Tip 3: Maintain Your Academic Performance

Whether you’re nearing the end of high school or in the middle of college, maintaining your academic performance demonstrates your commitment to success. Do your best to maintain a high GPA and attendance record, ensuring you show the panels you will continue your commitment.

Tip 4: Tailor Your Applications

Every scholarship has a different application and requirements, so you want to give each one the attention it deserves. Follow the instructions and go above and beyond, tailoring each one to the criteria and showing why you deserve to win. 

Tip 5: Write a Powerful Essay

If you apply for a scholarship that requires an essay or personal statement, use it as an opportunity to speak directly with the scholarship panel. Review the prompt and writing guidelines while using your personal voice to demonstrate why you deserve to win. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Out-of-State Scholarships

1. What Are the Key Differences Between In-State and Out-of-State Tuition?

Out-of-state tuition is often significantly higher than in-state rates because state-funded schools give priority to residents who contribute to local taxes. Research tuition reciprocity agreements or scholarships for out-of-state students to help reduce costs.

2. How Can I Find Affordable Housing as an Out-of-State Student?

Start by checking your school’s housing office for on-campus options, which are often the most convenient. If you prefer off-campus housing, explore local rental listings or student housing communities near the college. Joining student forums or social media groups can also connect you with potential roommates.

3. What Steps Should I Take to Establish Residency in My New State?

Residency requirements vary by state but typically involve living there for at least a year, registering to vote, getting a state driver’s license, and demonstrating financial independence. Check with your school’s admissions or financial aid office for guidance.

4. What Resources Are Available to Help Me Adjust to Life Out of State?

Most colleges offer orientation programs, student organizations, and counseling services to help out-of-state students adapt. Seek out cultural clubs or regional groups that connect students from similar backgrounds or geographical areas.

5. What Is the Southern Regional Education Board and How Can It Help Out-of-State Students?

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) is a coalition of states in the southern U.S. Through the Academic Common Market, students can qualify for in-state tuition rates at participating schools if their program of study isn’t offered in their home state. Visit the SREB website for more information and eligibility requirements.

6. How Does the Western Undergraduate Exchange Benefit Out-of-State Students?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program that allows students from participating Western U.S. states to pay reduced tuition rates at out-of-state colleges and universities. This can save students thousands of dollars annually compared to standard out-of-state tuition. To participate, check if your desired school and program are part of the WUE network and apply for the benefit during the admissions process.

7. What Is the Ball State Scholars Award, and Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The Ball State Scholars Award is a merit-based scholarship designed to support non-resident students pursuing a college education at Ball State University. Scholarships are awarded to eligible students based on academic achievements, such as GPA and standardized test scores, and may also consider extracurricular activities.

8. Does Florida State University Offer Merit Scholarships for Non-Resident Students?

Yes, Florida State University provides a variety of merit scholarships for non-resident students. These scholarships are awarded to those who exhibit strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Pursuing a college degree? Check out our blog today to learn more about college, student finances, and tutoring services.

Paulla Estes
Writer at feedback@scholarshipinstitute.org | Website | + posts

Paulla Estes, holding a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University, showcases her expertise in writing and communication through her influential articles for Scholarship Institute. She focuses on creating review articles and recommendations that guide students in exploring educational funding.

Similar Posts