Access Exclusive Local Scholarships

Learn More About Local Scholarships by State

When searching for the best financial aid opportunities, high school students and college students alike are more likely to be selected for local scholarships. These scholarships attract fewer applicants due to their localized nature, increasing the chances of success for prospective college students. 

Local scholarships typically originate from community organizations eager to support students within their community. High school seniors preparing to enter college often benefit the most from these opportunities, as many local scholarships are tailored to assist them in transitioning to college.

Because of this, local scholarships are most accessible for high school seniors nearing graduation, making this an important period to seek such financial aid. Students are encouraged to consult with their school’s guidance counselors for recommendations on local scholarships. Oftentimes, there are undiscovered opportunities within your community that you weren’t aware of.

Moreover, current college students, including non-traditional students, can also find local scholarship opportunities. Many states have state-specific financial aid programs available to all students regardless of academic year.

Depending on the size and economic status of your community, the number of local scholarships may vary. And yet, while many scholarships are available for graduating seniors, your high school senior year is not the only time to be searching for "local scholarships near me."

Local Scholarships for In-State Students

State-specific scholarships will have varying eligibility criteria, including specific education levels, GPA requirements, or programs of study. Finding local scholarships is a matter of looking in the right places and using your resources to find which scholarship funds can be the most beneficial to your future. 

To uncover local scholarship opportunities, engage with your community, utilize online resources, look for career-specific state scholarships, and speak to your school's financial aid office. Scholarships promoted or organized by a student's school are often a great place to start. Additionally, here at Bold.org, we feature state-specific pages, making it easier for students to find scholarships tailored to their geographic location.

Top State-Specific Scholarship Category Pages

Scholarships in Texas

Texas scholarships offer substantial financial support to students every year. By taking full advantage of these opportunities, both Texas residents and those attending college in Texas can significantly reduce their reliance on student loans, making higher education more affordable and reducing the burden of student loan debt after graduation.

Georgia Scholarships

In Georgia, where history meets innovation, scholarships are tailored to mirror the state's rich heritage and modern advancements. These scholarships empower students in the charming ambiance of the South and the dynamic growth of its industries, providing a foundation for academic and personal growth.

Florida Scholarships

Florida's sun-kissed shores and thriving multicultural communities serve as a backdrop for an array of scholarships tailored to the state's unique blend of cultures, environmental priorities, and innovative industries. From the Everglades to the bustling streets of Miami, Florida scholarships provide students with opportunities to pursue their academic goals in a state known for its beautiful landscapes and energetic cities.

North Carolina Scholarships

North Carolina offers a distinctive mix of natural beauty and academic rigor, providing students with scholarships that support a broad range of interests and specialties. From the academic excellence of the Research Triangle to the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina scholarships empower students to pursue their passions in an environment that values both heritage and innovation.

Alabama Scholarships

Alabama showcases its commitment to education and innovation through scholarships that assist students in reaching their academic and professional aspirations. The state, with its deep history and future-focused advancements, provides scholarships that lay a strong foundation for success in a setting that values tradition and progress.

Arkansas Scholarships

Arkansas, known for its natural beauty and growing industries, provides students with scholarship opportunities that highlight the state's commitment to education and community development. From the tranquil Ozarks to the vibrant cultural scenes of Little Rock, Arkansas scholarships support students in their pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth within the Natural State.

Michigan Scholarships

Michigan, with its rich automotive history and stunning Great Lakes, offers scholarships that embody the state's spirit of innovation and natural allure. These scholarships support students' academic endeavors in an environment known for its resilience and sense of community. In Michigan, students can find opportunities to advance academically while benefiting from a supportive community.

Scholarship Need by State

Due to the high costs of tuition, students in all states can benefit from scholarship aid. However, financial need varies based on location, as shown by the student loans held by Bold.org users. The students with the highest average student loans are those in Nebraska and the District of Columbia, owing an average of $8,300.

The students with the next-highest average loans are those who reside in New York, owing an average of $6,940 each. The next states with the highest loans are Missouri, California, Hawaii, North Dakota, Maryland, and Connecticut, ranging from $6,194 to $6,843.

The state with the lowest average debt among Bold.org users is Wyoming, where students owe an average of $1,837. The states with the next-lowest debt averages are Montanna, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Puerto Rico, and Arkansas. In these states, average debt per person ranges from $2,832 to $3,457.

The provided data highlights the varying levels of scholarship need across different states, as evidenced by the average student loan debts of Bold.org users. This variation reflects the diverse financial landscapes and tuition costs across the United States.

Nebraska and the District of Columbia stand out with the highest average student loan amounts, indicating a significant need for financial aid in these areas. This could be due to higher tuition fees, living costs, or a combination of both in these regions. New York follows closely, suggesting that students in New York also face substantial financial challenges in funding their education.

Conversely, Wyoming showcases the lowest average student debt among Bold.org users, suggesting either lower tuition costs, more accessible financial aid, or a combination of both.

Overall, the data underlines the critical role of scholarships in providing necessary financial support to students, especially in states where the burden of student loans is particularly high. It also reflects the geographical disparities in education costs and financial aid availability across the United States.

Scholarship Interest by State

Interest in scholarships differs by state, with users from Texas on Bold.org showing the highest level of interest. Other states where a significant interest in scholarships is observed include California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and Ohio.

This information means that the level of enthusiasm or engagement with scholarships on Bold.org varies depending on the state in which the users are located. Specifically, it points out that users from Texas exhibit the most interest in scholarships compared to users from other states.

It also highlights that there is a notable interest in scholarships among users from California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and Ohio, indicating these states have a relatively high number of users actively seeking scholarships on Bold.org.

Scholarship Applications by State

The number of scholarship applications from students in each state is directly related to the number of users in that state. Consequently, states with the most applications are those with the greatest number of user accounts per capita, as mentioned above.

This relationship also implies that larger states, or those with a higher population, might naturally see more applications due to the sheer number of users. However, when adjusted for population size—or looked at on a per capita basis—even smaller states could show high levels of application activity if a significant portion of their population is active on Bold.org.

Scholarship Winners by State

The states with the most Bold.org scholarship winners are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The next states with high rates of winning are North Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia.

The data on Bold.org scholarship winners by state reveals interesting patterns in the distribution of successful scholarship recipients across the United States, highlighting regional trends and potentially indicating where scholarship applications are most competitive or where scholarship need is greatest.

The distribution of winners can also reflect socio-economic and educational dynamics within these states, such as the cost of living, tuition fees, and the availability of other forms of financial aid. States with high costs of living and tuition fees might see more students applying for scholarships as a necessary means to affording higher education.

Desired Level of Education by State

A bachelor's degree is the most sought-after degree for students looking to attend college across all states. A master's degree is the second most desired degree across all states. About 35% of Bold.org users want to have a bachelor’s degree, 24.4% want a master’s degree and 17.2% want a PhD.

This data shows a strong preference for higher education at different levels. It also shows broader educational trends where higher education is still a priority for many, and different levels of education may be linked to career goals, personal growth, and field specialization.