A list and description of state financial aid programs

Where to find them and how to apply are listed on this site

When applying for state financial aid programs, it is a good policy to check out if the grant or scholarship is portable to another state. Circumstances change and it may be necessary to change your resident state over the four year period you are enrolled in college. Some state agencies have reciprocity with other states.

Generous state financial aid programs are provided by many states. In some states the application process starts with the filing of FAFSA and listing an in-state facility in step six of the application form. Listing an in-state college on this form will trigger the state aid application program process.

CSS Supplemental Profile Form

The most common supplemental form requested along with the FAFSA, is the CSS/Profile application form. It is important that you complete and submit this form according to the college's published deadlines. If you are required to complete this CSS/Profile Application it must be done here online. There is a $5.00 non-refundable registration fee and an $18.00 processing fee for each college you wish to have the information sent to. Unlike the FAFSA, you do not have to wait until January 1st to file this application. However, any estimation of federal student aid is unofficial until you submit a completed FAFSA.

The CSS/Profile form is used by over 250 colleges, so be sure to check with the college of your choice and see if this is a requirement for the awarding of student financial aid.

State and Regional Student Aid Programs

New England Regional Student Program (RSP)

This program grants students from New England states a tuition break when they pursue certain majors that are not available in their home states at public colleges and universities. You need to be a resident of a New England state to participate in this program. To learn more about this program, check out the New England Board of Higher Education

Academic Common Market

This program is is for students from sixteen southern states. The Academic Common Market allows eligible students to take undergraduate and graduate programs at out-of-state public institutions if the program is not offered by a public institution in the student's home state. If the student is accepted into the program, the student does not have to pay out-of-state tuition.

Students interested in learning more about this education financial aid program and the eligibility guidelines should visit the Southern Regional Education Board website.

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)

The Midwest Student Exchange Program allows students in six Midwestern states to study out-of-state at reduced tuition rates. To receive this tuition reduction, you should apply to a participating MSEP institution. You should also mark on your application that you are applying as a MSEP applicant.

For more information, talk with your high school guidance counselor or the college admissions office. You may also go to the Midwestern Higher Education website for a listing of eligible states and more information.

Western Interstate Commission fo Higher Education

This program offers students in fifteen participating states reduced out-of-state tuition rates in receiving states. Almost all undergraduate fields are available. You must be a resident of the participating state. When applying for this program, you must mark WUE prominently on the application for admission. It does not have a separate application form.

For a list of participating states and more information on this program visit Western Interstate for Higher Education

Check Your Own State Website Often

Each state offers a variety of financial aid programs. The states are constantly adding and updating programs. State agencies may be able to offer you financial aid even if you do not qualify for federal aid. For information about programs in your state, check out State Resources for College Financial Aid. Contact your state's financial office to obtain the latest up-to-date information. You can also obtain forms there to apply for scholarships, grants or loans. Remember however, that most state financial aid programs apply only to state residents. Check out the residency and transfer requirements of each program along with any reciprocal agreements your state may have with other states.

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