In addition to being known as the “Jazz Capital of the World,” Louisiana is famous for being a melting pot of cultures. If you are lucky enough to attend college in this vibrant state, there are a number of Louisiana scholarships to help you fund your educational journey. Keep reading to learn more about scholarship opportunities in the Creole State!
How to win Louisiana scholarships
The Louisiana bayou is home to a unique culture unlike anywhere else in the United States.. So, if funding your education in the home state of Cajun cooking and Mardi Gras is something you are interested in -you are probably wondering how to win Louisiana scholarships!
In order to win Louisiana scholarships, you should highlight the unique features of Louisiana in your scholarship essay responses. For example, if you are a passionate foodie, you can write about how eating crawfish pie at your local restaurant got you interested in attending culinary school! This not only reveals a lot about your personal interests, but also reveals how much your home state of Louisiana has impacted your life for the better.
Scholarship application resources for Louisiana scholarships
Winning Louisiana scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself, write a 250 word essay or even write a 500 word essay. Therefore, be sure to read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Louisiana scholarships!
Louisiana student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Louisiana residents owe $22.5 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing $34,525 on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 52.8% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take less loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for. Keep on reading to learn more about top Louisiana scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Louisiana!
Merit scholarships at Louisiana colleges and universities
Tulane University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Tulane University with a strong admission application
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Tulane University
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen, transfer students, Louisiana residents, and out-of-state residents to LSU – Baton Rouge based on admission application
- Amount: $500 up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to LSU – Baton Rouge
Loyola University New Orleans
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students with a 3.0+ GPA
- Amount: $15,000 up to $24,000
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Loyola University New Orleans
Xavier University of Louisiana
- Eligibility: Varying eligibility requirements for specific scholarships
- Amount: Up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Xavier University of Louisiana
Centenary College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Centenary College. Must have a 3.0+ GPA. Must have 1100+ SAT score. Have a 22+ ACT score
- Amount: $15,000 up to $25,000 per year
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Centenary College
Louisiana Tech University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Louisiana Tech University. Must have a 3.0+ GPA. Must have a 20+ ACT score/1030+ SAT score
- Amount: $1,000 up to $9,500
- Deadline: Mid-January
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition provides students with a lower tuition rate than out-of-state tuition costs. This is because many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students which helps lower the cost of tuition for in-state students.
For example here is an example of the in-state vs out-of-state tuition of a popular Louisiana university:
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
- In-state tuition: $11,954
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,631
How do you get in-state tuition?
In-state tuition is a cheaper alternative compared to out-of-state tuition for Louisiana public universities. So, how can someone qualify for in-state tuition in Louisiana? In order to establish residency in Louisiana for tuition purposes, a student must be domiciled in the state of Louisiana for at least one full year prior to the first day of classes of the term. Some ways to establish a domicile include obtaining a Louisiana driver’s license, registering your car in Louisiana and gaining employment in Louisiana. However, different Louisiana universities may have different eligibility requirements for students, therefore double check with your intended school to ensure you are hitting all necessary requirements.
Does Louisiana offer tuition reciprocity?
Louisiana is part of a tuition reciprocity program known as the Academic Common Market. If public institutions in Louisiana do not offer a particular degree program (undergraduate or graduate) it may be possible for a student to pursue their intended program at a cooperating public institution in another state. These programs at participating schools in another state would be granted to the out-of-state student for in-state tuition rates. In order to qualify, you must be a resident of either Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Be sure to double check with your state and intended institution to ensure that you comply with the requirements of the Academic Common Market.
Louisiana scholarship spotlight
Stephen W. Cavanaugh Scholarship
- Eligibility: Be studying an insurance-related field as a full-time student at an accredited university, college, or community college in Louisiana
- Amount: $8,000
- Deadline: Early September
LSU Stamps Scholarship
- Eligibility: Stamps Scholars are chosen from students admitted to the LSU Honors College
- Amount: $14,000
- Deadline: Mid-December
Twiley, Marie, and Bringer Barker Scholarship
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors from East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St, Helena, St, Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, or West Feliciana and accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college or university. Must have a 2.7+ GPA
- Amount: $1,000 up to $2,000
- Deadline: End of May
Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Louisiana resident high school seniors with a 3.0+ GPA studying agriculture, home economics, or life sciences at a Louisiana college or university. Must be an active member of a Louisiana 4-H Club or FFA Chapter
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Mid-April
Brent P. Poor Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Must be the child of a widow/widower who has never remarried. Must be enrolling as a full-time college student in Louisiana or Texas
- Amount: $8,000
- Deadline: Mid-May
Karen E. Domingue-Maillet and Solvay/Eco Services Scholarship
- Eligibility: Demonstrate financial need and be in the upper 50% of the senior class in one of the following East Baton Rouge Parish high schools: Baker, Glen Oaks, Istrouma, Mentorship STEAM Academy, Scotlandville, or Southern Lab
- Amount: Up to $6,000
- Deadline: End of May
Madere-Jones Scholarship
- Eligibility: Must be graduating from a high school in Livingston Parish, Louisiana and enrolling full-time at an accredited college or university
- Amount: Up to $12,000
- Deadline: End of May
Cheryl D.Conkling Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Must live or attend school in either Windsor, Colorado; Conroe, Texas; Wilkinson County, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; or West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Preference may be given to students with hearing or other physical impairments, students not receiving other substantial aid, and/or students in Louisiana
- Amount: $12,000
- Deadline: End of May
Chafee Educational and Training Voucher Program
- Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14 and 26 who have been in the foster care system (see website for details) and enrolled in postsecondary education
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: By the FAFSA deadline
GO Grant
- Eligibility: Louisiana residents who receive federal Pell Grants and are enrolled at least half-time at a Louisiana higher education institution. Must have remaining financial need after deducting Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and all federal/state/institutional grants and/or scholarships
- Amount: $300 up to $3,000
- Deadline: Varies based on school
Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
- Eligibility: Louisiana residents enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in a Louisiana public college or university majoring in forestry, wildlife, or marine science. Must have a 3.0+ GPA
- Amount: Up to $12,000
- Deadline: July 1
Additional Louisiana resources
Community Foundation of North Louisiana
The Foundation oversees more than $150 million in assets, including the distribution of many scholarships, for the benefit of North Louisiana.
TOPS Program
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a program of state scholarships for Louisiana students who attend Louisiana public colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, Louisiana-approved proprietary and cosmetology schools, and institutions that belong to the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) is a Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents and administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs. Visit this website for scholarships and college resources!
FAFSA Guide
On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens. In Louisiana, students should apply as soon as possible. The deadline is July 1st of each year.
Frequently asked questions about Louisiana scholarships
Does Louisiana offer free college?
Do I need to be a Louisiana resident to qualify for Louisiana scholarships?
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