What you need to know about state scholarship programs + our list of scholarships and colleges by state.
State scholarships are a type of financial aid offered by state government agencies or organizations that focus on students from a specific state. There are several types of state scholarships for college students.
This is the most common type -- aim to make college affordable for lower-income residents
Merit-based scholarships are also widely available, and those focus on students with specific types of achievement, such as a strong academic record.
While not as common, these help entice students to pursue majors and launch careers in industries or fields where there is a need for educated professionals.
Most state scholarship programs are limited to local residents. As a result, students need to establish residency in the state – if they haven’t already – to become eligible.
The application process can vary, often they require an essay, supporting documents and for need-based scholarships they may require a completed FAFSA.
State scholarships are offered by state government agencies or local organizations that support residents. Institutional scholarships are provided by specific colleges and universities.
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